Question 1

What does a family day care educator do in Australia?

Accepted Answer

A family day care educator provides quality early childhood education and care from an approved home environment. They plan and implement learning programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), care for small groups of children across mixed age ranges, and build strong partnerships with families. Under the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120), family day care educators are typically classified at Level 3.

Question 2

What award covers family day care educators in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Family day care educators who are employed by an FDC scheme (rather than self-employed) are covered by the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working in children's services. Self-employed educators negotiate their own fees with families.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a family day care educator?

Accepted Answer

Under the Children's Services Award 2010, family day care educators are typically classified at Level 3 (qualified educator with Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care). The classification may vary depending on whether the educator is employed by a scheme or self-employed. See our Children's Services Award rates guide for current classifications.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a family day care educator job description?

Accepted Answer

For employed educators, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties.' For self-employed educators, you might indicate the fee structure or expected income range. Check the Children's Services Award 2010 for current rates if employing educators directly.

Question 5

What qualifications do family day care educators need in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Family day care educators must hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care as a minimum qualification. They must also have a current Working with Children Check, National Police Check, First Aid certificate, anaphylaxis and asthma management training, and their home must pass regulatory safety assessments. All adult household members require police checks.

Question 6

How long does it take to become a family day care educator?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care typically takes 12-18 months through a combination of study and practical placement. The home assessment and registration process with a family day care scheme can take an additional 2-3 months. Police checks and Working with Children Checks usually take 2-4 weeks.

Question 7

Do family day care educators need business skills?

Accepted Answer

Yes, family day care educators benefit from business skills including bookkeeping, invoicing, tax record keeping, and managing bookings. Self-employed educators run their own business and must handle all administrative and financial aspects. Educators employed by schemes have more administrative support but still need organisational and documentation skills.

Question 8

What other certifications are useful for family day care educators?

Accepted Answer

Additional certifications that enhance an educator's skills include: Certificate IV or Diploma in Early Childhood Education, specialized training in inclusion and diversity, child protection training, CPR refresher courses, food safety certification, and training in specific pedagogical approaches like Montessori or Reggio Emilia.

Question 9

Can family day care educators be self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, family day care educators can be either self-employed (operating their own business while registered with an FDC scheme) or directly employed by the scheme. Self-employed educators have more flexibility but handle all business aspects themselves. Employed educators receive regular wages and benefits under the Children's Services Award. See our guide on employment structures and simplify employee management with HR software.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to family day care educators?

Accepted Answer

For employed family day care educators under the Children's Services Award 2010, penalty rates apply for work on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and outside ordinary hours. Self-employed educators set their own fee structures which may include higher rates for weekend or evening care. Use award interpretation software to calculate employed rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the child ratio limits for family day care?

Accepted Answer

Family day care educators can typically care for up to 4 children under school age at any one time, or up to 7 children total when including school-aged children. Some jurisdictions allow variations with additional assistants. Ratio requirements are set by state and territory regulatory authorities and must be strictly followed.

Question 12

What should I include in a family day care educator employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time) or self-employment arrangement, hourly rate or fee structure, applicable award (if employed), main duties, home address and approved service location, operating hours and days, qualification verification, and registration requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How do family day care educators manage their schedules?

Accepted Answer

Family day care educators negotiate operating hours directly with families, typically offering flexible care between 7am-6pm on weekdays. Self-employed educators set their own schedules within regulatory limits. Employed educators work agreed hours with their scheme. Using rostering software helps manage bookings, permanent bookings, casual bookings, and available spaces efficiently.

Question 14

Can family day care educators work weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes, family day care educators can provide care on weekends if approved by their coordinating scheme and within regulatory requirements. Weekend care often attracts premium fees for self-employed educators or penalty rates for employed educators. Ensure weekend operations are included in your service approval and insurance coverage.

Question 15

What breaks are family day care educators entitled to?

Accepted Answer

For employed educators under the Children's Services Award 2010, meal breaks and rest breaks apply based on shift length. Self-employed educators must plan their own breaks during children's rest times. Care ratios must be maintained at all times, so break arrangements need careful planning. Use break planning tools to manage breaks effectively.

Question 16

How do family day care schemes coordinate educator schedules?

Accepted Answer

FDC schemes maintain a database of educator availability and match families with suitable educators. Schemes monitor capacity, permanent bookings, casual booking availability, and closed periods. Communication between coordinators, educators and families is essential. Use rostering software to track educator availability and improve family placements.

Family day care educator job description