Family Day Care Frequently Asked Questions… Top 10
I have put together a selection of responses to commonly asked questions designed to direct and support your family day care journey on a successful path.
Grab a pen, bookmark the page, whatever suits you, and let’s get your next step figured out.
Before we begin, just to be sure we are using the same terminology, I have included a video here. If you are relatively new to family day care, or just want clarity it’s worth a few minutes of your time.
There are three applications you need to submit and be assessed on, in order to operate an Approved Education and Care Service which administers Child Care Subsidy.
1. Approved Provider Application (State Regulatory Authority)
2. Service Approval Application (State Regulatory Authority)
3. Child Care Subsidy Application (Commonwealth Regulatory Authority)
Watch for further explanation or you can read the related blog post here.
You can purchase and download any of the templates, personalise them to you and submit to the regulatory authority for assessment.
If you have any questions I am available for consultation here.
This is the starting point you’ve been looking for.
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Plan for approximately eighteen months to two years for the process of the three applications to be approved. However you will be required to start operating within 6 months your Service Approval being granted.
Find out more in this video.
I have developed a Strategic Business Plan that can be used from the start of the process, through to the end, for you to work on as you go through each application stage. Find out more here.
No.
You will however, need to prove to the Regulatory Authorities that you have the capabilities, knowledge and skills to operate an approved education and care service.
People applying for approvals come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of skills, including accounting, management, retail etc.
Early childhood qualifications and experience are favourable to the role, there is no doubt about that, but not necessary.
Learn more about the expectations of an Approved Provider here.
Develop your resume to support your application for Approved provider learn more here.
Yes.
However, the Regulatory Authorities do maintain a history of service’s compliance and if you have worked for a service (including as an educator, coordinator or nominated supervisor) that has a poor compliance history this may affect your application.
If you would like to know more about how your work history may impact you, schedule a consultation with me here.
The interviews are designed to measure the applicant’s skills knowledge and ability to apply the legislation in scenario situations.
You will be expected to respond to questions to display your understanding of the Education and Care Services National Law, Regulations and Standards.
You can be coached by me as part of your interview preparation.
Ultimately, it will come down to you and your capabilities in responding to scenarios and questions asked of you by the Regulatory Officers.
Essentially, you have to prove you are capable of operating an education and care service and no one but you can do that on your behalf.
Coaching sessions are invaluable to your preparation for being granted approval, particularly in the ability to engage in professional conversations and discussions with regulatory officers that display your understanding of the National Quality Framework, one of greatest requirements in leadership in education and care service management.
Think of it like preparing for a maths exam, the better prepared you are the better the results will be.
If you have any more questions relating to coaching, follow this link to book a free session to discuss your individual goals and needs.
It is NOT advisable and here’s why.
The expectation you fully comprehend and respond to questions from the Department Regulatory Authority’s that displays your understanding and knowledge of the policies and procedures, is the major key to being approved.
If you are already operating a service your policies and procedures are the key to compliance and consistency through your service.
So regardless of why you require the policies and procedures it is recommended you become familiar with the document, make any changes to suit your personal circumstances and governance arrangements, you can find out more about governance arrangements here.
You will receive instructions for personalising the policies prior to submission or implementation and I am accessible should you require support, advice or coaching.
Policies and procedures are a requirement of both the state and federal regulatory authority’s and are essential for:
– Applications
– Compliance
– Quality Control
Find out more about the JPS Policies and Procedures here.
If you would like to discuss your personal requirements for policies you can book a free 30 minute consultation here.
Yes.
There are minimum requirements to be a family day care educator (care for children from your home). Your home has to be safe, you need to have a minimum qualification in early childhood, first aid, anaphylaxis and CPR.
You have to be able to meet the Early Childhood Education and Care Regulations which includes you having to:
– Develop and implement an educational program for the children
– Conduct risk assessments
– Follow emergency management plans
– Maintain a range of documentation and reports
– Be able to supervise children at all times
If you are starting out, here are some resources for you;
– The JPS Survival Guide for Educators which is to help educators meet the strict regulations.
– Educator Policies and Procedures for educators working from home to improve and grow your home business.
– You can always chat with directly, I am only a zoom away.
Yes.
I can assist you to do your self-assessment or I can conduct it for you. I will develop a quality improvement plan tailored to your Service’s needs and goals with realistic time-frames taking into consideration your team’s strengths to position your service for success.
I can support you as little or as much as you need to ensure the quality improvement plan is fully implemented through regular coaching and mentoring.
If you have only have a short period of time, or time is running out, call me for a discussion around short term planning and support I may be able to offer you.
I would advise you contact me if you are expecting your assessment within the next 12-18 months.
Yes.
As with any business, you can purchase an established family day care service (business). In almost all cases the transfer of the Service Approval to you is only granted if you already hold the Approved Provider approval under the Education and Care National Law.
If you thinking of purchasing a family day care service and would like further information, you can book a consultation with me here.
No.
Just qualified and experienced to help you.