Family day care is a unique and nurturing form of early education where children learn and grow in a small group setting within a home environment. Unlike large childcare centres, family day care offers personalised attention and close relationships with carers, making it a warm and familiar space for young children to develop essential skills.

Early learning in family day care goes beyond just supervision or babysitting. It involves carefully planned activities and experiences that help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. While parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, family day care carers play a vital role in supporting children’s development by providing stimulating, hands-on learning opportunities throughout the day.

What Children Gain from Family Day Care

Children in family day care develop a wide range of skills, including:

  • Healthy eating and wellness habits
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Self-help and self-regulation abilities
  • Creative expression through arts and play
  • Problem-solving and early numeracy skills
  • Social skills, confidence, and a sense of identity
  • Language development through conversation and storytelling

Why Family Day Care Works

Family day care offers a flexible, home-like environment where children feel safe and valued. This setting allows carers to build strong, trusting relationships with children and their families, tailoring learning experiences to each child’s interests and developmental needs. The smaller group size means children can explore and play freely, with carers closely supporting their individual learning journeys.

The Role of Learning Spaces in Family Day Care

In a family day care home, learning spaces are thoughtfully arranged to inspire curiosity and creativity. Areas for reading, imaginative play, arts and crafts, and outdoor exploration are designed to encourage children to engage actively and independently with their surroundings.

Carers also work closely with families, sharing observations and ideas to ensure consistent support for each child’s growth and development.