Operating a Family Daycare

Family Day Care Information

Family Day Care is a child care service that provides small group care for children, in a safe, comfortable and nurturing home environment.

Family Day Care Carers are licensed and also have membership with Bright Futures Family Day Care.

Carers work in partnership with Coordination Unit Staff and families to provide an experience for children which enhances their individual strengths, interests and unique family backgrounds.

There is an option to provide a Family Day Care Out of School Hours Service.

Getting a Licence and Approval

Western Australia has legislative requirements for all child care services.

People wishing to operate Family Day Care must apply to the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit for a License.

The Children and Community Services (Family Day Care) Regulations 2006 requires potential Carers to meet specific criteria in order to gain a license. The regulations also describe minimum operating standards for licensed Carers.

To order your License Application Kit please contact:
  • Child Care Licensing and Standards
    • Floor 1/111 Wellington Street, East Perth WA 6004
    • Ph: 6210 3333
    • Email: ccluinfo@dcd.wa.gov.au
    • Website
It is also a requirement to gain approval from the Town of Kwinana Planning Department prior to commencing Family Day Care operations. Below are the details required to gain Planning approval. All relevant documentation can be downloaded below.


Planning Requirements

1. Complete application form for Planning Approval
  •       Tick Planning Approval Box
  •       Fill out Property Details, Owner Details and Applicant Details
  •       Description of Proposal – Family Day Care
  •       Complete Planning Approval Section
2. Please include a page of information relating to the Family Day Care including estimated number of children, days/hours of operation, and a floor plan showing what areas of the house will be used.

3. Please attach a copy of your Childcare Licence from the Department of Communities WA.

Should you require further information please contact the Town of Kwinana Planning Department on 9439 0200.


Health requirements

1. (a) Complete application form for family day care and submit with application fee.
1. (b) Attach copy of the Child Care License from the Department of Communities

2. (a) Complete application form for notification/ registration of a fixed food business if food is provided (notification is a legal requirement under the Food Act 2008).
2. (b) Submit with a notification fee as indicated on the application form.

Note: registration fee and annual surveillance fee (special discretionary group) may be applicable.

Once application forms with payments are received by Town of Kwinana Environmental Health Services, you will be contacted for an inspection.

Should you require further information please contact the Town of Kwinana Health Department on 9439 0200.


Application for Scheme Memberships

Please contact the Co-ordination Unit and a staff member will be able to discuss membership with you, send you an application form and arrange to visit you at your home.
  • Bright Futures Family Day Care
    • 26 Bolton Way, Orelia WA 6167
    • Ph: 94392476
    • Fax: 94392535
    • Email

What Does the Scheme Involve

As a member of Bright Futures Family Day Care you will be provided with as variety of supports including:

  • Assistance with the licensing process;
  • Training and Workshops;
  • Referral of families needing care for their children;
  • Facilitated Playgroups;
  • Toy Library;
  • Support, encouragement and mentoring; and
  • Regular support visits.
Families who use your service will be eligible to apply for Child Care Benefit, which we are able to process directly to Carers. This means that families will pay you a reduced fee.

The Scheme is also an approved service for families who are claiming the 30% tax rebate.

We send Carers regular newsletters and information on all aspects of caring for children and operating a Family Day Care business.

Costs

The setup costs will depend on individual circumstances. Some things that you will need to purchase are;

  • Toys and Equipment;
  • Senior 1st Aid;
  • Police Clearance\Working with Children Check;
  • Local Government Health Inspection;
  • Public Liability Insurance; and
  • Newspaper announcement of intent.
You also may need to make some alteration to your home I.e. locks on cupboards, and glass safety modifications.

For further information please contact the Coordination Unit on 08 9236 4120.

Children Numbers

The Children and Community Services (Family Day Care) Regulations 2006 state that a Licensee can care for up to 7 children under the age of 13. This includes the Carers own children. When you are planning to care for other children you may need to consider things such as the ages, specific needs and the dynamics of the group of children you already have.

Income

This will depend on how many children you are able to care for and how much of the week that you are able to work. You will be able to make decisions about the rate of fees that you charge your clients. We will provide you with information to assist in your decision making, and so that you will be able to comply with the Government funding guidelines.

Business Hours

You are able to choose which days and hours you work, however you will have more success in attracting clients to use your service, if you are able to offer hours and days that suit their needs. This can often mean 11 hour days and five days per week.

Quality Assurance Program Requirements

Bright Futures Family Day Care participates in the National Child Care Quality Assurance System for Family Day Care. This ensures that staff and Carers meet quality standards beyond the minimum requirements. We offer a quality service to all Carers, families and most importantly the children in our care.

Advantages for You and Your Family

You will be working from the comfort of your own home. It could be easier to meet the needs of your own family, including the likes of:
  • Taking children to school;
  • Being home for school holidays;
  • Completing some of your domestic responsibilities;
  • You will earn an income with attractive taxation concessions;
  • You will be part of a professional service;
  • You will be in control of your own business;
  • You can participate in local, state, and national associations;
  • Caring for children and operating your own business is very rewarding work; and
  • It will provide a great opportunity for personal growth and the development of your skills and knowledge.
Family Day Care is a very worthwhile service to the community. It will give you the opportunity to meet and be a part of a dynamic network of Family Day Care Carers.

Bright Futures Family Day Care Commenced Operation In 1988

We are building Family Day Care into the best child care option around and we need your help.

Operating your own Family Day Care business from home, you will take responsibility for the care, nurturing, education, and wellbeing of babies and children up to 13 years , within your local community.

You may need to make some changes in your life and environment to accommodate your new venture however building self-esteem and confidence in children, and building independence and security for yourself through a profitable business will more than make up for the adjustments you may have to make.

If you have experience in caring for children, an understanding and appreciation for a ‘real world' approach to child care, a passion for developing individuals within the family network and strong relationship-building skills, this could be a great opportunity for you.

You will be given support and guidance on setting up and running a successful Family Day Care business from home-we will be with you every step of the way. We are a nationwide team of dedicated and committed child care professionals who believe in delivering a flexible and consistent family focused child care service.

You will be in great company.