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Family Day Care

Family Day Care is a unique form of home-based education and care that provides a familiar, safe and secure learning environment with a maximum of four children aged 0-5 in care. Waverley Family Day Care Centre opened in 1974 in Bondi Junction, representing a real shift in children’s services moving to more formalised, professional care.

Family Day Care’s small group environment facilitates strong bonds and promotes effective early learning and social development. Educators offer families the convenience of flexible care arrangements during standard and non-standard hours (for example, school holidays or weekends on request). They provide education and care for children from babies to school age, offering siblings the opportunity to be cared for together. Family Day Care is a popular choice for children aged 0 to 2 years, due to its small and nurturing environment.

Children benefit from Family Day Care through:

• Opportunities to learn through play and exploration in a small group in a home environment;
• Developing a close relationship with one early childhood educator;
• Socialising with mixed age groups and participating in activities within family settings;
• Community outings which may include visits to the library, parks and playgroups; and
• Learning about different languages, cultures and lifestyles.

Waverley Family Day Care is a Child Safe Organisation and a BeYou Service.

Our educators

Family Day Care educators are approved early childhood education and care professionals who engage in the principles and practices of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and work within the requirements of the National Quality Framework.

Find out more about Becoming a Family Day Care educator.

How to enrol your child

The Coordination Unit is the initial contact point for advice and information about Family Day Care. The team will work with you to match your needs with the best education and care environment for your child. This matching process considers your family’s background, culture, language and any other needs to ensure the right fit between children, educators and their respective families.

Pending availability, you may meet with several educators to select the service that best meets your needs. The Coordination Unit may also offer relief care if your usual educator is unwell or plans to take leave.

Fees and charges

See fees below for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.

*Child Care Subsidy applies for eligible families. Find out more at Services Australia.

*Refundable upon leaving the service and after a minimum of three years’ continuous registration.