Family Daycare is a unique part of Australia's regulated childcare system, taking place in the educators own home. Childcare is a big decision, and there isn't one option that fits every family. Discover family daycare options near you.
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New South Wales Western Australia Victoria ACT Queensland Northern Territory South AustraliaIf the thought of a large, busy childcare centre feels a tad overwhelming, Family Day Care (FDC) could be the smaller, more personalised childcare option you’ve been looking for.
Family Day Care has been a recognised part of Australia's childcare system since the 1970s and is now an established and regulated form of early childhood education and care.
FDC provides childcare for small groups of children in an approved educator’s home. For some families, the appeal is simple: fewer children, a homely space and a more personal feel. It can feel less intimidating and more natural than a larger centre-based environment.
So, how does it work?
Family Day Care educators aren't babysitters. They are approved early childhood educators who meet required standards, with their homes assessed and approved to provide safe, quality care.
FDC homes are set up with children's safety, development and learning in mind, with designated spaces for playing, eating, sleeping and learning.
A Family Day Care educator will typically:
No. While Family Day Care takes place in a home, it is not informal babysitting.
FDC is part of Australia's regulated early childhood education and care system. Educators and services must meet requirements around children's health, safety, wellbeing, learning environments and education.
While the environment may feel like home, the care is still professional, structured and regulated.
The biggest difference is the environment and group size.
A traditional childcare centre generally has multiple rooms, educators and larger groups of children. Family Day Care takes place in an approved home environment with a much smaller group.
Neither option is better than the other. Some children thrive in the energy and social environment of a larger centre, while others may feel more comfortable in a smaller, quieter setting. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to childcare.
Smaller groups
With fewer children around, your little one can enjoy a more intimate environment and plenty of opportunities to interact with their educator.
Mixed-age environment
FDC can cater for children from around six weeks to school age, meaning children may spend their days alongside others of different ages. This can create opportunities to form relationships, develop social skills and learn from one another.
A home-like environment
For a child who isn't used to being away from their primary carer, a familiar-feeling setting can make the transition into care a little easier. Spaces such as kitchens, living areas and backyards can be adapted to create safe environments for children to learn and play.
Consistent relationships
Your child will generally spend their day with the same educator, helping them build a familiar and trusting relationship over time. For many parents, knowing who is caring for their child each day can be reassuring.
Choosing childcare is a big decision, and there isn't one option that fits every family.
Family Day Care could be worth considering if you're looking for:
The best way to know if FDC is right for you is to visit, meet the educator and see the environment for yourself.
Notice how your child responds, how the educator interacts with you both, and whether you feel comfortable asking questions. Look out for those green and red flags - and trust your gut. It really does matter!
In Tasmania we have 31 Family Day Care services
The average cost is $10.40 hourly, $104.03 daily (10 hours)
The average National Standard Rating (NQS) is Meeting National Quality Standard.
Northern Explorers Family Day Care
Registered with Family Day Care Tasmania, Westbury TAS
Family Day Care Tasmania
59d Amy Road, Newstead TAS
Marian's Family Day Care
Registered with Adventure Patch Family Day Care, Ranelagh TAS
Ria's House FDC
Hillmorton Road, Lindisfarne TAS
Lydia's Tiny Tots Retreat FDC
Kings Meadows, Kings Meadows TAS
Brighton Family Day Care Scheme
PO Box 90, Bridgewater TAS
Holistic Approach Family Day Care Scheme - VIC
61 Blossom Park Drive, Mill Park VIC
Moon Family Day Care
Registered with Adventure Patch Family Day Care, Lenah Valley TAS
Family day care and long day care are two of the most popular types of childcare in Australia, and on paper they can look pretty similar. Both are regulated under the National Quality Framework, and both attract the Child Care Subsidy. Day to day, though, your child's experience can be very different. One happens in an educator's home with a handful of children of different ages. The other happens in a purpose-built centre, with children grouped by age and a team of educators. Early childhood researchers say group size is the most obvious difference, but it's far from the only one. Find out how the two compare on routine and socialisation, and what each one costs. We also share what other parents weighed up when they made the call, so you can choose the setting where your child is most likely to thrive.
Family day care has a lot going for it. Your child is cared for in a real home with a small group of children, by one educator who gets to know your whole family. Many educators offer early starts and late pick-ups, and some even provide weekend or overnight care for shift workers. There are trade-offs to think about too. When your educator is sick or on holiday you may need back-up care, and a home has less space and equipment than a purpose-built centre. Places can also be harder to find, with the number of children in family day care falling sharply over the past decade. Find out how many children an educator can care for and what the main advantages and disadvantages are, with insights from early childhood researchers. Then use what you learn to ask the right questions when you visit educators near you.
Walking into a family day care educator's home for the first time can feel a bit strange. It's someone's home, and you're trying to picture your little one spending their days there. Knowing what to look for makes the visit a lot easier. This checklist covers the questions experts say matter most, from how the home is kept safe and clean to how the educator handles separation anxiety and what support they get from their approved service. You'll also find out how to check a service's National Quality Standard rating, what to ask about fees and the Child Care Subsidy, and the warning signs that should make you think twice. Take it along on your visit and tick off what you see as you go. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to keep looking until you find an educator you trust with your little one.
Childcare fees are one of the biggest factors in deciding where your little one goes, and the price differences between options can be bigger than you'd expect. Family day care is often one of the more affordable choices, partly because many educators charge by the hour, so you only pay for the time your child is in care. A centre-based day usually costs more but includes extras like meals and nappies. Nannies, au pairs and babysitters bring care into your home, but they don't attract the Child Care Subsidy, so you pay the full cost yourself. Find out what each type of childcare costs on average and how the Child Care Subsidy hourly rate caps work from July 2026. There are also tips on the hidden extras to ask about, so the fee you're quoted is the fee you'll pay.
