If you’re going through the motions of deciding which type of childcare setting would be best for your little one, chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the different options. If you’re considering sending your child to family daycare, we’ve pulled together a list of the advantages and disadvantages of this type of care to help you make an informed decision.
What is family daycare?
Family daycare provides early childhood education and care services for small groups of children within the home of the educator.
Family daycare educators hold an approved certificate III level (or higher) qualification. They also hold relevant first aid training, including anaphylaxis management training and emergency asthma management training. Family daycare providers are required to comply with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and provide their service in line with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
How many kids are in family daycare?
Under the NQF, family daycare services are required to uphold strict educator-to-child ratios. There must be a minimum of 1 family daycare educator to no more than 7 children at all times. Within this ratio, there can only be a maximum of four children preschool age or under.
This ratio includes the educator’s own children if they’re younger than 13 years of age and if there’s no other adult to care for them. Because of the smaller educator-to-child ratios imposed on family daycare providers, they’re often able to offer a more intimate early learning environment.
Benefits of family daycare
Family daycare services offer a range of advantages that may make it a more appealing option for some families. Here are some of the main benefits that family daycare offers:
- Home-like environment: Unlike childcare centres, family daycare services provide a more home-like and intimate setting. This can create a comfortable and nurturing atmosphere for young children who thrive in small group environments.
- Small group sizes: Due to the strict educator-to-child ratios, family daycare services cater to smaller groups of children, allowing for more individualised attention.
- Individualised learning: Thanks to the small group, family daycare providers have the flexibility to tailor activities and learning experiences to the individual needs and interests of the children in their care. Some children benefit from a more personalised education and care approach, which can have a positive impact on their development.
- Mixed age groups: In family daycare settings, children of different ages have the opportunity to interact with each other. This mixed-age setting can provide unique socialisation opportunities that often aren’t available at larger childcare services.
- Consistency and continuity: Children in family daycare services often interact with the same caregiver regularly, fostering a sense of consistency and continuity. This can be beneficial for the child's emotional well-being and development.
- Flexible hours: Many family daycare providers can offer flexible hours, including weekend and overnight care in some cases. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for parents who work irregular hours or shifts.
- Relationship building: Thanks to the small group setting, there are often more opportunities for family daycare educators to build strong, personal relationships with both the child and their family. This can lead to a greater understanding of the child's needs and preferences, allowing them to tailor the service provided.
- Cost-effective: Family daycare educators charge by the hour, making them a more cost-effective option for parents compared to some larger childcare centers. This can be particularly appealing for families looking for quality care on a budget. With that said, most family daycare providers set their own fees, so it’s worth checking what their rate is. Plus, approved family daycare providers also qualify for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), so if you’re eligible you could benefit from reduced childcare fees.
Disadvantages of family daycare
While family daycare can be a great option for some children and families, it’s also important to consider the drawbacks that come with this type of childcare service. It’s worth noting that these disadvantages may vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences, but here are some common concerns that often come with family daycare:
- Limited resources and facilities: Because family daycare services are offered within the home of the educator, family daycare providers may have limited spaces available. With this in mind, your child would likely have access to fewer toys, resources and facilities compared to larger childcare providers.
- More dependent on the educator: Since family daycare often involves a single caregiver, there may be challenges if that caregiver becomes ill or needs time off. In the absence of the primary caregiver, family daycare may lack a readily available backup system, potentially leaving parents without alternative childcare options in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. This can be especially challenging for working parents.
- Limited socialisation opportunities: While some children thrive in small group environments, others may struggle with the limited number of peers they’re able to interact with on a daily basis. This could potentially impact a child's socialisation skills compared to a larger childcare setting with more children.
- Potential for isolation: Because family daycare settings may not provide the same level of peer interaction as larger childcare centers, this could potentially lead to feelings of isolation for both the child and the caregiver.
- Less structured curriculum: Family daycare providers may not follow a structured curriculum as closely as larger childcare centers. While they may offer valuable learning experiences, the level of formalised education may vary.
- Varied quality of care: The quality of family daycare can vary depending on the individual provider's qualifications, experience and commitment to professional development.
- Limited availability: Family daycare providers may have limited spaces available, making it challenging for parents to secure a spot, especially in high-demand areas. This could result in longer waiting lists.
If you’re considering family daycare as a potential option for your little one, it’s well worth familiarising yourself with the ins and outs of this type of care. If you’re on the hunt for family daycare providers in your area, look no further than our childcare search tool. It’s one of the easiest ways to find, compare and shortlist services close to you.
