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Family Day Care

Burrinjuck Family Day Care is sponsored by Yass Valley Council and is funded by the Federal Government to provide up to 50 childcare places per day in Carers homes in Yass Valley and Boorowa Local Government Areas. If you require childcare in a family environment or would like more information about becoming a carer please call 6226 3686.

Information for Carers

Do you enjoy working with Children aged 0 -12 years and are you interested in running your own business?  If you answered yes to the above questions please contact the Burrinjuck Family Day Care Scheme to find out how to become a registered Carer and begin working as a self-employed person in your own business.  Family Day Care Carers are people who:

• Are warm, caring, energetic and flexible
• Have an appropriate understanding of children's needs and abilities
• Are able to offer age appropriate and safe experiences to children
• Are able to communicate effectively with children and adults
• Are aware and sensitive to the needs of children and their famlies, including families from a range of cultures and religions and children with additional needs
• Have passed a Working with Children Check
• Possess a current work cover approved First Aid Certificate
• Possess current Pubic Liability Insurance
• Operate their business within State and Federal Government legislation
• Work cooperatively and in partnership with all parties working within the Service Burrinjuck Family Day Care is a nationally accredited Childcare Service. The Scheme recieves operational assistance through the Department of Community Services. Carers who have registered after 30 September 2004 are required to comply with the Children's Services Regulation 2004 under the Children's and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998. Carers registered prior to 30 September 2004 have until January 1 2006 to meet all aspects of the Regulations.

If you are interested in becoming a Carer with Burrinjuck Family Day Care please contact the Coordination Unit on 62263686.

What is Family Day Care?

Burrinjuck Family Day Care (FDC) is a nationally accredited Quality Childcare Service that is sponsored by Yass Valley Council. Burrinjuck Family Day Care recieves operational assistance from the Federal Government to assist with staffing and operational requirements.  The Scheme provides quality child care in the homes of registered Carers.  Carers are required to comply with the Childrens Services Regulation 2004 under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.  Under the Scheme, care is provided to children aged from 6 weeks to 12 year's in a small group family home environment. Carers offer a program of age appropriate activities and experiences that are designed to meet childrens individual needs and interests.

Burrinjuck Family Day Care staff support Carers through:

• Regular Home Visits
• Regular Phone calls/support
• Coordinating playgroup activities
• Providing access to and delivering training and professional development
• Providing administration assistance and support

Burrinjuck Family Day Care provides children with:

• A safe, comfortable, secure environment
• Socialisation and developmentally appropriate play experiences within small groups
• Consistancy of care

How do I obtain care?

To inquire about care within the Burrinjuck Family Day Care Scheme please contact the Coordination Unit on 02.62263686.  Staff will inquire about your particular care needs and provide you with further information about the Scheme. Staff will try to match your families care requirements with with a Carer that can meet their needs.

Following this initial contact, parents or guardians will then be asked to contact prospective Carer/Carers and arrange a time that is suitable to visit the Carer's home. Once the family has interviewed the Carer/Carers, the family will need to contact staff to advise them of their choice.  The Carers will also contact the office to advise of their willingness to accept the referral. Both guardians and Carers must be agree to the placement.  Once both parties have agreed, guardians will be asked to make an appointment to register their child with the Scheme.

What is it?

It's childcare in a registered Carer's own home.  Registered Carers receive training and support from the Family Day Care Co-ordination Unit staff - they are part of a team.

Why Do it?

• Because you can be your own boss
• Because you can fit work in around your family and other commitments
• Because it is a good income
• Because you enjoy working with children

Who Makes a Good Carer?

People who:

• Have cared for their own or other people's children and enjoyed playing with and teaching them
• Are well organised and can provide a safe and happy environment
• Have a sense of humour!

Is My Home Suitable?

• Home safety is a matter of common sense, not great expense
• A good fence is important - it also ads value to your home
• Your house has to be clean, tidy and well maintained

How Does It Affect Your Family?

• You can stay at home with your children and still earn money
• Younger children can really enjoy the company of the other children in care
• They benefit from their mum organising her day around children's activities and crafts
• Everyone in the family benefits from the additional income

How Much Can You Earn?

It totally depends on how much work you want to do. Some Carers who can take the maximum number of children and work five days, can earn $700 a week. The majority earn less than that because they work fewer hours, or have more than one of their own children under 5 years old.

What About Rules & Regulations?

The rules are common sense for your safety and that of the children They are your assurance to the parents that their children are going to be safe with you

How Do I Find Out If I Could Do It?

Call the Coordination Unit on 6226 3686. We would be very pleased to answer your questions and explain anything you're not sure about.

Contact details
Burrinjuck Family Day CAre
02 6226 3686 (ph)
bfdc@yass.nsw.gov.au

© 2008 Yass Valley Council
This page: http://www.yass.nsw.gov.au/community/1530/1531.html