Working for a Stronger Future :: The Family Day Care Five Year Plan

The Family Day Care Five Year Plan

The family day care sector has reached a significant milestone in its history and, more
importantly, for its future with the development of Working for a Stronger Future - The Family
Day Care Five Year Plan.

Over twelve months ago, representatives from the family day care sector, through the State Associations National Meeting (SAM) group, hosted by Family Day Care Australia, began to consider the future of family day care in the changing child care environment.

It became apparent to the group that it was time to map out the future of family day care, and for the sector to take hold of its destiny to ensure a strong and viable future for family day care.

Concurrently, the Australian government was working on proposed child care reforms, which included national standards that put the child at the centre of quality education and care. Subsequently, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) developed and signed off on the National Quality Framework in December 2009. The plan Working for a Stronger Future: the Family Day Care Five Year Plan was developed from a common understanding that the sector needed to work together to respond to the changing environment and to create a strong and sustainable future. The goal of the Five Year Plan is to create a path that will provide the highest quality care, learning and developmental outcomes for children in the family day care environment, supported by a qualified and well resourced workforce. Family day care will:
•	align with best practice that enables every child to reach their full potential
•	meet the challenges of the changing policy and regulatory environment
•	be recognised for the skill and qualifications of carers and staff
•	provide care and education in a unique and natural home environment
•	attract quality carers and staff with sustainable business models
•	work in partnership with all who have an interest in the child’s development
•	build and maintain a strong profile in the community.
The Five Year Plan aims to turn challenges into opportunities. Working with government The Minister for Early Childhood, Child Care and Youth, the Hon Kate Ellis, MP and DEEWR senior officers have expressed their support for the plan, and have congratulated the family day care sector on their forward thinking. The Minister will officially launch the Five Year Plan nationally in mid April.
•	Working for a Stronger Future – Family Day Care Five Year Plan summary
•	Working for a Stronger Future – Family Day Care Five Year Plan
•	National Members’ Forum representatives

For enquiries regarding the Five Year Plan please contact Family Day Care Australia via email or call 1800 621 218.

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