Family Day Care Capability Trial boosts educator startups in Illawarra

A national funding trial, the Family Day Care Capability Trial, is helping increase the number of family day care operators in Australia, specifically within regional areas like the Illawarra.

Led by Family Day Care Australia (FDCA), the trial provides start-up funding to help educators overcome barriers to launching their own businesses. This funding can be used for home safety and compliance upgrades, educational resources, and general business setup costs. The initiative aims to address the shortage of early childhood education and care places and reduce wait times for families.

FDCA CEO Andrew Paterson noted that "Every new educator means more places for children and more choice for parents," emphasizing that the model provides a regulated, professional alternative to larger long day care centers by offering care in a natural home environment.