Family day care questions and answers
Straight answers for parents comparing care, and for anyone thinking about becoming an educator. Can't find yours? Send us a message.
For families
What is family day care?
Family day care is regulated early childhood education and care in a registered educator's own home, in small groups. It's covered by the same National Quality Framework as childcare centres. Read our guide to family day care for more.
How many children does an educator look after?
No more than seven children at a time, and no more than four of them under school age. The educator's own children under 13 count towards that number unless someone else is caring for them.
Is family day care safe?
Educators need an approved qualification (or to be working towards one), a Working with Children Check, a police check and current first aid. Their homes are assessed before approval, and our coordinators visit regularly. We also meet Victoria's 11 Child Safe Standards, which you can read about on our approach page.
How much does family day care cost?
Each educator sets an hourly fee, so you pay for the hours you use. Use our calculator to estimate your cost with the Child Care Subsidy, or ask us for current rates near you.
Can I get the Child Care Subsidy with Five Stars Learning?
Our application for Child Care Subsidy approval is in progress. Once it's approved, eligible families will have the subsidy taken off their fees. Ask us for the latest update when you enquire.
What hours is care available?
Educators offer care between 6:00am and 7:30pm Monday to Friday, and 7:00am to 7:00pm on Saturday. Each educator sets their own hours within that range.
What ages can attend?
From babies through to primary school age, including before and after school care and school holiday care.
Can siblings go to the same educator?
Often, yes. Because family day care groups are mixed-age, a baby and an older sibling can usually attend together, subject to the group limits and vacancies.
What happens when the educator is sick or on holiday?
Educators let families know about planned leave well ahead. When an educator is unavailable, we talk with families about the options available at the time. Ask us how this would work for your family.
How do I enrol?
Send an enquiry, we match you with an educator, you visit, and then complete the enrolment form. Our enrolment guide lists everything you'll need.
For educators
What qualifications do I need to become a family day care educator?
At least an approved Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or to be actively working towards one, plus a Victorian Working with Children Check, a national police check, and current first aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma training.
How much can a family day care educator earn?
It depends on how many children you care for, your hours, your fees and your costs. Try our educator income calculator for an estimate.
Can I run family day care from a rented home?
Yes, with your landlord's written permission. The home needs to pass a safety assessment, and we help you prepare for it.
Do I need to be an employee of the service?
No. Educators are usually self-employed and run their own business under our approved service, with our support for compliance, administration and programming.
Can I set my own hours?
Yes. You choose your days and hours, within the service's operating hours and the National Regulations.
How long does it take to start?
It depends on your qualifications, checks and how ready your home is. After a first chat we'll give you a realistic timeline. Take the quiz to see what you'd need.
About our service
Is Five Stars Learning an approved service?
Yes. Five Stars Learning Family Day Care is an approved family day care service under the Education and Care Services National Law (service approval SE-00017935), regulated by the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority.
Where is your office?
Our office is in Berwick, VIC 3806. Our educators work from their homes across Berwick, Narre Warren, Clyde, Pakenham and nearby suburbs.
Do you have a quality rating yet?
We're a new service, and services are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard after they begin operating. Until then a service shows as "Provisional – not yet assessed". We're happy to talk you through how we work to the Standard in the meantime.
How do I make a complaint?
Talk to us first, or contact the regulator if you'd prefer. Our feedback and complaints page explains both options.
Talk to us about care for your child
Tell us your suburb, your child's age and the days you need. We'll tell you honestly what's available near you, usually within one business day.