Why Choose Family Day Care? The Heartfelt Benefits for Your Child and Family

Choosing the right type of early childhood education and care for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. While there are many wonderful options available, family day care offers something truly special: a nurturing, home-based environment where children can thrive.

Here are some of the key reasons families are choosing family day care—and why it might be the perfect fit for your family too.

A Home Away from Home

Family day care takes place in a warm, welcoming home setting, helping children feel safe and secure. This calm environment can be especially comforting for babies and toddlers transitioning from being at home with their parents.

Children quickly form close bonds with their educator and fellow little learners—creating a sense of belonging that sets the foundation for lifelong confidence and social development.

Individual Attention and Small Group Sizes

With a maximum of four children under school age per educator, family day care provides a low educator-to-child ratio. This means your child receives more personalised care and attention, tailored learning experiences, and stronger relationships with their educator.

Educators get to know your child's interests, routines, and developmental needs—so your child is never just a number in a crowd.

Flexible Hours That Suit Your Family

Family day care often offers greater flexibility than traditional long day care centres. Whether you need care during standard hours, before or after school, during school holidays, or even on weekends—many educators work with families to find arrangements that suit their schedule.

This flexibility is a real game-changer for working parents, shift workers, and families with busy lives.

Play-Based Learning That Feels Like Fun

Family day care educators follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), just like other early childhood services, meaning your child gets access to quality education in a relaxed and natural setting. Through play-based learning, children develop essential skills in communication, creativity, problem-solving, and more.

And the best part? They’re having fun while they learn—exploring their interests and learning at their own pace.

Strong Relationships and Community Connections

In family day care, children often stay with the same educator for several years, forming deep and trusting relationships. These consistent connections are important for emotional development and help children feel secure and supported as they grow.

Parents also benefit by building a strong relationship with their educator, leading to open communication and a true partnership in your child’s learning journey.