Choosing the right family day care for your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. You want a place that feels like home, supports your child’s development, and gives you peace of mind while you’re at work or on the go. In Australia, approved family day care services operate under the National Quality Framework (NQF), which sets a national benchmark for high-quality early childhood education and care.
Below, we’ll walk you through the key things to look for — from educator qualifications to daily routines and safety — so you can choose a truly five-star family day care for your child’s early years.
What is Family Day Care?
Family day care is a form of early childhood education and care provided in a home environment by a qualified educator and regulated under the same standards as other approved childcare services. This means even though the setting is smaller and more personal, it still must meet national laws and quality standards.
In a family day care setting:
• A small group of children (usually up to seven) are cared for in the educator’s home.
• The educator is supported and monitored by an approved service provider.
• Programs are designed to foster learning, play and social skills.
Did you know?
Services under the National Quality Framework are assessed across seven quality areas — including education program, health and safety, and relationships with families — to ensure consistent quality across Australia.
Qualifications and experience of educators
One of the most important things to check is whether the educators are properly qualified and experienced. A five-star family day care service will have educators who hold at least a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or higher). From 2023, new family day care educators must hold this qualification before they start, and they must also meet first aid training requirements.
Interested in becoming a qualified family day care educator yourself?
Learn more about educator requirements and support at Maitland Family Day Care.
Why these matters:
• Well-trained educators understand child development, behaviour and safety.
• They can design activities that support learning at each age and stage.
• They are better prepared to handle emergencies calmly and correctly.
When you visit a family day care, ask to see:
• Copies of their qualifications.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Background checks like Working with Children Checks (WWCC).
These aren’t just boxes to tick — they reflect real skill and readiness to care for your child.
Safety and Cleanliness Standards
Safety should be a given, but not all providers make it equally obvious. A five-star family day care should have clear safety procedures and a spotless, child-friendly environment.
Here’s what to look for:
• Outdoor play areas that are securely fenced and well-maintained.
• Safe indoor spaces with no sharp edges, loose cords, or choking hazards.
• Secure drop-off and pick-up procedures.
• Clean spaces for eating and sleep routines.
• Visible emergency exits and safety information.
Educators also need a good plan for supervising children at all times — not just being nearby but actively watching and engaging with them to prevent accidents.
Did you know?
Under Quality Area 2 of the National Quality Standard, adequate supervision and strict health and safety routines are essential parts of what regulators assess when rating a service.
Learning Environment and Daily Activities
A hallmark of a five-star service is a well-designed learning environment. This doesn’t mean a classroom filled with toys — it means a space that encourages your child to explore, discover and grow.
Things to look for:
• Age-appropriate learning activities.
• Structured routines balanced with free play.
• Opportunities for outdoor play and interaction with nature.
• Materials and experiences that develop physical, cognitive and social skills.
Ask about the daily routine — not because it needs to be rigid, but because routines help children feel secure and understand expectations.
Example routines might include:
• Morning circle time with songs and stories.
• Creative play with art, puzzles or construction toys.
• Outdoor play and nature exploration.
• Quiet time for rest or reading.
These activities aren’t just fun — they build language, coordination, problem solving and emotional skills.
Staff-to-Child Ratios and Supervision
Family day care services are based on smaller groups, but that doesn’t mean supervision gets lax. In fact, quality services maintain ratios that allow educators to give children attentive care while still keeping everyone safe.
Smaller groups mean:
• More one-on-one attention for each child.
• Better behaviour support and engagement.
• Easier transitions between activities.
Check how the service deals with sick days, educator holidays and unexpected staff absence — a five-star provider will have plans in place so children still get high-quality care without interruption.
Communication and Parent Involvement
Communication is essential. You want a service that:
• Shares updates about your child’s day.
• Welcomes questions and involvement.
• Is transparent about policies, routines and expectations.
Ask how they communicate:
• Daily reports in person?
• Apps, photos or messages?
• Scheduled catch-ups or parent evenings?
Good communication builds trust and helps you stay connected to your child’s experiences even when you’re not there.
Reputation and Reviews
Trust what other parents say. Reviews and testimonials can give you insights that official documents don’t.
Ways to check reputation:
• Online reviews on local directories.
• Parent recommendations in community groups.
• Asking the provider for references.
Good reviews often point to:
• Reliable, nurturing educators.
• Happy children who thrive in the environment.
• Clear communication with families.
A strong reputation doesn’t replace a visit, but it gives you confidence before you step inside.
Questions to Ask During Your Visit
When you tour a family day care, be prepared with questions that help you understand the service’s quality:
• What qualifications do your educators hold?
• How do you plan learning and development activities?
• How do you handle emergencies?
• How do you keep children safe during outdoor play?
• Can you describe a typical day here?
• How do you communicate with parents?
Your questions show that you care — and they help you compare one service to another.
Red Flags to Watch Out for
Not all day cares are created equal. Here are signs that a service might not be top-quality:
• No evidence of qualifications or ongoing training.
• Limited or non-specific daily routines.
• Poor communication or unwillingness to answer questions.
• Unsafe or unclean environment.
• Lack of visible safety procedures.
Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth investigating further or considering other options.
Making the Final Decision
Choosing a family day care isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about finding a nurturing, supportive environment where your child can feel safe, learn and flourish.
As you compare services:
• Keep your child’s needs at the centre.
• Consider logistics like location, hours and fees.
• Look beyond the surface to the deeper qualities that make a service truly five-star.
Every child is unique, and the best family day care for you is one that respects who your child is and helps them grow with confidence and joy.
HELPFUL CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU ENROL
| ☐ | Checklist Before You Enrol |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Educator qualifications and first aid training |
| ☐ | Safe and clean environment |
| ☐ | Child-centred daily activities |
| ☐ | Clear routines and schedules |
| ☐ | Good communication with parents |
| ☐ | Positive reviews and reputation |
| ☐ | Back-up plans for absences |