Wingecarribee Children’s Services strives to provide education and care that values and recognises the uniqueness of all involved; children, parents, educators, staff and the community.
We believe it takes a community to raise a child and the shared vision to provide an environment which is rich with opportunities for children to grow and develop to their individual potential.
Children's Services Philosophy(PDF, 554KB)
Family Day Care is a unique education and care option for families that offers high quality and flexible care for children aged 6 weeks to school age in small groups and in a safe, nurturing and stimulating home-based environment. Please note, there are some opportunities for out-of-school hour.
Since 1985, Council’s Family Day Care Service has had a positive reputation within the community for providing quality education and care to children and their families across the Shire.
Our Family Day Care educators are qualified and dedicated professionals who run their service through our coordination unit.
Support is provided to educators in all aspects of service provision and staff ensure their compliance with all required legislation such as the National Quality Framework; including Education and Care Services Law and Regulations and Curriculum Frameworks and Council policy and procedures.
The coordination unit is staffed by qualified and experienced education and care professionals who assist educators to provide stimulating, educational programs that support and encourage children’s learning, development and overall wellbeing and are based on the latest research and recommendations for young children.
The coordination unit organises and runs educational play sessions for the educators to attend with the children in their care offering opportunities for children to play and socialise in larger group environments.
Fees
The cost of Family Day Care varies for each service.
The Commonwealth Government's Child Care Subsidy assists families with the cost of child care and applies to eligible families (contact Centrelink for eligibility information).
The coordination unit charges an annual enrolment fee of $35 per child.
Bookings and further information
All educators working with Wingecarribee Family Day Care (FDC) have gone through a comprehensive training program with the service prior to registration.
All our educators have:
- A minimum of a Certificate III in Children's Services, with a number of educators having additional qualifications in early childhood or teaching related fields
- First aid training
- Anaphylaxis and asthma training (updated every 3 years)
- A current NSW Working with Children Check and National Criminal Check
- Referee and medical clearance prior to registration
- Child protection training and regular refresher training
- Fire and safety equipment installed and checked every 6 months and regular evacuation/lockdown practices
All adult household members on the premises where FDC is conducted have:
- Current NSW Working with Children Clearance and National Criminal Checks
- Referee checks prior to an educator's registration
- Met with the service nominated supervisor prior to educator registration where matters such as child protection, supervision and interaction with children is discussed
Our educators are supported by the only locally based coordination unit. We are available for support whilst ever a child is in care. Educators are visited in their homes at least monthly by our Educator Support Officer (ESO). These visits are conducted as both announced and unannounced visits. Coordination unit home visits are designed to support the educator, engage with the children but also serve to ensure compliance with the regulations, ensuring the safety and well being of the children is maintained.
A stringent and comprehensive home safety and compliance inspection is carried out on all educators premise annually.
Please see below for information about each one of our Family Day Care Services.
Anna’s Family Day Care
Anna Johansen
Location: Robertson
About Myself and My Service
Hi my name is Anna, I have lived in Robertson for the past 22 years with my husband Roy of 25 years.
I understand the importance of quality early childhood education and care as I have raised my two boys who are now in their high school years. I strive to provide quality care that meets the individual needs of each child in a small group setting in a home based environment. I also provide after school care for primary school children.
I have had the privilege of being an educator with Wingecarribee Family Day Care for the past 11 years. I have my certificate 3 in Children Services and I am working towards completing my Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. I have worked at OOSH through Wingecarribee Children Services for the past 2 years as an assistant and Responsible Person with After School Care and vacation care.
My service supports play based learning and I am guided by the practices and principles of The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. My environment provides a child friendly indoor and outdoor area allowing children to explore and learn as a group, independently and alongside their peers. Being part of a small group allows strong friendships to form.
I enjoy the opportunity for one on one interactions that having a small group provides, assisting and guiding children in their individual learning paths. I nurture children’s creativity and provide a holistic approach to children’s learning and well being.
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8.30am- 4.30pm
Wednesday: 8.30am- 4.30pm
Thursday: 8.30am- 4.30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
School Holidays: Closed
Cheryl’s Family Day Care
Cheryl Yates
Location: Bowral
About Myself and My Service
I have lived in the Southern Highlands for many years and have over 20 years’ experience as a Family Day Care Educator; Family Day Care is my passion and I believe that children should be seen as active and involved participants in their learning and decision making. My natural and constructed environments and resources are planned to create a stimulating play based learning environment that allows children to discover who they are, a place where they feel they belong, a place to be culturally aware, to be motivated to engage with those around them and make friendships and a place to extend their learning by seeking new challenges while exploring, and solving problems extending their thinking & learning.
By continually developing my professional knowledge and skills and working in partnership with co-ordination unit staff, children, families and the community I continually strive to find equitable and effective ways to ensure that all children have opportunities to learn and achieve the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework.
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8.00am- 4.00pm
Wednesday: 8.00am- 4.00pm
Thursday: 8.00am- 4.00pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Public Holidays: Closed
Debbie Clark Family Day Care
Debbie Clark
Location: Renwick
About Myself and My Service
In 2021 I moved to the Highlands and started my family day care business here after being a FDC Educator in Blacktown for 32 years prior.
I became an Early Childhood Educator because educating and caring for children was a passion of mine, working with each child’s individual personalities makes for unique experiences on a daily basis, building loving relationships with the children, collaborative partnerships with their families and becoming lifelong friends.
My care environment caters for children from 6 weeks of age to school age. I embrace the variety of cultures, beliefs and acknowledge each family bring to my service.
It is an environment that offers a place where children are free to explore experiment and learn through play. Daily activities encourage participation, are fun and educational allowing critical thinking and enable each child to challenge themselves at a place that is best for their own individual development.
My service focus on play - based learning, nature play and connection with the edible garden, teaching children environmentally friendly and regenerative routines. The children will learn about composting and sustainability i.e. use reusable alternatives, go paperless, recycle and reuse, and growing our own produce.
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 6:30-4:30
Wednesday: 6:30-4:30
Thursday: 6:30-4:30
Friday: 6:30-4:30
Little Seedlings Family Day Care
Samantha King
Location: Renwick
About Myself and My Service
Hello, my name is Samantha and I am the owner operator of Little Seedlings Family Day Care (registered with Wingecarribee Family Day Care). I have lived in the beautiful Southern Highlands since 2008 with my husband John, a true local, and our two school aged daughters. Since 2003 I have been working with children and youth in both paid and volunteer capacities.
My service environment has been purpose built with plenty of inside and outdoor space for free play, climbing, running and experiencing our ever-changing Highlands seasons. I encourage awareness of environmental responsibilities and implement practices that contribute to a sustainable future – we have an edible garden, we recycle, compost, the majority of our toys are wooden or second hand etc.
I encourage children to learn through play and believe that children learn best when they are free to be themselves, where they feel like they belong, and where they are encouraged to develop and become their own person. At Little Seedlings daily activities encourage participation, fun, education, allow critical thinking and enable children to challenge themselves at a pace that is best for their own individual development. Each child is seen as a unique individual and as an educator I strive to value and develop each child’s strengths, interests, skills, abilities and knowledge to extend their learning and encourage each child to reach their full potential.
Opening Hours
Monday: 6.30am - 4.30pm
Tuesday: 6.30am - 4.30pm
Wednesday: 6.30am - 4.30pm
Thursday: 6.30am - 4.30pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Public Holidays: Closed
Care 4 Little 1’s Family Daycare
Care 4 Little 1’s Family Daycare
Location: Wingello
About Myself and My Service
Hi my name is Stacey, I have just built a new home with my family in Wingello with a purpose-built space for Family Day Care. I now have the privilege of getting back to my small business “Care 4 Little 1’s” this time with Wingecarribee Council Family Day Care and offering a space that I believe has the perfect layout to provide a wonderful environment for play based learning both indoors and outdoors as well as catering to my own family‘s needs.
I’ve worked for over 19 years in the childcare industry in many different forms; Long Day Care, school term only Preschool, and Family Day Care. I found that Family Day Care is where my heart is and is in line with my personal philosophy. Offering care from my home allows me the opportunity to provide an educational program that is very personal and caters to every child individually, using the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) as a base.
I am continually seeking to further my knowledge of Wingello and its rich aboriginal heritage, finding ways to incorporate that knowledge into our daily routines and environment.
The best way to encourage a sense of belonging with children and their families is to find ways to make my home feel like an extension of their home. I value all feedback and input from my families and use this as a valuable resource when it comes to planning my experiences, excursions and the presentation of my environment.
Opening Hours
Monday: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Tuesday: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Wednesday: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Thursday: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Friday: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Echo Xu Family Day Care
Location: Moss Vale
About Myself and My Service
Hello, I'm Echo (Wen Xu) and I am originally from China. I moved to Moss Vale with my husband and my young son in 2014. We love the peaceful and beautiful Southern Highlands and enjoy the lifestyle here. Previously, I was a children’s music teacher in China and when I came to Australia I was lucky to be involved in Early Childhood Education. I worked at a local Long Day Care centre for five years and became a Diploma qualified educator. I love children, the surprises and happiness they bring to my life, and the unique experiences they give me every day – that is why I created Echo’s Family Day Care and plan for it to be my lifelong career.
I am guided by the practice and principles of the Early Years Learning Framework, and provide music, dance and language experiences for the children in my care. I support quality education and care by providing children a relaxed and happy environment for them to learn and grow. Children will learn in small groups in a home environment with mixed ages. In my family day care, I provide Chinese language and music teaching, so children are exposed to different cultures and have a chance to learn a second language. This will help them to adapt in our multi-cultural world with more understanding and more skills.
I support and respect the culture and values of each family and recognize that families know their children best. I will treat them as partners and collaborators in practice. I will strive to provide the best education and care for children in the family day care environment.
Opening Hours
Monday: 8.30am – 3pm
Tuesday: 8.30am – 6.30pm
Wednesday: 8.30am – 6.30pm
Thursday: 8.30am – 6.30pm
Friday: 8.30am – 6.30pm
Saturday and Sunday CLOSED
Melody Houston Family Day Care
Melody Houston
Location: Moss Vale
Hello, I'm Melody and I look forward to welcoming you to Melody’s Family Day Care at Moss Vale.
In 2021, my husband, two children and myself moved from the Northern Beaches to the Southern Highlands. We have thoroughly enjoyed our tree change and love the beautiful natural environment of the Highlands and have enjoyed becoming a part of our local community.
I have worked as a primary school educator since 2009, and in my years of experience, I have had the pleasure of teaching hundreds of children. Each one of these children, brought with them, a unique perspective, different background and varying learning ability.
Helping young children to explore, discover, learn and prosper is my passion and I am currently completing my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care as I embark on my next role of Family Day Care Educator.
At Melody’s Family Day Care, I aim to support quality education and care by providing a rich and
diverse ‘learn through play’ program, where children’s interests are incorporated, and differences are celebrated. One of the main benefits of having a small number of children in care, is that each child’s learning, interests and development form the basis for daily activities, routines and programming.
Opening Hours
Monday: 6:30 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday: 6:30 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 6:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday and Sunday CLOSED
Council established it’s Out of School Hours Careprogram in 1994, run from Mittagong Public School in Mittagong. The Service has a long standing positive reputation in the local community providing care for children enrolled in primary school (Kindergarten - Year 6) outside of school hours - before and after school and during school holiday periods.
Out of School of Hours programs are run from the school hall with access to a large outdoor undercover environment and the oval. The Service is governed by the National Quality Framework Law and regulation and programs re developed in accordance with the School age Curriculum Framework - My Time Our Place.
Before and After School Care
The Service operates 6:30 am to 8:30 am (before school) and 3 pm to 6 pm (after school).
Care is provided in an informal setting with children able to participate in a variety of art, craft and sporting activities. Breakfast and afternoon tea is provided.
The Commonwealth Government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS) assists families with the cost of child care and applies to eligible families (contact Centrelink for information on eligibility).
Contact Details:
Telephone: 02 4861 2866
Email: woosh@wsc.nsw.gov.au
The service operates 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily during school holiday periods (excludes public holidays and pupil free days).
Children who attend other schools in the district are welcome to attend.
Care is provided in an informal setting and the program is developed to allow opportunities for a variety of experiences including art, craft and sporting activities as well as outings and incursions (outside services booked to attend and offer various educational and fun programs).
Vacation care programs are developed in advance and activities vary for each holiday program. The latest program is made available when bookings open and can be viewed below.
The Commonwealth Governments Child Care Subsidy (CCS) assists families with the cost of child care and applies to eligible families (contact Centrelink for information on eligibility).
Enrolments and bookings can be arranged through the Coordination Unit. Bookings open 4 weeks prior to each vacation care period. New families wishing to access the service are encouraged to contact the coordination unit earlier to complete the initial enrolment paperwork as this can be a lengthy process and needs to be completed before we can take your booking.
Location
Mittagong Public School Hall, (Bessemer St Entrance), Mittagong
Cost
2022 – 2023 Vacation Care fees are $69 per day with additional costs for excursions or special themed days (extra costs to be advised for excursion and special theme days).
January 2023 Vacation Care: 3 January 2023 to 25 January 2023 (excluding public holidays)
January Summer Program 2023(PDF, 364KB)
“Our Educators Feel Right at Home”
Testimonials
“I love working from home and spending my day with the children I have in care. I see them as enthusiastic, active and involved participants in their learning, and I love to see them involved in the activities and opportunities I offer and the learning that takes place. Being an educator in family day care with the Wingecarribee Scheme is one of the best opportunities you could have as a successful and rewarding career”. Chery WFDC Educator 25years.
"Start up for my business was lengthy as my family and I chose to re-locate to the Southern Highlands and build our forever home with a purpose-built space for family day care. During the process I was faced with quite a few hurdles and the staff at Wingecarribee Shire Council children services were nothing but supportive and knowledgeable when managing this process. Now that I’ve been open sometime I couldn’t be happier with my work life balance. Being a family day care educator has given me the chance to both pursue my dream of early childhood education and be there for my own children. Programming and planning is a passion of mine. It is a gift to see the tailored learning experiences I am offering is guiding the little ones in my care to thrive and meet their developmental milestones. My favourite part of the day is seeing the little happy faces coming through the gate in the morning enthusiastic and ready to see what is experiences are set up waiting for them to explore both indoors and outdoors for the day ahead.” Stacey Tebb – Educator with WFDC since February 2021, previously a FDC in Sydney area.
Turn your passion for educating and caring for children into “your” business
Wingecarribee Shire Councils Family Day Care Service would welcome the opportunity to support you in creating your own flexible and rewarding child care service from your own home.
For 35 years our Service has helped numerous Educators start their own business and fulfil their passion to provide and early childhood environment which reflects their own philosophy and their passion for educating and caring for children.
As a Family Day Care Educator you have the opportunity to;
- Be your own boss – establish your own small business with ongoing support and assist from the Service.
- Work from home – be inspired to create your own natural and nurturing home and environment which reflects your style, your philosophy, your community and reflects the needs and interests of the children in your care.
- Control your hours – have the flexibility to work the hours that suit you, while providing the quality care that meets the needs of your family and community.
- Boost your earning potential - take charge of your own financial future with your own small business. Set your own fees and realise your personal, professional and financial goals all with the support of the Coordination Team.
- Create work-life balance – bring your family, life and career aspirations together in your own home and in your own business.
- Work in a small group setting - develop meaningful relationships with children in care and their families.
- Develop tailored programs for children – engage your passion and creativity by adapting the Early Years Learning Framework with activities and programs that reflect your interests and those of the children in care.
Requirements to become a Family Day Care Educator
- Passionate about working with children
- Previous experience working in the Education and Care Sector (desirable but not essential)
- Qualified or willing to undertake an approved Certificate III qualification in Early Childhood Education
- A suitable home environment
- Willing to obtain a Working with Children Check, National Criminal Check and approved First Aid and CPR qualifications.
Take your first steps towards a new and rewarding career
Call the coordination unit on (02) 48612866 or email familydaycare@wsc.nsw.gov.au
We are happy to answer questions, provide an information session and get you started on the journey. You won’t be alone we are with you every step of the way from initial training, setting up your environment, finding and placing children, managing the enrolment process and ongoing support and guidance.
Child, Youth and Family Services Directory
Highland's Child, Youth & Family Services Directory is a directory of services operating in the Wingecarribee.
Highlands Child Youth Family Services Directory 2020(PDF, 633KB)
As a requirement of the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010 and Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 Children’s Services are required to have a range of Policies and Procedures which guide the operation, management and day to day practices of the service.
Our policies, guidelines and procedures are developed to incorporate the legislative laws and regulations and using “best practice models” in line with industry standards and community expectations.
These documents are available at the following locations:
- The Coordination Unit Office, 71 Boardman Rd, Bowral
- Wingecarribee Out of School Hours Service, Mittagong Public School Hall 3 pm-6 pm weekdays school term time and most vacation care periods
- Each individual Family Day Care educator's residence.
Overriding Council Governance and Management Policy & Guidelines
Operational Procedures
Children's Service Procedures Acceptance or Refusal of Authorisations(PDF, 318KB)
Children's Service Procedures - AO Out of School Hour Fees(PDF, 465KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Arrival and Departure of Children(PDF, 441KB)
Children's Service Procedures - BO Behaviour Guidance Out of School Hours(PDF, 409KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Confidentiality Management of Records(PDF, 298KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Determining Responsible Person(PDF, 498KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Development Review of Service Philosophy Policy and Procedures(PDF, 402KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Educational Program Practice(PDF, 922KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Educator Assistance Recruitment Engagement FDC(PDF, 368KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Engagement and Registration of Family Day Care Educators(PDF, 327KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Enrolment Child Placement and Orientation(PDF, 354KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Ethical Conduct(PDF, 293KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Family Day Care Educators Non-Compliance and De-Registration Procedure(PDF, 294KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Family Day Care Fees(PDF, 539KB)
Children's Service Procedures - GF Relief Educator Procedure(PDF, 602KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Grievance Compliant's Feedback(PDF, 561KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Inclusive Practice(PDF, 643KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Interactions with Children(PDF, 355KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Monitor Support Supervision and Training of Family Day Care Educators(PDF, 282KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Ongoing Educator Requirements(PDF, 320KB)
Children's Service Procedures Visitor Volunteer and Students(PDF, 283KB)
Health, Safety & Wellbeing Procedures
Children's Service Procedures - Animals Pets(PDF, 287KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Bush Fire Emergency Evacuation(PDF, 628KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Child Protection(PDF, 638KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Emergency and Evacuation(PDF, 398KB)
Children's Service Procedures - First Aid(PDF, 664KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Hazardous Materials(PDF, 138KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Health Hygiene Infection Control(PDF, 816KB)
Children's Service Procedures and Illness Infectious Disease Immunisation Exclusion(PDF, 760KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Incident Injury Trauma Illness(PDF, 660KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Medical Conditions(PDF, 611KB)
Children's Services Procedures - Rest and Sleep(PDF, 335KB)
Children's Services Procedures - Excursions and Transportation(PDF, 311KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Safe Storage of Dangerous Goods(PDF, 605KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Sun Safety(PDF, 319KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Supervision(PDF, 739KB)
Children's Service Procedures - Water Safety(PDF, 285KB)
Family Day Care Wait List Application
Wingecarribee Shire Council's Children's Services seeks constructive comments and feedback from interested community members, staff, educators and families on our Service Philosophy, Policy and Procedures which are under review or development.
Your Say Wingecarribee
Vaccinations protect your child from many dangerous diseases such as Whooping Cough, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Diphtheria and Meningococcal (ACWY). Immunisation is also important for children starting school. Schools now require a certificate showing each child's immunisation status before enrolment.
Where To Vaccinate Your Child?
Childhood immunisation services are available through your General Practitioner or Medical Centre. General Practitioners may bulk bill for vaccinations for children under the age of sixteen, you can contact your General Practitioner or Medical Centre for further details.
Please refer to your child’s blue book or history statement (can be obtained from Medicare) for advice on when your child is due for their vaccinations.
NSW Immunisation Schedule
The following changes came into effect on 1 July 2018.
Pneumococcal (Prevenar 13)
The third dose of pneumococcal vaccine (previously provided at 6 months) will now be given at 12 months of age. The first and second doses of pneumococcal vaccine will continue to be given at 6 weeks and 4 months (two dose primary course) followed by a booster dose at 12 months of age. Children with medical conditions associated with an increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) will still receive an additional dose of Prevenar 13 at 6 month of age; that is, they will continue to have a three dose primary course followed by a booster at 12 months of age
Meningococcal ACWY (Nimenrix)
Previously children received a combined meningococcal C-Hib vaccine (Menitorix) at 12 months. From 1 July 2018 children will receive a new meningococcal vaccine (Nimenrix) at 12 months of age that protects against 4 serogroups including A, C, W and Y.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Act-HIB)
Children will now receive their fourth dose of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine as a monovalent vaccine (Act-HIB) at 18 months of age (no longer combined with meningococcal C at 12 months). They will continue to receive their Hib primary schedule doses at 6 weeks, 4 months and 6 months (Infanrix Hexa).
Pertussis (Boostrix or Adacel)
Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine has previously been provided free of charge on the NSW Immunisation Schedule to all pregnant women in their third trimester. From 1 July 2018 this vaccine will continue to be provided for pregnant women in their third trimester but will be funded by the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
NSW Immunisation Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
School Based Program
If you or your child requires information about vaccinations provided by the School Based Program please contact the local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
School Based Program
Further information
For further details on immunisation please visit the National Immunisation Information Line or call 1800 671 811.
National Immunisation Information Line