Family Day Care

In reply to Mr BOYER (Wright) (23 November 2020). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education): I am advised of the following:

There will be no immediate change to family day care services for educators or families.

The Department for Education is committed to supporting continuity and growth for family day care services.

If non-government provider/s take over as the approved provider/s of family day care services, family day care educators will be supported by an approved provider other than the Department for Education.

There are very clear obligations and responsibilities outlined in Education and Care Services National Law that all approved providers must meet regardless of whether they are a government or non-government provider.

Under this law approved providers of an approved family day care service are responsible for:

ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of the children being educated and cared for by the service

meeting the educational and developmental needs of the children being educated and cared for by the service

ensuring sufficient persons are appointed as family day care co-ordinators

ensuring each family day care educator is monitored and supported by a family day care co-ordinator.

In addition there will be no immediate change to respite care services for care providers or families. The obligations and responsibilities under the National Disability Insurance Scheme must be met regardless of whether they are a government or non- government provider.