Services
Gosford Family Day Care
What is Family Day Care?
Family Day Care is a licenced childcare service provided in a home-based environment for children aged 0 to 12 years. Parents using this service may be in full-time or part-time employment, studying, or may be in need of support.
New South Wales has over one hundred Family Day Care Schemes, each one being sponsored by either a community organisation or local council. All early childhood services in New South Wales are regulated. The Department of Community Services is responsible for the implementation of the regulations. The criteria to become a registered Carer are set down in the Family Day Care Regulations and Scheme Policies.
The Federal Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations contributes operational funding to support the Coordination Units of Family Day Care schemes. The scheme acquires additional funds from the clients of the service. Parents and Carers are required to pay a levy to the scheme to assist with ongoing costs.
Carers are registered and resourced by our Coordination Team based at Kariong. The team comprises trained and experienced early childhood professionals. Carers receive ongoing training and support including regular visits from our Child Development Officers (CDO's). Gosford Family Day Care ensure a very high standard of service through our Quality Assurance Program, along with regular audits and compliance visits to all carers.
The nurturing, learning activities offered are fun and safe, daily life experiences specifically designed to focus on each child's individual interests, strengths and needs.
What Hours do Carers Operate?
Carer hours can be flexible and matched to a family’s needs. Care may be available on weekends, overnight or before and after school.
What does Family Day Care Cost?
Hourly rates are very competitive with centre-based care, and parents are able to receive the Child Care Benefit (CCB) through the Government's Family Assistance Office which directly reduces the amount of money outlayed.
What is the role of the Coordination Unit?
- Oversee each child's placement and monitor their development
- Offer support to carers and families
- Offer advice and resources on current childcare best practices
- Monitor hygiene and safety of the carer's home environment
- Develop and deliver playgroup sessions
- Arrange outings and excursions for Carers, children and families
- Administer the Child Care Benefit and supervise payments to carers
Why Choose Gosford Family Day Care?
Gosford Family Day Care services are:
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Caring
- Supervised
- Regulated
- Licensed
1. Government Funded
Child Care Benefit is available to parents through the Family Assistance Office.
2. Childcare for children aged 0-12 years
This type of care is suited to children who respond to a small group setting and enjoy individual attention from warm caring people.
3. Safe, quality care in a family home environment
Gosford Family Day Care provides care for children in a home setting. Individual care requirements are considered and every effort is made to match your requirements to an appropriate carer. The service can provide permanent, casual, overnight or weekend care.
4. Qualified Staff
Parents are provided with ongoing support from the qualified staff of the Coordination Unit. Staff will monitor your childcare arrangement by:
- visiting carers while your child is in care.
- observing and recording your child's progress.
- assessing the safety and hygiene of the carer's home.
- organising back-up care for you if your regular carer is unavailable.
5. Registered and trained carers
Staff select new carers and co-carers against the appropriate criteria, as set out in the State Regulations. A carer must:
- have a Working With Children Check for each adult living in the home
- have a current First Aid Certificate
- be a fit and proper person
- be physically and emotionally able to care for young children
- have an understanding of children's needs and development
- be aware of and sensitive to the needs of children and their families
- be able to communicate effectively with adults
Supported Playgroups
What are Supported Playgroups?
Supported Playgroups are funded through Families NSW, Children's Services and Brighter Futures. They provide a welcoming, friendly and relaxed environment for families to meet and gain support from qualified staff from Coastwide Child & Family Services.
What happens at a Supported Playgroup?
Parents remain during the entire playgroup session. Supported Playgroup staff are professionally qualified with knowledge on child development, health and community services. It is the role of the staff to offer support and resources to families and to provide appropriate activities and crafts for children.
What does it cost to attend a Supported Playgroup?
A small donation is required from each family, to help meet playgroup costs.
Need Further Information?
Families NSW offer over 200 Supported Playgroups across NSW.
To find your local supported playgroup, contact your regional Families NSW office. Details can be found on their website.
Brighter Futures Early Intervention
What is the Brighter Futures Program?
The Brighter Futures Program provides targeted support to families who are expecting a child or who have children aged 0-8 years and who face specific problems.The Brighter Futures Program offered to the community by Coastwide Child and Family Services is funded by the Department of Community Services through Uniting Care Burnside.
The MyTime Program
What is MyTime?
The MyTime Program provides local support in a playgroup for anyone caring for a child under school age with a disability or chronic medical condition. Carers must be eligible for the Carer Allowance (Child) to attend.