Steps to Become a Family Day Care Coordinator
Step 1: Complete a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)
Enrol in the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes about 12 months full-time or up to 18 months part-time. It covers child development, health and safety, and learning through play. New family day care educators must hold this qualification before they start work (ACECQA, 2023).
Step 2: Complete a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121)
Progress to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 18 to 24 months full-time. It builds skills in curriculum design, team leadership, and family engagement. Most coordinator roles require this diploma as a minimum entry-level qualification.
Step 3: Gain hands-on experience in the sector
Work as a family day care educator or in a centre-based child care role before moving into coordination. Most employers look for at least two to three years of direct experience. This time builds knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and daily service operations. It also helps you learn how to support children’s learning in a home-based setting.
Step 4: Complete required checks and first aid training
Apply for a Working with Children Check (WWCC) in your state or territory. This is a legal requirement for anyone working with children in Australia. Also complete an Approved First Aid qualification (HLTAID012) and CPR (HLTAID009). Both are required for coordination roles and must be renewed every three years.
Step 5: Apply for a Family Day Care Coordinator role
Once you have your diploma, experience, and clearances, apply for coordinator positions with a registered family day care scheme. Highlight your NQF knowledge, educator management experience, and program development work in your resume. Connect with Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) to access professional networks and sector updates.
What does a Family Day Care Coordinator do?
A Family Day Care Coordinator handles the daily operations of a child care service. Key tasks include building and rolling out educational programs for children. They oversee staff recruitment, training, and compliance with health and safety standards. Coordinators talk with parents each day, addressing concerns and sharing updates on children’s progress. They also manage admin duties like record-keeping and scheduling. This dynamic role calls for leadership, organisation, and a genuine passion for early childhood education.
Tasks
A Family Day Care Coordinator is central to the early childhood education sector. They make sure children get quality care in a safe and nurturing setting. The role blends management, communication, and program development. Coordinators work closely with families, staff, and regulatory bodies to support children’s learning and growth.
- Develop, put in place, and review child care programs: creating activities that fit each child’s stage of development.
- Support staff recruitment and transitions: taking part in hiring and managing team performance.
- Provide admin support to the director: keeping records up to date and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Communicate with parents: addressing concerns, sharing progress updates, and notifying families of any changes.
- Ensure compliance with licensing and health codes: checking safety standards within the care environment.
- Oversee nutrition and food plans: making sure meals meet health guidelines and dietary needs.
- Run staff training and professional development: organising learning opportunities to build educator skills.
- Monitor and check the quality of care: reviewing programs and making changes where needed.
Skills for Success
A Family Day Care Coordinator needs a unique set of skills to manage child care services well. Strong organisation is a must, as coordinators handle staffing, scheduling, and health and safety compliance every day.
Great communication skills are just as important. Coordinators talk with parents, staff, and children daily, making sure everyone feels heard and supported. A background in early childhood education helps coordinators design programs that fit each child’s stage. It equips them with the knowledge they need to support healthy development.
Problem-solving and adaptability are also key, as coordinators deal with new challenges in a fast-moving environment. Leadership matters as well. Coordinators inspire their teams and keep the atmosphere positive for staff and children alike.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong communication skills
- Leadership and team management
- Knowledge of early childhood education principles
- Program planning and development
- Understanding of the National Quality Framework (NQF)
- Organisational and scheduling skills
- Ability to work with educators, families, and regulators
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Empathy and child-focused practice
- Record-keeping and administrative skills
- Adaptability in a fast-changing environment
- Conflict resolution skills
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
The average yearly salary for a Family Day Care Coordinator in Australia is around $58,000 (PayScale, 2026). Hourly pay averages AU$27.81, with a range from AU$50,000 to AU$67,000 per year. Pay tends to rise with experience, additional qualifications, and the size of the scheme managed.
