1. Flexible Training for Family Day Care Workers
Gai Ellerington
Christine Hitchens
Hunter Institute TAFE NSW

2. Background Hunter TAFE partnership with four Family Day Care schemes
Funded through Workplace English Language & Literacy (WELL) Programme
Family Day Care is a licensed and regulated childcare service
Schemes must meet Quality Assurance requirements set by the Federal Government
Childcare workers are in the skill-shortage category

3. The Need Family Day Care is a home-based childcare service
Carers often have long working hours
Attending training is extremely difficult
Some carers lack confidence to undertake training
Logistics of training can be challenging
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) issues can make it difficult to access training
Schemes have overall difficulty retaining carers

4. The Partnership Family Day Care WELL Funding Scheme Hunter Institute
Access & General
Education
Hunter Institute
Children’s Services

5. The Training Family Day Care Scheme Carers receive flexible training
and support in
own home workplace
Coordination staff
consult in training
delivery and
receive training
WELL training assists in meeting
quality assurance practices

6. 9 Units of Competency delivered
Units from Certificate III in Children’s Services
Ensure children’s health and safety
Respond to illness, accidents and emergencies
Participate in workplace safety procedures
Care for children
Interact effectively with children
Fulfil family day care administration requirements
Working effectively with families in caring for their child
Identifying and responding to risk of harm
Work within a legal and ethical framework

7. Flexibly delivered training
With LLN support at carer’s home/workplace
Gather evidence to build portfolio for Recognition of Prior Learning
Self-paced learning materials developed in consultation with each Family Day Care scheme
Workshop delivery of 2 units
In-home or playsession practical assessment
Outcomes evaluated against National Reporting System (NRS)

8. The Challenges Logistics Individual support
Customisation of resources and training material to meet all requirements

9. Results Easy access Breaking down the barriers
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Development of communication skills
Positive aspects for schemes’ quality assurance
Compliance for carers and schemes

10. The Future
Pilot group to complete Certificate III in Children’s Services
Other TAFE support services interested in delivery style
Strong interest from other Family Day Schemes