Meet the NSW Council offering $2,000 incentives to open FDC service

Orange City Council, located in rural New South Wales, is offering $2,000 to people willing to set up a home-based family day care (FDC) business, with the one-off incentive payment designed to help with set-up costs such as buying furniture and resources.

The incentive payment is being offered as part of Council’s Job Creation Strategy, with mayor Reg Kidd calling the opportunity “a win for those looking to start a FDC business, as well as for the families waiting for childcare”. 

“We have long waiting lists for children needing home-based childcare in Orange so Council’s children’s services department is very keen to find more educators willing to start up a business to care for some of those kids,” he added.

Tony Mileto, the Council’s Employment and Economic Development Committee Chair, hoped the funding would boost the local economy. 

“These prospective educators will be spending that money setting up their businesses, and parents and carers will be able to return to work or take on more hours as there will be more childcare options available to them,” he said.

“We’re asking prospective FDC educators to commit to staying with Council’s service for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, and they must commit to taking on two children for at least three days of care per week to be eligible for the incentive funding. “

As well as the incentive payment, the Council’s FDC service will provide support to all educators enrolled, including weekly visits for the first month of operation followed by monthly visits. Staff are also available to answer questions and give advice at any time.

Playgroups are coordinated across the Council’s FDC network, so that educators can meet one another, and form connections. 

Senior Children’s Services Coordinator Melissa Stanford said there was a perception working for yourself, looking after young children in your own home could be isolating, however the Council’s network aims to connect educators and offer an avenue of support. 

“Our staff are on hand to help in any way they can and to facilitate these connections with other educators,” she added, outlining that many of the educators involved in the scheme have made long-lasting friendships through the service.

To be considered for the $2,000 incentive grant, prospective educators must;

• Be over 21 years of age.

• Have a current Working With Children Check, or willing to obtain one.
• Have a National Police Check, or willing to obtain one.
• Successful application and interview to become a registered educator with Orange FDC.

• Must have a minimum Certificate III in Children’s Services or be willing to enrol and work towards this qualification.
• Must have a current ABN (in order to receive the payment)
• Own your home or have landlord permission to work from a rental property.

A public playgroup session will be held on 31 March at the Orange Occasional Care cottage in Kite Street from 5 pm, to showcase the work of FDC to the community, and to offer an opportunity for prospective educators to learn more about FDC. 

For further information, please contact the Council by phone to (02) 6393 8670