Council approves $2k grants to boost FDC educator numbers in Port Broughton

Barunga West Council in South Australia is offering grants of up to $2,000 will be made available per applicant to train and support those wanting to become family day care (FDC) educators in a bid to tackle ever increasing demand for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in the region. 

“I understand some members of our community have tried to set up a family day care operation from their own home but have encountered a lot of challenges,” Council Chief Executive Maree Wauchope told local news source Port Pirie Recorder. 

“I want to work with those educators and the State Government’s Department for Education to try and find a way forward.” 

Ms Wauchope said FDC services in Port Broughton “will provide an immediate solution” for some of the community who are struggling to access care. 

Training should take up to 12 months to complete, and Council will provide support along the way, she continued, encouraging anyone who may be interested to put their hand up and apply for a grant. 

Fraser Ellis, Member for Narunga, said he has initiated contact with both ACECQA and the Minister for Education to seek support in providing better options for Port Broughton’s children. 

“It is just not about providing parents with childcare services but also giving country kids the same opportunities for early learning as city kids,” he said.

“Families in the Yorke Peninsula are travelling further and further to access early learning, and where we have service providers, we also have long waiting lists.”

To read the original coverage of this story, please see here.