Provider in Focus – Northern Rivers Children’s Services Limited (NRCS)

Northern Rivers Children’s Services (NRCS) Limited is a multifaceted provider of family day care (FDC), long day care (LDC), occasional care, outside school hours care (OSHC), parent support and in-home care services in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. 

Operating since 1980, the provider services the area from Lismore to Tweed Heads, and has a range of complimentary services to its core businesses, including toy libraries, buses for transporting children, four playgroup venues, two coordination offices, a resource library for educators, and more. 

What is the history of Northern Rivers Children’s Services Limited? 

NRCS began in February 1980 as Lismore District Family Day Care, with a few FDC educators operating out of Lismore. The association was formally incorporated in 1986. 

Since that time, NRCS has grown to become the largest community-owned organisation in the Northern Rivers, providing a range of care, welfare and education services. 

NRCS is a non-profit company, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education and parent fees.

What is Northern Rivers Children’s Services Limited vision and approach to learning?

As NRCS operates a number of different services, each context has a slightly different system of operation, vision and approach to learning. 

Additionally, each of the 170 registered FDC educators creates a vision and philosophy which is consistent with the needs of their service and the children in their care. 

In the LDC and occasional care space, both Nimbin Early Learning Centre (the LDC service) and Gingerbread House Occasional Care have their own philosophy, perspectives and programming. 

Consistent to each service is a commitment to making available age appropriate, interesting experiences to aid children’s overall development, to participate in meaningful connections with community, and to provide child focused and nurturing environments.

Are there any unique aspects to the Northern Rivers Children’s Services Limited offer?

Yes, there are. 

NRCS offers a range of early childhood education and care (ECEC) and aligned service options for families with the support of a large specialist team. 

In the FDC space alone, NRCS educates and cares for approximately 2,000 children each week. 

As an FDC provider, NRCS does not charge its educators a management or registration fee. Despite this, it offers a range of support and services for its educators, including co-ordinator check ins, professional development opportunities, networking events, help processing attendance records and depositing Child Care Subsidy, and arranging relief staff. 

NRCS is currently offering a $2,000 incentive payment to prospective FDC educators in the region to meet the long waiting lists for care in Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Ballina, Tweed Heads, Pottsville, Murwillumbah, and surrounding areas. 

To learn more about NRCS, please visit the website. Up to date images, news and information is available via the NRCS Facebook page, here.