Family Day Care
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ECEC Provider in Focus: Foundations Family Day Care
Freya Lucas
Aug 11, 2023
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Foundations Family Day Care (FDC) is a First Nations family-owned and operated service that provides education and care for families in South Australia and Victoria.
Foundations has twice been recognised for Exceeding the National Quality Standards, most recently in June 2021.What is the history of Foundations FDC?
Foundations FDC was established in 2013 by Kathi Hewitson, a Tommeginne (Palawa) woman, with the support of her co-director, husband Craig.
Ms Hewitson has been involved in the FDC sector for over 25 years, and has a strong passion for home based learning and care.
The Foundations business is supported not only by Mr and Mrs Hewitson, but also by their son Connor, who provides administrative support; Connor’s wife Laura, who supports with website development; and, Connor and Laura’s son Camden, who supports in the hospitality effort during training days.
Mrs Hewitson won the Coordinator of the Year Vic/Tas Award in the Excellence in FDC Awards 2022, and at the Excellence in FDC Awards gala dinner was named 2022 Australian Coordinator of the Year.
A more detailed run down of the service history is available here. What is Foundations FDC’s vision and approach to learning? Foundations FDC believes children need to be frequently out and about in their local community, supported by regular routines and having the opportunity to interact with nature.
“Having high expectations for children, during their explorations and experimentations, encourages them to do far more than we, and perhaps they, believe to be possible,” information on the website notes.
“Children are born with the ability to learn: It is up to each of us to foster that natural inclination, through our interactions and through the ways we allow children to be themselves, to make their own choices.”
Positive and respectful relationships are at the heart of the provider’s approach.
“Relationships between children, family members, Educators and Coordination Unit members all contribute to positive opportunities and outcomes for all, particularly the children. The partnerships formed through respectful relationships enable everyone to achieve far more than they are able by themselves.”
Are there any unique aspects to the Foundations FDC offer? Foundations FDC is committed to the safety and well being of all children and young people, and this forms the primary focus of its care and decision making.
“Foundations FDC is committed to providing a child-safe environment where adults, children and young people feel safe, are safe and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives,” the website notes.
“Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.”
“Every person involved in Foundations FDC has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.” To learn more about Foundations FDC, please visit the website, here.
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