Little Blue House named as Regional Educator Winner in FDCA Awards

Little Blue House family day care (FDC) service in Karridale Western Australia has been named as a Regional Educator Winner in the Family Day Care Australia 2023 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

Operating under the approved provider Y WA FDC program, the locally-owned service run by Jacquelin Sims, was one of 71 regional educator winners across the country, and one of only 13 winners recognised across WA.

Ms Sims has worked in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector for over 12 years, but only opened her FDC service in November 2022. 

“Running a FDC means I operate with a smaller group of children, and they are all such good friends,” she shared with local news source Margaret River Mail. 

“We have a real connection to nature because we are out in the park every day exploring the bushland near my house, something you just couldn’t do with 20-30 kids in your care,” she continued. 

Being able to be part of the children’s growth and development over time is her favorite part of her job, and Ms Sims is thankful for the support the Y WA FDC Service program provides in setting up and ongoing management of the business, offering ongoing support, including home visits, play sessions, resources and training, electronic information and phone support.

Support staff visit each FDC home regularly to mentor and observe educators in an informal manner, while recognising and respecting the individuality of each family home and assisting in the provision of providing safe, flexible, affordable, early learning programs in a supportive and stimulating home environment.

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