FDCA National Conference kicks off in Hobart, celebrating all things family day care

The Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) 2022 National Conference begins this week in Hobart, bringing together family day care (FDC) professionals and early childhood education and care (ECEC) experts for three days of networking, workshops and plenary sessions.

Now in its tenth year, the National Conference is being held at the Grand Chancellor Hotel from Thursday 15 September to Saturday 17 September, hosting over 400 delegates from across the country. 

Attendees will be supported to explore pedagogical and practical approaches to early learning and development, discussing topics that will shape the future of FDC, and celebrating the role this unique aspect of education and care plays in the broader ECEC context. 

“Our members give so much to their children, families and communities – this conference is a way to give back to them and support their careers as passionate early childhood professionals,” said FDCA CEO Andrew Paterson. 

The FDC sector, he continued, plays a vital role in supporting those families who need to access care outside of the standard 9-5 working model, “making it not just an option of choice but sometimes the only option for frontline workers, shift workers and regional communities”.

Keynote speakers at this year’s event include Maggie Dent, Nova Peris, Professor Linda Harrison, and Tasmanian Commissioner for Children and Young People Leanne McLean.

On the final day of the conference, a Gala Dinner will be held at Princes Wharf No. 1, where the winners of the Educator, Service and Coordinator of the Year in the 2022 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards will be announced. 

To follow the progress of the conference, please visit the FDCA Facebook page.