Nominations open for 2026 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards, with Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) marking 15 years of recognising outstanding educators, coordinators and services across the sector.

The annual awards program celebrates the vital contribution family day care professionals make to children, families and communities throughout Australia. It also highlights the unique and irreplaceable role family day care continues to play within the broader early childhood education and care (ECEC) landscape.

Announcing the opening of nominations, FDCA noted that the awards recognise “Educators, Services and Coordinators from across our sector for the irreplaceable role they play in the ECEC landscape.”

Celebrating excellence across the sector

Over the past 15 years, the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards have become a significant national recognition initiative, showcasing excellence in:

• educator practice
• relationships with children and families
• leadership and coordination
• inclusion and community engagement
• quality and professionalism across diverse service models

Family day care remains a key component of Australia’s ECEC system, offering flexible, home‑based education and care options for families across metropolitan, regional and remote communities. The model is particularly valued for its small group environments, continuity of care and ability to support families working non‑traditional hours or requiring more individualised arrangements.

A timely focus on workforce recognition

The opening of nominations comes as the broader ECEC sector continues to prioritise workforce recognition, retention and professional identity. Nationally, there is increasing emphasis on celebrating the contribution educators make to children’s learning, development and wellbeing — and the awards provide an important platform for elevating the profile of family day care professionals.

FDCA encourages families, colleagues, services and community members to nominate outstanding educators, coordinators and services who demonstrate excellence in practice, leadership and commitment to children.

How to nominate

Further information about the awards program, eligibility requirements and the nomination process is available via the Family Day Care Australia website.