Aussie Childcare Network Forum

If you do not own your own home, you require permission from your landlord.
First thing is to check is that you have the right qualification which is to have or at least be working towards a Certificate Ill level education and care qualification.
Anything higher than this must be a qualification you already possess if you wish to use it to work as a fdc educator.
For example you cannot be working towards a bachelor in early childhood education, not have a certificate and work as an fdc educator.

The second thing to have is the appropriate paperwork including relevant first aid which is up to date, current police checks (usually no less than 6 months old) and working with children check.
You also need to know which insurance company you will have insurance with if you start a fdc.

The final part is having the space, some resources to begin and a rough idea of how you will enrol children to care for.

If you have the above and have discussed everything with your family, then you can start the process of finding a scheme to join.

You cannot work privately and just have a childcare in your home – you must work for an approved provider who has a registered service.
You also cannot advertise your fdc without having joined a scheme.
There are a lot of schemes to choose from so take some time to find the right one for you!

The area you use for fdc has to be suitable for the number, ages and abilities of children you will have.
A very small area is not acceptable unless you will only have one or two children.
My understanding is space requirements relate to approved venues not residences and the educator and scheme will discuss specifics depending on enrolments for fdc residences.
Generally educators will have a large room dedicated to their fdc in addition to their kitchen, bathroom and or laundry plus outdoor space in order to take care of 4< children.
A quiet spot for rest is required for any children who may need to sleep.
Babies require a cot made to Australian standards and toddlers, preschool and school aged children need mattresses.
Regardless of age, routine etc you are required to provide a space as a tired child cannot be kept awake to rest against a table whilst sitting on a chair, lying on a couch or on the floor etc it is regulation to offer them a quiet, safe and comfortable spot with the appropriate bedding
Some educators will create quiet areas which can be darkened for rest others may choose to have designated space in spare rooms or bedrooms (not on the bed).
Any space used including the bedrooms have to be safe for children.

For toileting the location and design of toilets and hand washing facilities should enable safe use and children should be able to conveniently and easily access them.
Most educators will use the bathroom or toilet in the house with a sink available.
Adequate, developmental and age appropriate toilet, washing and drying facilities need to be provided for use by children for example, hot water taps should have temperature controls or safety guards fitted to reduce the risk of a child being scalded and young children should be supervised when using the bathroom or toilet. Any locks on toilets must be removed for fdc, in case a child requires help or medical attention etc.
A designated and suitable nappy change arrangement must be in place for children
Potties are not used as they are difficult to clean hygienically and with ease.
Instead children who are old enough and ready may use equipment such as steps and child seat (to Australian standards) on a toilet.