FDCQ sounds alarm on family day care crisis
As the federal election approaches, Family Day Care Queensland (FDCQ) has issued an urgent call to action as the federal election approaches, warning that without immediate funding intervention, 15,500 Queensland children could lose access to vital care services.
A position paper, Navigating the path to universal ECEC – the role of Family Day Care, released today, highlights the critical role family day care plays in Queensland's early childhood education sector and the severe challenges threatening its viability.
"We're facing a perfect storm of funding inequities, workforce shortages, and increasing demand," said Deb Tuckey, FDCQ's Acting Chief Executive Officer. "Families across Queensland, particularly those relying on flexible hours and after-hours care, could soon find themselves without options if action isn't taken."
The paper outlines 5 priority areas with 16 specific recommendations to ensure family day care is properly integrated into upcoming early childhood education and care reforms.
Funding parity with centre-based care is identified as one of the most critical factors contributing to workforce shortages. Despite growing waiting lists for family day care services, educators are leaving the sector due to unsustainable financial conditions.
FDCQ is calling on the incoming Australian Government to commit to immediate funding improvements and establish a dedicated advisory body including sector representatives to help design future reforms.
Why family day care matters
Family day care provides a unique and essential service within Queensland's childhood education and care sector:
- It currently serves 5% of all Queensland children accessing early childhood education and care
- It offers more flexible hours, with most care provided outside standard business hours
- For many regional and remote families, it represents the only available childhood care option
- It enables parents in rural communities to participate in the workforce
- It supports a high proportion of children from culturally diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities
"Universal access to childcare, as recommended by the Productivity Commission, will remain an unfulfilled promise without proper support for family day care," Ms Tuckey emphasised.
The Family Day Care Pledge
As part of its advocacy efforts, FDCQ has launched the "Family Day Care Pledge" campaign, asking all Queensland federal election candidates to formally recognise the sector's importance and commit to supporting its future.
The pledge highlights 5 key contributions of family day care to Queensland communities and families, while drawing attention to the specific needs of the sector.
FDCQ, which has represented the family day care and in-home care sectors in Queensland for more than 40 years, has expressed its willingness to work collaboratively with the incoming government to address these urgent challenges.
"The time for action is now," Ms Tuckey said. "The future of thousands of Queensland children and families depends on it."
For more information about FDCQ's federal election statement or to access the full paper, download the various documents from the following links:
