National Framework

The National Quality Framework has been progressively phased in from the 1st of January 2012, with final changes to educator to children ratios and qualifications made on the 1st of January 2014 for Family Day Care. The Australian government has provided supporting documentation for use by services in understanding the National Quality Framework.

FAQs

1. When did the educator to children ratios change?

   From the 1st of January 2014, educators must not care for more than seven children. This includes no more than four children under school age and the educators own children (if they are not being cared for by another adult).

1. When does a child cease being a child under school age?

   Under the ‘Transitional Arrangements’ in NSW, a child is considered school-aged when he or she commences school i.e. past the date when a child is legally deemed eligible to attend primary school.

1. How often does anaphylaxis and asthma training need to be refreshed?

   The ACECQA website states that approved anaphylaxis and asthma training must be updated at least every three years.

1. Does a certified supervisor need to have ‘Child Protection Training’?

   If a certified supervisor accepts the responsibility of the day to day charge of the Family Day Care service, they are required to have completed an approved course in child protection. A person who holds a certified supervisor certificate can refuse to accept being placed in day to day charge of the Family Day Care service and would therefore not be required to have completed an approved course in child protection.

1. What Child Protection courses are required?

   Child Protection courses which are required are: Introduction to Community Services and Child Protection course numbers CHCHILD1B, CHCHILD1C (delivered by TAFE or RTO), CHCHILD401A (available at TAFE or RTO, 3294G (available at TAFE only), combination 3290K and 3292P (available at TAFE only). The course, “Making a difference” is also recognised as approved if it was completed by the 1st of October 2004 and the person was an authorised supervisor at the time. A person who has already completed one of these approved courses is not required to update their training.

1. How are relief educators handled?

   The National Quality Framework do not refer to a Family Day Care relief educator but there is nothing in the law or national regulations to prevent an educator who is also fully certified and registered with the Family Day Care service from relieving another FDC educator and educating and caring for their children in a FDC residence.

1. Is parental permission required every time an educational assistant is used, including emergencies?

   Yes. Family day care services are required to have policies relating to emergency procedures and, if an incident occurs and an assistant steps in to assist, these procedures would be followed immediately. Such as: making contact with and informing the parents of a change in circumstances.

1. Are there any insurance implications in using educator assistants?

   Yes, you are advised to contact your insurance provider as soon as you have or use an educator assistant.

1. Do Family Day Care Educators need to keep copies of children’s enrolment and attendance records?

   Regulation 178 of the National Quality Framework states that: children’s records, as set out in regulation 159, are to be kept by family day care educators. The regulations also state that the Family Day Care educator is responsible for keeping child enrolment and attendance records until the end of three years after the record was made.

1. There is no mention of fire equipment in the most recent regulations. What is the policy?

   Regulation 168 and 97 state: “Risk assessment is conducted to identify potential emergencies within the Family Day Care facility“. The National Standard 2.3.3 states: “Educators and coordinators have ready access to emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets. Either certificates or “tested” tags that the emergency equipment has been tested by recognised authorities needs to be shown or kept.“.

1. Are there any insurance implications?

   Contact your insurance provider for details.

1. Where can I find further information?

   Downloadable fact sheets, information and updates can be obtained at acecqa.gov.au