Start your own family day care
Work from home. Make a difference. Build a meaningful business. Contact usStudy with usCreate a flexible, family-friendly career with family day care
If you love working with children and want the flexibility of running your own business from home, family day care could be a perfect fit.
As a family day care educator, you will provide education and care for small groups of children in your own home. You’ll create learning experiences, support daily routines, and build strong relationships, all with guidance and support from our coordination team. Many educators choose this pathway because it allows them to work from home, earn an income, and be present with their own children.
To get started, you’ll need to meet the required qualifications, have a suitable home environment, and be approved by a family day care service like ours. We’ll guide you through the setup process, provide training and support, and help you meet all regulatory requirements so you can run a safe, high-quality early learning environment for all children in your care.
Why become an educator with Kath Dickson Family Day Care?
We are Queensland’s longest running family day care service, operating since 1975. Joining our service means you’ll enjoy:
Flexibility to choose your hours and days of operation
The ability to work from home with your own children present
Monthly visits and ongoing support from our team
Regular play sessions and opportunities to connect
Satisfaction of doing meaningful work everyday
Have we caught your interest?
We’re sure you’ve got questions, so here are some big ones to start with (and some more FAQs further down):
What do I need to get started?
To become a family day care educator you must have:
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- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
- Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis
- National Police Check
- A safe, child-friendly home
- Compliance with the National Law and Regulations
If you don’t have the qualification yet, talk to us and we can help you get started.
What support will I get?
We provide comprehensive support to every educator, including:
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- Initial onboarding
- Monthly home visits
- Management of accounts & payments
- Ongoing guidance and troubleshooting
- Access to the PLACE platform (initial and ongoing training)
- Policies, templates, and planning tools
- Support with enrolments and compliance
- Someone to call whenever you need advice
We’re committed to helping you feel confident, capable, and connected.
What does the levy cover?
The educator levy is $40 per week, which includes the following benefits:
- Monthly in-person support visit
- Unlimited phone & email support
- Blue Card renewal reimbursement
- Harmony software subscription
- Car safety restraint checks
- First Aid & CPR training
- PLACE training subscription
- Account processing & management
- 100% of gap fees and CCS paid weekly
These inclusions mean less financial pressure and more time to focus on what you do best.
Meet our coordination team
Our team supports educators and families with expert guidance and practical ideas across Queensland.
Our Family Day Care Coordination team ensures every educator and family receives the guidance, resources, and support they need to thrive. From mentoring new educators to helping families navigate their child’s early learning journey, our team is here every step of the way.
Kelly, our Service Manager, brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood and has previously been an educator and trainer of early childhood courses. Louise is passionate about nurturing children’s growth and development, with over 20 years of experience in the sector. Based on the Sunshine Coast, they work closely with Miranda in Toowoomba and Viv in Dalby, both of whom have successfully run their own family day care businesses for many years. All are supported by our dedicated admin team, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional support for everyone involved.
Frequently asked questions
What are my next steps?
1. Contact us via the form below or call 1300 336 345
2. Chat with our team about all the requirements
3. Successfully complete the home safety assessment
4. Complete mandatory training
5. Onboard with our coordination team
6. Start welcoming families into your home
Even if you’re just thinking at this stage, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Do I need a qualification to start?
Yes, family day care educators must hold a minimum of a certificate III in early childhood education and care. If you don’t have a qualification, we can work with you to get your home ready while you study – contact us to help you get started.
How much can I earn?
It really depends! It is your own business so you can set your own fees, within a set parameter, and the hours that you work. You will save money on fuel as you are not commuting to work, and there are also tax incentives to running your own business.
Do I need to own my own home?
No, but you will be required to obtain written permission from your landlord to operate with us.
How do I know if my home is suitable?
Our coordination team will visit and discuss the suitability of your home environment to ensure it is suitable for FDC and will work with you until you are ready to start.
Can I still work if I have my own children at home?
Yes! Educators can care for a maximum of 7 children, four children preschool age or under. This ratio includes the educator’s own children younger than 13 years of age if there is no other adult to care for them.
Can I have pets?
Yes! We know pets are a part of your family, however, there are some safety requirements around sharing space and supervision that we can work through with you.
Can I have a pool?
Yes! You will be required to have a pool safety certificate and ensure it remains safe while you are providing care.
After applying, how long until I can start?
Your start time is guided by you as our initial training is self-paced and can be completed online in the comfort of your own home. The Coordination team will support and guide you every step of the way.
Contact us
Would you like us to know more?
Please use the form to contact us about Kath Dickson Family Day Care or any other service offered by Kath Dickson Family Centre.
Kath Dickson Family Centre Head Office
5 Jennings Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350
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1300 336 345