Starting Your Own Family Day Care: Insights from an Expert

Have you ever thought about starting your own family day care?

Maybe you’re passionate about working with children and want the freedom to run your own business. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, it is possible, but let me tell you—it’s not just about loving working with children. It requires careful planning, clear boundaries, and financial management.

I recently sat down with Svitlana Korchova, the founder of LaNature Kids Family Day Care, an experienced educator, early childhood trainer, and consultant. For years, Svitlana successfully ran her family day care in Melbourne, and she now shares her expertise to help others build their own child care businesses.

Svitlana also runs a consultancy service, La Nature Early Childhood Consultancy, where she supports educators and parents in creating enriching learning environments for children.

If you’re serious about starting your own family day care, this guide will walk you through everything from costs to marketing and even how government subsidies might impact your earnings.

Your Body Is Your Truth

Let’s start with something Lana emphasised right away: your body is your truth. Running a family day care is physically and emotionally demanding. Lana explained, “This is not a sprint—it’s a marathon.” You need to be honest with yourself about whether you’re ready to commit to this, not just for a few months but for the long haul.

This isn’t just about energy levels. Lana pointed out that you’ll need to be fit enough to keep up with children, manage stress, and juggle the demands of running a small business. And before you jump in, have an open conversation with your partner or family. Their support is essential because this business will impact your family life.

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What Does It Cost to Open a Family Day Care?

If you’re wondering about start-up costs, here’s the breakdown Lana shared based on her own experience:

• Expect to spend between AUD 3,000 and 5,000 on setting up your home. This might include safety modifications (like compliant fencing), toys, furniture, and learning materials.
• Don’t forget about day-to-day costs like food, utilities, insurance, and professional fees.

These costs might seem high, but remember, this is your business, and like any start-up, you need to invest to get it off the ground.

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How Much Can You Earn?

Now for the exciting part: the earning potential! FDC educators typically charge between AUD 7.50 and 16.80 per hour per child, depending on location and demand. Let’s break this down 👇🏻

• If you charge AUD 10/hour and care for 4 children for 50 hours a week, your gross earnings could reach AUD 80,000-100,000 annually.
• Of course, you’ll need to deduct expenses like food, supplies, and fees paid to your provider.

Family day care fees are often lower than private early learning centres. According to Expat Network, long day care centres in Australia charge between AUD 70 and 185 per day, while private school ELCs can cost as much as AUD 39,660 per year.

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Can Government Subsidies Help?

Yes, they can! The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families using family day care. However, keep in mind that CCS is capped at an hourly rate. For example:

• If a family is eligible for a 70% subsidy and the hourly rate cap is AUD 12, the subsidy applies to that cap. It does not apply to the actual fee you charge.
• This means families could still pay more out-of-pocket if your fees exceed the subsidy cap.

For educators, understanding how subsidies work is key because it directly affects your client’s affordability—and your business.

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How to Market Your Family Day Care

One thing our expert Lana made clear: marketing is everything. In the beginning, social media and word-of-mouth will be your best friends. Families trust recommendations from other parents, so focus on building a strong reputation by providing exceptional care.

Think about what sets you apart. Do you offer bilingual programs? Nature-based play? A home-like environment? Highlight these unique aspects in your promotions.

For some inspiration, check out the Family Day Care Australia Locator to see how other educators market their services.

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Setting Boundaries and Protecting Your Wellbeing

Here’s the thing: family day care is a business, but you can’t let it take over your personal life. Lana stressed the importance of setting clear boundaries.

For example:

• Set up fixed hours and communicate them with parents.
• Protect your family’s privacy by creating a separate space for the day care.
• Don’t feel guilty about saying no to extra hours if it impacts your well-being.

“Your family should always come first,” Lana said. “When you’re happy and healthy, the care you provide to children will be better too.”

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Final Thoughts

Starting a family day care isn’t just about loving kids—it’s about creating a sustainable business that aligns with your values and lifestyle. From preparing your home to understanding the financials and marketing yourself effectively, every step matters.

If you’re ready to take the leap, start by researching providers in your area and planning your setup. And remember, as Lana wisely said, “This is your marathon—pace yourself.”

For more information, check out ACECQA’s guide on opening a new service.

If you want to learn more about Family Day Care (FDC), sign up to get your free FDC checklist here or here

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