Bendigo Family Day Care
Bendigo Family Day Care has been facilitating exceeding, home-based care for children since 1980.
We work with and support a valued network of Early Childhood Educators who open their homes and hearts to children.
Together, we strive to instil a sense of excitement, curiosity and wonder in children; we respect, care, value and nurture all children as individuals and help light their way to happiness, security and joy.
We understand that a child’s early years determine much of their future development. Research has shown that the first eight years of a child’s life are the formative years and the opportunities they experience during this time will have lasting and far-reaching effects. We ensure that every child who attends our service feels safe, secure and valued.
Testimonials
“My son went through mainstream day care, and we just wanted more of a closer family vibe.”
“We came here to meet Donna and we straight away fell in love with her … Coming here is like having a second home and family for Evie.”
Become an Educator
Are you curious about what it takes to become a Bendigo Family Day Care Educator?
If you’re a qualified Early Childhood Educator looking to be supported to run your own home-based business, we would love to hear from you.
Please fill out our Prospective Educator enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.
Accessing this service
Family Day Care offers children 12 years of age and under quality childcare in the homes of carefully selected, nationally-registered Educators.
Care is provided for up to four children not attending school, and three children attending primary school, with the maximum number of children being seven (including the Educator’s own children) at any one time.
All of our Educators provide a safe, secure, and caring home environment in which security, trust and comfort with a variety of educational activities and experiences reflect the individuality of the child and their family.
Supporting children from linguistically diverse backgrounds, various socio economic groups, religions, abilities and gender identifiers ensure that all can participate safely, equitably and effectively.
Bendigo Family Day Care provides reasonably priced, flexible childcare to suit the differing needs of individual families.
We pride ourselves on being an ‘Exceeding’ rated service in the National Quality Standards and a Healthy Promoting Service.
Our curriculum embraces the five learning outcomes of the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework: Identity, Community, Wellbeing, Learning and Communication.
You will be given a copy of the current fee schedule when you register for care.
Find out if you’re eligible for the Child Care Subsidy.
For more information view our Handbook for Parents.
The care that benefits all
“They learn so much from each other, when you have a one-year-old and a four-year-old together for the day, it’s amazing what they pick up from one another”
From the moment you step through the front gate of Donna McArthur’s Kangaroo Flat home, you know you’re somewhere special.
There’s the little rowboat-turned sandpit in the front garden, the patio of tiny tables and outdoor toys, the warm welcome at the door and the sound of happy kids in the living room.
For the lucky children here, it’s akin to coming to nanna’s house, and that’s the way Donna loves it.
The early childhood educator began operating her own home-based business in 2020, with the support of Bendigo Family Day Care.
“I found working in a childcare centre didn’t work for me,” she says.
“[Bendigo Family Day Care Coordinators] Bec and Tam came out to visit me and looked through my home and I found it was a really easy process,” she says on taking the leap from working in a centre, to welcoming children into her home.
“And once those kids walk through that door, that’s the highlight of my day. I just embrace it. I love teaching them and knowing they’re learning with me.”
Most days Donna cares for four children under the age of five. Often, they’re siblings, learning and having fun together.
“They learn so much from each other, when you have a one-year-old and a four-year-old together for the day, it’s amazing what they pick up from one another,” Donna says.
“We also do a lot of spontaneous learning. If the kids ask if they can cook scones today, we can.
“If they want the paddling pool up because it’s 40 degrees, of course we can. At Family Day Care the kids don’t miss out.
“If the kids want to get muddy, they can. The kids are happy, and I really know them.”
Donna says the model is one that works for everyone, and as such encourages other educators to likewise consider starting their own business.
Bendigo Community Health Services has a waiting list of families choosing Family Day Care for their children. There is huge potential for more educators to initiate a successful business.
“If only they’d just take that next step and really look into it,” Donna says. “It’s so worth it.
“You’re your own boss, but you have support from the coordinators. And they help with anything and everything, from paperwork right through to if I need to ring someone then and there for advice.”
