Family day care is one of the most rewarding career paths you can take in early childhood education. It gives you the freedom to run your own business from home, while shaping the lives of young children in a warm, safe environment.

Why Now is a Great Time to Become a Certified Family Day Care Educator

Across Australia, there are around 8,300 family day care educators helping families to access quality care in comfortable settings. For context, that’s similar to the number of pilots. 

WA makes up 11% of the nation’s population but only 9.5% of its family day care educators. The gap is even greater in regional and remote communities, where there is often just one place for every three children needing care. 

That shortfall means passionate, qualified educators are in demand. If you’ve ever thought about working with children or starting your own childcare business, now is the perfect time.

This guide will show you exactly how to become a certified family day care educator in Western Australia, step by step.

Why Choose to Become a Family Day Care Educator?

Flexible Hours and Working From Home

Running a family day care means you’re your own boss. You set the hours, choose the days you work, and create routines that work for your lifestyle. Many educators care for their own children at the same time, while also building a reliable income.

What You’ll Do Day-to-Day

Every day is different in family day care. From play-based activities and outdoor exploration to sharing stories, meals, and creative projects, you’ll guide children through learning and development in a homelike environment. You’ll also support families by providing a trusted, flexible care option, and connect with your community through excursions, incursions, and cultural events.

A Fulfilling Career Pathway

Beyond flexibility and income, this is a career that makes a difference. You’re helping children develop confidence, social skills, and a love of learning. For many educators, that sense of purpose makes family day care so fulfilling.

Family Day Care Certification in WA: How it Works and What You Need to Know

Step 1: Obtain the Right Qualifications

To become a certified family day care educator in WA, you’ll need one of the following:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121).
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121).
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in Early Childhood Education.

You can choose which study pathway suits you, but holding one of these qualifications is mandatory. Most educators start with the Certificate III, which can be completed online or through Perth-based TAFEs and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The course usually takes 6 to 12 months, with flexible study options available.

You’ll also need a valid First Aid Certificate that covers CPR, asthma, and anaphylaxis (HLTAID012 or equivalent). These must be kept up to date through refreshers every three years, with CPR refreshed annually.

Step 2: Meet Safety and Suitability Standards

As part of becoming a certified family day care educator, you’ll complete several checks to make sure your environment is safe and that you’re suitable to work with children. Some of these checks will include:

• Australian Federal Police Clearance: Issued within the past 6 months.
• Working With Children Check: Required for you and all adult household members.
• Child Protection Training: Mandatory training in safeguarding children.
• Home Safety Standards: Your home must meet the requirements set out in the National Quality Framework and the Education and Care Services National Regulations.

These checks are in place to protect children and reassure families that their child is in safe, capable hands.

Step 3: Prepare Your Home for Family Day Care

Your home is your workplace, so it needs to be set up to provide a safe, nurturing environment. That includes:

• A home safety assessment completed by your chosen Family Day Care service provider.
• Public Liability Insurance.
• Age-appropriate toys, books, art supplies, and outdoor play items.
• Landlord approval if you rent.

Quest supports you through this stage with practical advice and resources. We offer a free home safety checklist and in-person visit to ensure your home is hygienic, secure, and child-friendly.

Step 4: Join an Approved Family Day Care Service

You must register with an approved family day care service in order to be compliant and eligible for subsidies. These services provide support, coordination, monitoring, resources, and training – but not all family day care services are the same.

If you’ve recently completed your early childhood educator qualification in Perth or you’re on the path to certification, it’s important to choose the right service. The right support in your first years is invaluable. 

Learn more here: How to Choose the Right Family Day Care Service.

Step 5: Start Your Family Day Care Business

Once you’re certified and registered, you’re ready to begin. This is where you can shape your business around your lifestyle:

• Set your working hours and decide how many children you’ll care for.
• Establish financial goals (Quest educators can earn upwards of $2,000 per week).
• Create daily routines that balance play, rest, meals, and learning.
• Promote your services to local families. 

With Quest, you’ll have access to a large resource library, networking events, and a supportive community to help you attract your first enrolments. We’ll also walk through the steps to keep up with compliance, like registration using the Quest Portal and completing daily checklists.

Learn more here: Family Day Care Business Planning Essentials.

Ongoing Support and Growth Opportunities

Becoming a certified family day care educator is just the beginning. With Quest, you’ll have ongoing opportunities to grow and refine your practice:

• Professional development: Workshops, training, and courses.
• Regular networking: Connect with other educators through events and online communities.
• Fresh activities: New programs across STEM, outdoor learning, creative arts, and more.
• Scaling up: Take on more children, add more working days, or expand your services over time.

Our WA-based support team is always here to answer questions and guide you through challenges. We schedule regular one-on-one sessions and offer marketing resources to help you grow your family day care business.

Take Your First Step Towards Becoming a Family Day Care Educator in WA

If you love working with children and want a career that fits around your family, becoming a certified family day care educator could be the perfect path. With the right qualifications, safety checks, and support, you can build a thriving childcare business from home.

Becoming a certified family day care educator in Western Australia is easier than you might think, and Quest is here to help.

Download our free home safety checklist, book a free consultation, or get in touch today to start your journey.