I'm about to have my first interview in regards to FDC and was wondering as this is my FIRST TIME EVER doing this - should there be things I look out for - i.e. accreditation, first aid certificates, experience, working with children records - these are the things that come to mind immediately.
Are there other things I should look out for - even in regards to property and safety and environment??
If FDC in NSW is anything like it is in Victoria, accreditation, first aid certificates, experience and working with children records will all be standard. I suggest you ask for personal refernces from other parents who use the person you will be matched with - any carer worth their salt will be able to do this.
My mum did FDC for about 12 years and had a string of happy parents and children as referees. It was really the best thing - a loving, home like environment. The kids got to watch telly, go to the shops, visit the bank, did in the garden, sleep when they were tired - basically all the things that kids do if they are home with mum. So on that point I suggest that you don't "expect" the carers to put into place educational-type programs for the kids, because while they are carers it is not a daycare situation with structured activites as such. Rather, your bub is likely to be hanging around, doping the kind of stuff he would be doing if he was home with you. hey, you might be lucky and strike someone who is really into programed activities, but I wouldn't expect it. FDC is much more about "family" type care, and there ain't too many families I know where the full time mum structures a day of educational experiences for their little ones, IYKWIM LOL!!
Thanks Aurora - I'm not exactly structured either - so it suits me down to the ground - I think that interaction with other kids far outweighs some of the more structured and disciplined child care practices - besides I like the whole family environment - it's what i was hoping to give him myself - alas the bills just keep on coming ;(
My daughter goes to FDC & has been with the same carer for almost 2 years. I guess its important to know their philosophy on things. How do they reprimand children? What do they do when they need to go to the toilet? What is the set up, where will your child spend most of their time, and where do they sleep?
The biggest thing to me is how comfortable I am as well. I have had to have emergency carers for Matilda when hers was on holidays and I found it really eye opening. In one house they slept upstairs and were far away from the rest of the group... so how does the one carer supervise? What do they do when the toddler wakes up? How do they know the toddler wakes up? Also they had the TV on all day in the main play area. They didn't do craft or activities at all together but had free play all day long. Some children thrive in that environment, but Matilda doesn't so it wasn't right for her. Luckily she was only there a few days.
Also with food, how do they do mealtimes? One other carer Matilda went to had an open door policy, the children ate when they wanted & went & got the food they wanted from their bags. Now, leaving that sort of thing up to Matilda would mean she wouldn't eat all day long.... not fun.
I love FDC and love our carer. In fact in a few months when I pick up a day or two of work, Jovie will be starting as well. Its fantastic when you find somewhere your child fits in and where you are happy & comfortable with their care.
What to ask/look for in FDC??
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What is the set up, where will your child spend most of their time, and where do they sleep? 
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