Choosing the right early education and care for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which environment will best support your child’s growth and development. Two common choices in Australia are Long Day Care (LDC) and Family Day Care (FDC). While both offer valuable services, understanding the key differences can help you make the best decision for your family.
At Affinity Education, we believe in creating the safest, most nurturing, and most enriching environments for every child. Here’s why Long Day Care might be the best choice for your family.
Purpose-Built Environments Designed for Safety & Learning
One of the main distinctions between Long Day Care and Family Day Care is the environment in which care is provided. Long Day Care centres, like those within the Affinity Education Group (Milestones, Papilio, Kids Academy and Aussie Kindies), are purpose-built facilities designed specifically for early childhood education. These centres are carefully crafted to be safe, engaging, and stimulating for children, with age-appropriate equipment, secure outdoor play areas, and designated spaces for different types of learning and play.
In contrast, Family Day Care is typically offered in the educator’s home. While this can provide a more home-like setting, it may not offer the same level of safety and specialised resources that a purpose-built centre can provide. In a Long Day Care centre, every aspect of the environment is designed with your child’s safety and educational needs in mind.
Structured Learning with a Comprehensive Curriculum
At Affinity Education, we’re proud to offer the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, which blends the best elements of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and contemporary research-informed practices like attachment theory and Project-Based Learning. This structured, evidence-based approach ensures that your child receives a well-rounded education that supports all areas of development.
Learn more about the Lifelong Learning Curriculum.
While Family Day Care educators often follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the educational experience may vary significantly depending on the individual educator. Affinity Education's Long Day Care centres, on the other hand, employ a team of highly qualified educators who work together to implement a consistent, high-quality curriculum across all age groups. This means your child benefits from a more structured and predictable learning experience, tailored to their individual needs, and which prepares them for primary school and beyond.
Highly Qualified Educators Dedicated to Your Child’s Growth
Our educators are at the heart of what makes our Long Day Care offering a standout option. At Affinity Education, we employ a team of professionals who are not only passionate about early childhood education but are also highly qualified, with many holding diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and specialised training in early education. This level of expertise ensures that your child receives the best possible care and education, with a focus on fostering their development in a supportive and nurturing environment.
In Family Day Care, the level of qualification and training can vary widely among educators. While many Family Day Care educators are dedicated and experienced, they typically work alone, which may limit the diversity of experiences and perspectives your child is exposed to.
A Community of Support for Families
Long Day Care centres offer more than just education and care for your child - they provide a supportive community for families. At Affinity Education, we understand that a strong partnership between families and educators is key to a child’s success. Our centres keep families updated daily via Storypark, as well as host regular events and parent-teacher interviews to ensure families are always involved in your child’s learning journey.
In contrast, Family Day Care settings may not offer the same level of community engagement and family involvement, as the care is more individualised and often lacks the broader support network that a centre can provide.
Compliance & Accountability for Peace of Mind
When you choose a Long Day Care centre, you can rest assured knowing that the facility is subject to rigorous standards of compliance and regular inspections under the National Quality Framework (NQF). This ensures that every aspect of the centre, from educator qualifications to health and safety standards, meets strict guidelines.
Family Day Care educators are also required to meet NQF standards, but the level of oversight and frequency of inspections can differ. In a Long Day Care setting, the larger team and dedicated management ensure a consistent focus on maintaining high standards of care and education.
Making the Best Choice for Your Child
Choosing the right care for your child is a deeply personal decision, and it’s important to consider what environment will best support their growth and happiness. At Affinity Education, we believe that Long Day Care offers the best combination of safety, structured learning, qualified educators, and community support. Our centres are designed to help your child thrive, with a curriculum that nurtures their curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
We invite you to visit one of our centres to see firsthand how our purpose-built environments, dedicated educators, and comprehensive Lifelong Learning Curriculum can provide the best start for your child. Because at the end of the day, nothing is more important than knowing your child is in a place where they are safe, supported, and inspired to learn.