How family daycare helped Mary Ellen's children thrive

Mary Ellen first enrolled her two young daughters in Family Day Care to give them a chance to develop their social skills.

“We first tried long daycare but my oldest daughter was overwhelmed in the big group setting and cried all the time,” says Mary Ellen.

Then one of the mothers in Mary Ellen’s playgroup suggested that the small class size format of Family Day Care might better suit her daughters, who were aged one and three years old at the time.

Family Day Care is run by qualified educators within a home environment. No more than four pre-school age children can be with educators at any one time.

Mary Ellen enrolled her children with an educator working for Windermere Child & Family Services, one of Victoria’s largest Family Day Care operators.

“The girls started with Trish and she was great. We loved her and she was really in tune with the girls,” she says.

Over several years, due to availability and need, the family have used two other educators, Bridget and Carly. They have had very positive experiences with all their educators. Now she works part-time Mary Ellen uses Family Day Care for holiday care and before school care. As part of the service, their educator Carly drops the two children off at school and kindergarten every morning.

Mary Ellen in particular appreciates the small group environment of Family Day Care. “I tell everyone about Family Day Care, we love it,” she says. She says that her children have hugely benefitted because all their educators have really got to know her children and their personalities.

“Family Day Care is suited for all families, we love it. But it can also particularly suit if you have a quieter child or someone who likes a more homely environment,” says Mary Ellen.

She says that her children also enjoy doing a range of crafts and other fun activities with their educator.

For more information or to enrol visit Family Day Care information or call the Windermere Family Day Care team on 1300 946 337.

Posted on: 30/11/2021