Brisbane North Family Day Care was established in September 1975.  Until recently, it has been operating under the names Merthyr Family Day Care, Brisbane North Family Day Care and Wavell Heights Family Day Care. The Schemes have merged and service a greater area on the north side of Brisbane. Brisbane North Family Day Care is sponsored by the Uniting Church under the auspices of Wesley Mission Brisbane, and services the inner-city and northern suburbs of Brisbane. The Scheme is accredited through a national Accreditation System.   The Brisbane North Family Day Care Scheme endeavours to uphold the dignity and rights of each participant and to provide quality childcare that is – flexible, affordable, non-discriminatory, accessible, and  meets the needs of the community. Brisbane North Family Day Care is committed to - High quality care – that makes a difference in the lives of children and families Respect and dignity in all relationships with adults and children Partnership – with families and other agencies in order to prepare children for life Diversity and inclusiveness – celebrating diversity and encouraging inclusiveness to enrich the lives of children Accountability – being responsible and accountable for both quality of care and financial outcomes Professionalism and Ethical Conduct – acting with professionalism that is based on sound ethical behaviour  The Scheme is licensed by the State Government Department of Communities who are responsible for the Child Care legislation and all participants adhere to the Child Care Act 2002 and the Child Care Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2005. The Scheme receives some funding from the Commonwealth Government and is reliant on scheme levies for further income. COORDINATION UNIT STAFF  (Our role). Brisbane North Family Day Care Coordinators are employed as the contact point for parents requiring child care for their children.  They endeavour to match the requirements of families needing care with carers who have vacancies.  Coordinators also approve and support carers and monitor the quality of care within the Scheme. Approved Carers offer flexible small group care (up to four children under school age and up to three school age children). They provide parents and children with personalized attention in a family environment thus offering a unique “home away from home” child care service. The everyday routines and activities in family day care reflect the holistic way children learn and grow in the wider world of family and community. The Scheme has a commitment to children’s well-being and to protecting them from harm. State legislation and Scheme policies require carers to have a home that is safe, with sufficient space for children to play and sleep and with a fenced outside area for children to play. Coordinators support each carer to ensure his/her home is safe for child care. They will also support the carer in the establishment and maintenance of home based childcare in a range of different ways according to individual needs. Coordinators make regular home visits to carers to ensure that they are providing a quality service to parents and children and to support them in providing that care. A regular playgroup is organised for carers and children to attend. At playgroup, carers have the opportunity to network with other carers and children experience play-based learning in a larger group. They learn about relating to other children and adults in the safety of the playgroup environment. The ensures all carers have suitable, safe nursery equipment. The Scheme provides a Professional Resources Library and a Children’s Play Resource Library (Toy Library) from which the carers choose appropriate items to ensure the ongoing development of each child.   Privacy Statement  Brisbane North Family Day Care is committed to respecting, protecting and securing the privacy of all participants in the Scheme and to keeping all personal records confidential. The information parents give the scheme is collected for the following purposes Making an appropriate childcare placement Assisting in the provision of quality care Providing adequate resource and support to the carer. Attending to any medical needs Complying with State Government legislation (Child Care Act 2002 and  Child Care Regulation 2003) Complying with Commonwealth Government guidelines for FDC Completing National Child Care Census forms. Written and electronically stored information is kept in the scheme office which is locked when no staff member is present. A copy of information about children in care and their families is also stored confidentially at the home of any carer who cares for the child so that no other person has access to that information.