Bright Stars Family Day Care is a great option for those who need more flexible care for their children.

When a local family had a medical emergency, it wasn’t just their state of health that worried them. With no family support in town they were also highly concerned about who was going to look their children.

Luckily the family had a reliable Bright Stars Family Day Care provider they could call on her during their time of need.

Christen Everist said working as an educator with the City of Greater Geraldton’s, Bright Stars Family Day Care, rather than in a day care centre allows her to give her clients more options.

“I have an extended license and can provide 24 hour, seven day a week care if need be,” Ms Everist explained.

Ms Everist said she helps a lot of families who do not work regular hours and often has children stay overnight.

“It is often people such as nurses and police who require extended care for their children,” Ms Everist said.

“I try and make the overnight stays an adventure for the children, make it a fun, safe, child orientated environment so the children feel comfortable being here.”

Acting manager of City of Greater Geraldton’s Bright Stars Family Day Care service Angela Williams said the family day care model allowed for more flexible care options.

“Family day care operates under the same National Quality Standards (NQS) as other forms of childcare; incorporating national regulations, educational frameworks and an assessment and ratings process,” Ms Williams said.

“However because care is provided by an individual, who is an approved, early childhood educator and care professional operating within their own home, they can choose to offer standard hours or they can offer extended care options in the evenings, before/after school, during school holidays and in some cases overnight and weekends.”

“Plus families have an added bonus, if eligible, to use the Federal Government Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate subsidies, no matter what time or day they access care,” Ms Williams explained.

Bright Stars Family Day Care currently has vacancies for children aged newborn to 12 years of age.

For more information on Bright Stars Family Day Care call (08) 9921 7155 or visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au/bright-stars