Educators called for
National Family Day Care Week was marked in Hedland earlier this month as the call was put out for more educators to get on board.
There was a large turnout of care staff, educators and families for the Hedland CSSU Family Day at Cemetery Beach Park.
The barbecue and get-together was a chance for children to play together and for parents and educators to chat.
The theme of the event was Let's Get Active Together, with children participating in plenty of fun and stimulating activities using recycled materials.
Children's Services Support Unit family day care service co-ordinator Rebecca Jones said across the country the use of family day care services had increased more than 15 per cent in the past few years.
She said family day care met individual family needs.
"There is a high need for more educators in Hedland, with families contacting the service on a weekly basis for care for their children," she said.
There are four family day care providers operating in South Hedland and two in Port Hedland, but most have waiting lists.
Tania Robinson and Kylie Kleingeld both have children who attend SMARTies Family Day Care in South Hedland.
Both mothers sang the praises of educator Amanda Scikluna and said family day care provided them with flexible child care.
"We think Amanda is amazing, we feel blessed that our kids are there," Ms Robinson said.
To find out more about how to become a family day care educator, contact Ms Jones on 0411 087 827.
