FDCA 2026-2029 Strategic Plan: Strengthening the Future of Family Day Care

Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) is pleased to announce the release of our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Plan sets FDCA’s direction for the years ahead and responds directly to the evidence, insights and challenges identified through a comprehensive strategic planning process.

Importantly, the Strategic Plan has been developed during a period of significant change across the early childhood education and care landscape. The sector continues to operate in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.

FDCA has shared the 2026-29 Strategic Plan with Senator the Hon Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education, and has called on Minister Walsh to work with us, as a matter of urgency, to secure the sector’s future as a critical element in the government’s vision for universal access. 

FDCA CEO Andrew Paterson’s correspondence highlights the very real predicament facing our sector, which is being broadly driven by regulatory and workforce pressures, which are culminating in ongoing viability decline. Andrew subsequently met with the Minister’s ECEC Policy Advisor, senior members of the Department of Education’s Executive and has secured a commitment to meet with Minister Walsh in the coming weeks. 

A copy of Andrew’s correspondence can be viewed here.

Informed by Evidence, Guided by Members

In developing the Strategic Plan, FDCA drew on a broad evidence base including member consultation, sector and policy analysis, awareness and perception research, membership data and strategic planning workshops.

Importantly, the voice and experience of members were central to the process. Feedback consistently highlighted the increasing pressures facing the sector, including administrative burden, workforce and viability challenges, and the need for stronger recognition of family day care’s unique role within the ECEC landscape.

The Strategic Plan builds on the strong foundations of the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan while recognising that the structural, policy and regulatory environment is dynamic and rapidly evolving.  It reflects both the challenges currently facing the sector and the opportunities to strengthen family day care’s long-term sustainability, visibility and value within Australia’s ECEC system.

Looking Forward

The 2026-2029 Strategic Plan outlines a refined Vision and Mission that establishes clear priorities, goals and objectives for FDCA and the sector.

The years ahead will be critical. However, with the right strategic focus, improved alignment of policy and funding settings, and continued collaboration across the sector, family day care can strengthen its position as a valued, visible and viable option of choice for children, families and sector professionals across Australia.

While the challenges are significant, they also reinforce the critical importance of member informed national leadership and a clear strategic direction for the future of family day care.

To view a copy of the FDCA 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, click here.