More than 40 family day care residences across Melbourne have been immediately closed after the newly established Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) suspended the operations of Gabow Family Day Care.

The unprecedented decision, the first time VECRA has used its powers to immediately suspend a family day care provider, impacts families and educators in 15 outer Melbourne suburbs, including Epping, Craigieburn, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Lalor, and Mooroolbark. Gabow Family Day Care has been given 90 days to rectify the significant breaches identified by the regulator.

Landmark Regulatory Action

VECRA, which was established in January this year in response to growing community concerns about standards within the sector, issued the suspension today, effectively shuttering all centres and residences operated by Gabow. The regulator's Chief, Wendy Steendam, stated that it was evident Gabow had failed both the children entrusted to its care and the educators it employed.

“Immediately suspending a provider is a decision which impacts the childcare arrangements of parents and caregivers, but we make this decision because we know they wouldn’t want us to compromise on safety,” Ms. Steendam remarked. “It was clear to VECRA that Gabow has failed the children and families who rely on its services, as well as the educators who worked for it.”

Investigation Uncovers Multiple Breaches

The regulatory action followed a joint compliance and monitoring program conducted in May, where VECRA officers carried out inspections of Gabow sites alongside officials from the Federal Education Department. An emergency action notice was initially issued to Gabow in June after the regulator found that four of its educators did not possess the required qualifications.

These unqualified educators were promptly instructed to cease their duties of educating and caring for children until they obtained appropriate credentials. Further investigation by VECRA then uncovered an additional 23 breaches, culminating in the comprehensive 90-day suspension of the provider.

A Clear Message to the Sector

Ms. Steendam emphasised the strict expectations for all providers operating within Victoria's early childhood education landscape. “Everyone expects providers to follow the national legislation,” she stated. “When VECRA finds a provider is not meeting requirements, we will take swift action to ensure children are kept safe.”

Her message to the wider family day care sector was unequivocal: “Family day care providers are on notice. You must ensure your educators and their residences are compliant, and you must provide appropriate governance and leadership to your staff. If you don’t, we will take action.”

Family day care in Victoria is a registered service where qualified educators care for and tutor small groups of children, typically ranging from early infancy to 12 years old, within the educator's own private home. This week’s decision marks a pivotal moment for the new regulatory authority, demonstrating its commitment to enforcing high standards.

Wendy Steendam brings a wealth of experience to her role at VECRA, having served as Victoria Police’s deputy commissioner for a 42-year career in law enforcement before taking over the top position at the regulatory body on July 1.