The exhibition features children’s art work, interactive art displays, photographs and toy memorabilia dating back to the 1970s.

Clarence City Council started the Clarence Family Day scheme in 1977 and has since cared for thousands of children with the scheme currently averaging more than 400 children each week.

The Clarence Family Day Care scheme provides care for children from birth to 13 years of age within private homes of qualified registered educators. The scheme coordinates care throughout southern Tasmania.

Mayor of Clarence, Alderman Doug Chipman said the longevity of the scheme was due to quality of the service provided by educators and staff.

“Family Day Care has vastly changed during the past 40 years particularly with the introduction and changes to national and state standards,” Mayor of Clarence, Alderman Doug Chipman said.

“Council and Staff of the Clarence Family Day Care scheme have embraced and adapted to these changes. Educators and coordination staff are assessed and rated in accordance with the National Quality Framework and the scheme is rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard and we are committed to ensuring we deliver a quality service for children and their families.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank past and present educators and coordination staff for their valued contribution during the past 40 years, as well as the families who have supported this scheme.”

Educators and coordination unit staff are qualified and offer a quality environment to nurture and stimulate the development of children cared for. Educators develop a curriculum based on the Early Years Learning Framework which is a National Framework for Early Childhood educators.

In 2005 the scheme moved into purpose-built premises at Alma Street in Bellerive. The centre includes an extensive toy and resource library.

The exhibition, ‘40 years of Family Day Care’, will continue until Sunday 7 May 2017 (Wed-Sun, 11am-5pm).

For more information on the Clarence Family Day Care scheme, phone 6245 8666 or visit the website at www.ccc-children.com.au.