The service brings together educators and children at regular playgroups in Bega, Tathra and Pambula, but Wednesday’s had added significance.

“The theme of Children’s Week this year is ‘children’s rights’, that they have the right to be heard, listened to, respected and cherished,” BVFDC coordinator Zanette Burr said.

“It’s lovely to be able to bring the children together this week and put that into practice.

“Family day care is like a community raising a child, bringing educators, parents and children together, so at playgroup days like this we can really acknowledge that,” she said.

Ms Burr said it was also about celebrating the experience of the service’s carers.

“We have wonderful range of educators here today, someone like Caroline Cunningham who has been with us for 20 years and our newest educator Melissa Taylor is also here,” she said.

“They all bring something diverse and unique to the service.”

Family day care offers day care in a home environment by qualified carers and educators and is available throughout the Bega Valley.

The BVFDC Bega playgroup is held at Bega Baptist Church on Meringo St, which has a hall and small playground for the children.

BVFDC’s child development officers and playgroup leaders Erin Witcombe and Megan Whitford had a theme of “Teddy Bears Picnic” and many of the children had brought along a bear or their favourite stuffed animal to share lunch with.

For story time Ms Witcombe and Ms Whitford got educators and children to help them out act parts from the books Caps for Sale and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, which was a big hit with the children.

Anyone interested in becoming an educator with Bega Valley Family Day Care or placing their child with the service can call 6492 3788.