DataCare Connect
The Future Care Network Digital Platform · UniSQ CSC6200 Capstone Project · 2026
Backend Developer
DataCare Connect
Angela Cochrane, The Future Care Network
Dr Ignacio Zapata, UniSQ
Overview
DataCare Connect is a secure, privacy-focused web platform designed to address Australia’s regional childcare access crisis. Over 50,000 families in rural and regional Australia rely on unregulated Facebook groups to find childcare options, with no data privacy and no verification of educator credentials. DataCare Connect provides a structured, verified alternative.
My Role
As the backend developer, I designed and implemented the Node.js/Express REST API, database integration and security architecture. I contributed to backend logic, system integration, functional requirements refinement and final report consolidation.
Key Technical Contributions
- Designed and implemented the Node.js/Express backend with role-based access control
- Built the HMAC-SHA256 signed API access layer for government data consumers with time-limited signatures, single-use nonces and replay attack prevention
- Implemented JWT authentication, bcrypt password hashing, Zod schema validation, Helmet security headers, CORS controls and rate limiting
- Contributed to the eleven-table MySQL schema design including waitlisted_since timestamps, inclusivity flags and care type taxonomy
- Conducted the Sprint 4 requirements gap audit that identified five critical missing features
- Contributed to the final project report and requirements documentation
Technology Stack
Methodology
Agile Scrum – 4 two-week sprints, daily stand-ups, sprint retrospectives, trunk-based Git development
Outcome
All 20 functional test cases passed at delivery. Platform ready for staging deployment. Delivers structured waitlist data for the client’s June 2026 government funding submission.
Previous Professional Work
Developed and maintained web application features in a remote full-time team environment.
Built and maintained frontend components and integrated frontend interfaces with backend APIs across the LankaPropertyWeb production platform.
Developed web application modules and contributed to software testing and documentation in a remote internship setting.
Completed multiple academic software engineering projects spanning frontend, backend and database design across the Certificate, Diploma, HND and BSc qualifications.