Announcements - October 4, 2024
Intereach educators win Family Day Care awards
The outstanding impact two Intereach Family Day Care educators are having on shaping children’s lives has earned them prestigious awards.
Deniliquin’s Kirsty Thomas and Echuca’s Michelle Oellermann were named Regional Educators of the Year in the 2024 FDCA Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
It’s the second consecutive year Michelle has taken out the title for the Mildura and Murray region (Vic).
“Winning this award is an honour and I am deeply humbled to be recognised for my dedication and passion,” Michelle said.
“I hope to instil a lifelong love of learning for children who attend my service by creating an environment that encourages curiosity and wonder. To build and develop essential skills so they feel safe, secure and confident when they move on to kinder or school.”
Michelle (pictured left) with some of her Family Day Care children.
Michelle has been an educator with Intereach for seven years, bringing 17 years of experience working with children of all ages and nearly eight years of experience in the early childhood industry.
“I believe that each child that I have cared for in Family Day Care has had a profound impact on my journey as an educator and I am forever grateful,” she said.
“I am proud of my past and present children and they have been instrumental in the educator I am today.”
Kirsty, who won the award for the Wagga Wagga and Riverina area (NSW), said it was an incredibly special moment.
“It represents meaningful recognition of the passion and dedication I invest in supporting the growth and development of each child in my care,” she said.
“It validates the hard work, creativity, and love I put into creating a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. It also highlights the strong relationships I’ve built with the children, their families, and the wider community – connections that are essential to the success of my service.”
Kirsty (pictured left) with one many children she cares for at her home.
Kirsty started her career as a Family Day Care educator with Intereach almost three years ago.
“I aspire to leave a lasting positive impact on each child I have the privilege of caring for by nurturing their love of learning and helping them develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive as they grow,” she said.
“My primary goal is to create an environment where every child feels loved, valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
Intereach Family Day Care Program Manager Rebecca Fitzpatrick congratulated Kirsty and Michelle who were “well-deserving recipients of these awards”.
“Their love for providing the highest quality education and care to children and families in our communities is evident in everything they do, and Intereach is so proud of all that they do in their day-to-day practice,” she said.
Kirsty and Michelle said being a Family Day Care educator was a rewarding and exciting role that offered flexibility and the support of Intereach as a provider.
“I love Family Day Care. It is a unique environment that is nurturing, educational and supportive all in the comfort of a homely environment,” Michelle said.
“It’s a beautiful partnership when educators and parents work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes, such as shared decision making on their child’s individual learning goals, development and progress.”
Kirsty agreed, saying the incredible relationships she was able to build with the children and their families was the best thing about being a Family Day Care educator.
“The invaluable support of Intereach has also played a significant role in my professional growth and commitment to providing quality care,” she said.
The national finalists will be announced on 15 October, with the winner presented on 23 November 2024.
If you are interested in a rewarding career as an Intereach educator, please contact the Family Day Care team on 1300 488 226, email fdc@intereach.com.au or visit our website: Become a Family Day Care Educator – Intereach
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