Flexible childcare in a safe and friendly home environment

Amanda

Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5.15pm

Amanda

Qualifications: Diploma in Children’s Services, first aid, Asthma anaphylaxis and many short courses related to early childhood education and care.

About me: I began my career in the Early Childhood industry in 2001 and have worked in long daycare, out of school care and in 2010 joined the Intereach Family Day Care team.

My service: I offer a range of experiences in my program, from intentional teaching, spontaneous, building on children’s interests, children’s strengths, and areas they may need improving. This is supported by the Early Years Learning Framework. We have regular outings in the community and meet with other educators to provide larger group interactions and opportunities. We also offer ‘Storypark’ communication where your child’s time in care is documented, evaluated and experiences planned for each individual child, to which you have 24/7 access.  My aim is to build loving, trusting relationships with children and families and to give children a sense of a home away from home.

My facility: We live on five acres close to town, allowing us to have room for chooks, a large bird aviary, a cat, fruit trees, vegetable gardens to observe and care for.  Indoors we have a playroom set up according to children’s interests.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am to 4.30pm (negotiable)

Angela

About me:

Regional Winner for Wagga Wagga and Riverina Area in the The Family Day Care Educator of the Year in 2017 and 2018.

My facility:

The children have a vegetable garden they tend to and we use the produce in cooking experiences or they have the opportunity to take it home. We also spend time looking after the general garden and our plant stall in the front driveway where the children sell succulents, seedlings and packets of seeds and use the money earned to buy new supplies for the garden.

Change Hours of operation:

Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm or by negotiation.

Annette

Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services; Diploma of Children’s Services; Diploma of Management; Provide an emergency First Aid response in an education and care setting (First Aid) and identify and respond to children and young people at risk (child protection).

My service: I offer children stimulating learning experiences and activities with a daily routine that is flexible to cater for the needs of the individual child. I develop a monthly program that is based on your child’s interests, allows for free play, spontaneous and intentional teaching activities unique to your child and the group.  By providing a mixture of these teachings provides your child with opportunities to extend their current knowledge but will also open them up to wonderful new and exciting opportunities.   I take daily observations that will help me to program to support your child and foster group learning while also meeting the requirements of the regulations and the National Quality Framework.

Facility: I provide a purpose-built room that caters to the needs of the children while maintaining an at-home feel. there is a sleeping room and outdoor area to cater specific to the children’s ages 

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8 am-4 pm

Belinda

Qualifications: Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

About me: I started my Family Day care journey in 2021, and it has been so rewarding! I am a mum of two wonderful daughters Lily and Addilyn. I am a very passionate Early Childhood Educator, always ensuring the best outcomes and opportunities for the children and families in my care are provided for.

My service: At Bee’s Family Day Care, I offer a homely environment, where we offer indoor/outdoor play opportunities. I believe being outdoors is extremely beneficial to all children’s health and wellbeing. Bee’s Family Day care provided a monthly program and the program will reflect all the children’s interests, strength’s. I provide a safe, loving, nurturing and happy environment for all children.

My facilities: I offer Indoor/outdoor play experiences. My environments invites the children to make their own choices, encouraging free play and imagination as they engage with friends and myself throughout their play and learning experiences. Sensory play is always on offer.

Hours: Monday – Thursday 8am to 5pm, I am flexible to meet the family’s needs.

Colleen

Qualifications: I have been a Family Day Care Educator for the past 15 years. I originally started my home based service due to my love of children, and I could also envisage it being a fulfilling and rewarding career.  I follow the Early Learning Years Framework and regularly attend training and webinars to educate myself and improve my skills. I have also been a registered educator since 2004

My service: I provide a warm, inclusive and educational environment, recognising that all children are unique individuals, with different needs and qualities. They all deserve to feel safe and secure. Developing relationships with both the child and their family is my priority. This is achieved through regular and effective communication as well as being inclusive of religious and cultural beliefs. I offer a fun, educational experience in a home based setting by providing a program that supports the individual child. I offer many and varied activities, such as music, natural play and incorporating the children’s interests into our program.

My facility: I provide an atmosphere where the children are free to explore, have fun and learn. This involves intentional teaching and spontaneous play. We are also active community participants, attending ‘Story-time’ and Playgroup weekly. We also meet up with the other local educator and her children regularly. We go to the schools for any functions as well as preschool. I program in response to observations and documentation of children’s strengths, abilities and interests. We have fun and the children form strong bonds with myself and each other.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm (or on a needs basis).

Debbie

Qualifications: Diploma Early Childhood, Certificate III Teacher’s Aide

About me: I have been a registered educator since 2017 with over 20 years of experience in the Early Childhood Sector. For 10 years I also worked as a teacher’s aide for children with special needs. I am a mother of three and a grandmother of five awesome grandchildren.

My service: I provide each child with a flexible but stable routine. Children learn about respecting all cultures and I promote a focus on building relationships of respect and trust.

My facility: is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Kooringal, Wagga Wagga. There is a large backyard with lots of outdoor toys, a covered concreted area that is great for riding bikes scooters as well as a sandpit, cubby house, climbing frame and more.

Hours: Monday – Thursday 8 am-5 pm, Casual care is available on Friday and Saturday.

Dianne

Qualifications: Diploma of Children’s Services (Early childhood, education and care)

About me: I’ve been a mum for 33 years and a Family Day Care Educator for 27 years. Family is my life and now I’m fortunate enough to have my own grandchildren in my FDC setting.

My service: My philosophy as a Family Day Care Educator is to provide a safe and loving environment for all children 0-12. I believe that children learn best through play, as play provides opportunities for children to develop a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, connect and contribute to their world, become confident and involved learners and learn to communicate effectively. I believe in working collaboratively with children and families to build trusting, respectful and meaningful relationships. My service is guided by the National Quality Standards, Early Years Learning Framework, My Time Our Place and VEYLF.

My facility: I am very fortunate to be able to have room to move. Plenty of indoor activities and a wonderful outdoor area. Our home is cool in summer and warm and inviting in winter.

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 7.30am to 4.30pm.

Emma

Qualifications: After completing my Diploma in Children’s Services in 1996 I worked in Long Day Care with children aged 0-12 years. I hold my Level 2 First Aid Certificate, including Asthma and Anaphylaxis training, Child Protection training and participate in ongoing regular professional development to keep my skills and knowledge up to date.

About me: I’ve been working in child care since I finished high school in 1994, in both Long Day Care and then Family Day Care when U had my own family. I’ve been in Family Day Care for 21 years. I love watching the children I care for grow from babies to school-age.

My service: I work 5 days a week with 4 children a day. The children while in care get to learn a range of skills through play and exploring activities throughout the day. The option of getting out in the community to support children’s connection to where they live is something that occurs regularly in my service.  I believe the first few years of a child’s life are the most influential; this is when children learn the most. I offer children consistent care with fun, age-appropriate, challenging learning experiences in a safe, secure home environment which enables children to grow and develop. I believe by providing care where children can have more one-on-one time with educators allows them to build strong self-confidence and self-esteem and the ability to deal with everyday issues and communicate their needs. Given these opportunities, children can grow up and be the best at what they choose to do. Family Day Care is great for building partnerships between carers, children and families. It is important to show respect and give lots of positive nurturing. I believe it is important to communicate openly with families to provide quality child care options. I also believe it is important to set rules and guidelines for children in my care so they feel comfortable and confident.

My facility: I have a large area for children inside my house which I change monthly to keep children interested and all toys are developmental age appropriate. Also have a large outdoor play space and often go to park with other educators to have more social interaction with others .

Hours: I work 5 days a week with my hours being Monday 7am – 5:30pm, Tuesday 7am – 5:30pm, Wednesday 7am – 5pm, Thursday 7am – 4pm and Friday 7am – 5pm.

Faye

Qualifications: Certificate III

About me: I have been working in Family Daycare since 2003 and have experience with disabled children.

My service: My service offers outdoor play, nature walks, visiting other educators for group activities, arts and crafts, free play, and excursions to the botanical gardens.  All outings comply with safety standards and policies. The children have input in the activities we do each day as I believe it’s important to cater to their interests.

My facility: I have a big backyard with a raised cubby house with shade attached. The children can play on the Swings, sandpit, and trampoline as well as ride bikes and scooters in our huge undercover area. Children can also have fun with the fairy garden and they enjoy collecting fresh produce from the veggie garden.

Hours: Monday – Friday 8am -5.30pm

Jenny

Qualifications: Professional Development (grandfathering); Professional Learning (Early Years Framework); First Aid; Asthma Management Training; Anaphylaxis Training; Working With Children check; Child Protection Training.

About me: I have worked in the early childcare sector since 1989, and it is something that I’m truly passionate about. I have three adult children and 11 grandchildren. I am passionate about providing children with a high quality home based environment, ensuring they always feel comfortable and enjoy a warm and nurturing environment which will help stimulate their interest in play, to feel confident to engage in learning relationships with me, the educator, and also their peers. Children will have opportunities to explore, experiment, discover and to be creative to solve problems and to also express their ideas.

 My service: I provide children with a safe, nurturing environment, where they are free to learn at their own pace through a combination of play, child initiated experiences and intentional teaching. I plan for the children’s learning based on their individual interests and needs guided by the Early Years Learning Framework. The children in my care will have opportunities to explore the community with regular visits to the local park, library as well as organised excursions and activities based on the children’s interests and developmental milestones. This provides opportunities for the children to reach their potential in all areas of their development.

 My facility: The children have access to a range of toys, equipment and resources with planned activities throughout the day. Our daily routine incorporates a variety of structural and free play activities, such as playdough, blocks, puzzles, drawing, painting open ended resources, painting, outdoor play, group activities, music, movement, language, literacy experiences and more. I have a large grassed outdoor area covered by large trees where the children can enjoy many outdoor experiences such as gross motor toys, bikes, ride-on, tunnels and balls, whilst enjoying the natural outdoor space.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am to 6pm (negotiable).

Jenny

Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services

About me: I have been working in Early Childhood for over 20 years and have an extensive range of personal certificates in all aspects of working with children. I am married with 3 adult children and 1 grandchild. I am involved in my local churches and community.

My service: In my FDC Service I value every child and their family feeling like they are part of our extended family. I aim for a caring and loving environment where children are educated to maximise their learning potential. I like to go on outings with children into the community such as parks, the library, op shops and nature walks. We celebrate Indigenous culture, Science Week, enjoy crafts, participate in local events and celebrate children’s birthdays.

My facilities: I have a purpose built Day Care Playroom and a large outdoor area with opportunities for risky play. I have an outdoor pool which is fenced to regulations and not used during FDC hours.

Hours: Monday – After school only. Tuesday to Friday 6.30am – 5.30pm. Saturday and Sunday by appointment only.

Jo

Qualifications: Certificate III in Child Care; First Aid Certificate; Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management; Child Protection training; ongoing professional development.

About me: I have worked as a Family Day Care Educator since 2002. My background is in the Children and Family Services sector, working for various organisations prior to joining Family Day Care. I am a passionate Educator, always striving to ensure the best outcomes and opportunities for the children and families in my care.

My service: Jo Jo’s Family Day Care aims to provide a loving, nurturing environment for the children and families in the Echuca/Moama area. The children and families have always been a part of our home environment. My program encourages sustainable practices, use of recyclable materials and encouraging the children to respect and appreciate the outdoor environment. The children enjoy taking care of our two guinea pigs and have supervised access to a dog.

My facility: The indoor area is bright and spacious and I have many resources to promote children’s learning. Outdoors there is a large protected undercover area where the children enjoy messy play, water play and a range of dramatic play options. We have a cubby and a sand pit. We regularly take a walk to the local parks.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7.45am to 4.30pm (flexible).

Kelly

Qualifications: Certificate 3 in Children’s Services, First Aid, Child Protection

About me: I am a mum of three energetic boys who are all at school. I have been a Family Day Care educator for 11 years and love working with families and watching children grow. I spend my weekends at my children’s sporting events, and enjoy reading a good book.

My service: My service has been running for 11 years, I strive to provide exceptional care for children aged 4 months to 12 years. I like to create a nurturing learning environment where children can feel comfortable and respected while engaging in play. I understand the importance of communication with families and enjoy regular conversation to gather information about their child, helping me create a program to promote the child’s interests and developmental growth. I also offer before school care, with a bus stop conveniently located at the front of my home.

My facilities: I have a separate room located off my home dedicated to my Family Day Care service, it contains a kitchenette, bathroom and lots of room for rest and play. I also have a room for messy play if the weather is not appropriate. And I have a decent sized backyard perfect for outdoor play, with a sandpit and a cubby house.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4pm

Kelly

Qualifications: Diploma in Community Services Children’s Services.

About me: Before starting in Family Day Care, I worked in a committee-run Long Day Care Centre. I worked for four years in the 0-3 room before moving into the 3-5 room for a further 2.5 years. I then took on the director’s roll for 1.5 years before leaving the centre to look after my young family.

My service: I believe that children learn best by playing and try to encourage their individualism in a safe and stimulating environment. I find having a ratio of one adult to four children allows me to interact with each individual child and teach them to express their feelings and ideas in an age appropriate manner. I work closely with parents to ensure the transition into care is as smooth as possible for all involved. I encourage open communication with parents so that each child is receiving the best care they can.

My facility: I purchased a little house that I’ve done up for the purpose of family day care. There is a large air conditioned play space with separate sleep room. Children are able to roam freely around the room enjoying all experiences on offer. The outside area is large and open with a huge cubby and fort built off the ground. I like to take the children to the park daily where we meet up with another family day care educator and children. The children are encouraged to explore nature and take risks and have an ‘I can’ attitude. Every day I fill out communication books with what the child has done for the day and this often include photos. Parents are encouraged to write in these books so children’s learning and interests can be extended.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8.30am to 5pm

Kelly

Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services, First Aid, Emergency Asthma Management, First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis

About me: I have worked as an early childhood educator for nearly 15 years and am extremely passionate about my work. I am married and a mother of two boys. I have lived in Echuca most of my life and have strong ties to the community.

My service: Children are offered a wide range of learning experiences both indoors and outdoors.  I enjoy working together with families to provide quality care. I structure my program to ensure the needs of each child are met while respecting culture and embracing diversity.

My facility: Children can play with a range of toys both indoors and outdoors. We regularly go for walks to the park and visit other educators for playgroup.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm (can be flexible when required)

Kirsty

Qualifications: Diploma of Children’s Services, First Aid Certificate, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management, Child Protection Training, Ongoing Professional Development

About me: I am a Diploma qualified educator with 11 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education Sector. Prior to embarking on my Family Day Care journey, I worked in Long Day Care services and a mobile service, caring for children in various rural communities.

My service: I provide carefully designed indoor and outdoor play spaces to inspire learning, curiosity, and imagination. My aim is to establish a nurturing, caring, and secure environment, serving as your child’s home away from home. I implement a flexible daily routine, fostering a sense of routine and belonging for the children. Each month, I develop a theme-based program filled with engaging learning experiences covering a wide range of topics. Communication through ‘StoryPark’ includes your child’s routines and learning cycles. My Family Day Care service places a strong emphasis on community engagement, enhancing children’s experiences. I organise various outings and excursions, incursions with guest speakers, and participate in community events. These real world connections make learning meaningful. Additionally, we collaborate with local professionals and engage in numerous fundraising events throughout the year.

My facility: I have a dedicated Family Day Care room within my home. For children needing a rest, a separate sleep room is provided for an uninterrupted and quality sleep experience. Children not requiring a sleep can continue playing and learning seamlessly. I offer a diverse range of toys, resources, and equipment catering to children from infancy to school age.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8.30am – 4.30pm

Kristi

Qualifications: Diploma in Children’s Services; Certificate III in Children’s Services; Certificate IV in Business; Working with Children Check; Police Check; First Aid and CPR including Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management.

My service: My aim is to provide a nurturing family environment with age appropriate activities ensuring every child in my care has the best possible experiences each day as part of the Early Years Learning Framework. We go on regular approved outings, some of these include the Library, Twisted Science, Banyule State Forest and homes of other FDC Educators, as well as Intereach and parent approved pre-organized excursions like a train ride to the Bendigo Discovery Centre, Melbourne Zoo and Melbourne Aquarium. The Kyabram Fauna Park is also an excursion we love to do. Even though we have a wide range of excursions to enjoy I plan these making sure children have opportunities to enjoy our own play environment here at Kristi’s Family Day Care.

My facility: Both our indoor and outdoor environments are set up to invite children to make their own choices, encouraging spontaneity and imagination as they engage with friends and myself throughout their play. Some of our outdoor play spaces include a shallow rocky river, teepee, water wall, veggie garden, noise board made from pots and pans, outdoor stage, mud kitchen, fort made from pallets and more.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 6.30am to 6pm (minimum hours 6/day)

Kristie

Qualifications: Certificate III in Child Care and Education. Food Safety Supervisor. All mandatory qualifications related to working with children.

About me: I have been in Early Childhood all my working career and started with Intereach FDC in 2022. I am married with 5 children and enjoy family time and gardening.

My service: My aim for my FDC Service is for it to be an extension of home. I enjoy the partnership with families that FDC brings and the close relationships with all families to support their child or children’s development and daily needs. My educational learning is indirect and includes a focus on music and movement, outdoor learning and social connections.

My facilities: My Service is on a farm and provides a bush setting outdoors, and with baby animals at certain times of the year. My indoor play space is an extension of home with sleep room, kitchen, bathroom and large play space.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 6pm

Lauren

Qualifications: Certificate 3 in Children’s Services

About me: I’m a mum to 3 beautiful children. I’m passionate about helping your children to grow and develop into confident and independent learners.

My service: Little Seeds Family Day Care Philosophy – I am committed to providing a welcoming, safe, secure and encouraging play-based, home learning environment for your children to participate in. I am a big believer in helping children to shine in their own individual way and to develop a strong sense of self. A feeling of belonging to our Family Day Care community and giving constant encouragement and providing the right tools to help the children be active participants in their own learning and development. My role as an Educator is to provide enriching activities and programs based on your children’s interests, family input, along with developmental milestones and learning outcomes to help your children feel supported as they learn about their strengths and weaknesses. Also learning how to express themselves and their feelings and learning how to overcome challenges. Helping them to become confident and independent learners and individuals. I am guided by professional standards such as the National Quality Standards, Code of Ethics and the Early Years Learning Framework in all my practices, interactions, relationships programming and observations. I recognise that children learn and grow through play and through their interactions, relationships and experiences with others and the environment. Because of this as an Educator, I am responsible for providing all children with positive learning experiences. I strive to model respect, patience and care for all children and adults I come in contact with. Children have a right to have their needs met in a respectful and caring way. I endeavour to form close relationships with each child under my care and their families. To incorporate a child’s home community into the program. To see each child as a unique individual, with a great capacity to learn and able to make positive contributions to those around them. I strive to provide an environment where children and families from all backgrounds feel welcome and respected. I aspire to always strive for continual improvement, to seek feedback and continual input from families and peers and to be able to work in a great partnership with families ‘a child’s first Educator’, to be able to continue offering the highest possible learning outcomes and enriching learning environment for your children.

My facility: Set up for all ages in a safe, comfortable play based learning environment, with a warm homely feel.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7am – 5pm

Leanne

Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services and First Aid along with many professional development trainings.

About me: I am a caring and enthusiastic educator with many years experience in Long Day Care, Preschool and Family Day Care. My hobbies are bike riding, bush walking and camping. I have three adult children and two young grandchildren whom attend my service. I believe in believe in being equitable and fair to all families using my service creating a sense of belonging.

My service: I pride myself in providing a safe and caring environment, valuing families knowledge, ideas and interests. I believe that the early years is an important time to nurture children’s love of learning and foster their overall well-being . I strive to provide environments that are inviting, fun and inspire wonder and curiosity. Play is the base of learning as children learn best by doing. Routine also plays an important role in my service, giving children opportunities to meet their needs of rest, physical activity, meal times and group times where we sing, read, dance and play games.

My Facility: I am located on the outskirts of Wagga in the suburb of Lake Albert situated on a 5 acre block where children can play and explore. There is both natural and built equipment throughout our play area accommodating physical and social interactions as well as quiet play spaces. Separate sleep areas are available to meet individual needs and cultural practices. I welcome prospective families to visit and join in our activities.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7.30am – 5.15pm

Linda

Qualifications: Registered and licensed Family Day Care Educator since 2009; Certificate III Children’s Services; Updated knowledge of FDC Policies, Procedures and Regulations; Senior First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management; Early Years Learning Framework and National Standards Training.

About me: My husband Michael and I moved to Finley in 2000. We have four children – Sarah (1996), Grace (2001), Jacob (2002) and Cate (2005).

My service: I believe all children deserve quality childcare in a safe and caring family environment. My home will always be warm and welcoming, encouraging each child to feel part of it. I believe children learn through a ‘play based’ environment, catering for individual strengths, cultures, ages and stages of development. I offer group and more individual experiences to your child, in which they can learn, develop their own skills, risk assess and socialise, all with imagination and fun, feeling belonging here at all times.

My facility: I offer a safe, secure and happy home environment. We have a smoke and pet free home with plenty of space for children to have fun, learn and play. Ours is an imaginative and fun environment with a focus on educational and developmental activities where empathy and kindness shine through. It is a ‘homey environment with plenty of room to explore, play and learn no matter what the weather, inside and outside.

Hours: Flexible

Lisa

Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services, first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma training and regular ongoing training.

About me: I’ve been a FDC Educator since 2014 and with Intereach Family Day Care since 2019. I am married with two adult daughters. I enjoy seeing the children I care for grow, build their confidence and learn new things while in my care.

My service: In my FDC Service I value children feeling happy, content, safe and included. I enjoy taking children to the local park and planning craft activities to do together.

My facility: I conduct FDC in a separate room from the main house, using a separate toilet and hand washing facilities. I have an undercover patio area and a grass area for outdoor play.

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 8am-6pm.

Lisa

Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services

About me: I started in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2005 and recently located to Nyah and have been with Intereach FDC since 2023. In my free time I like cooking and gardening and spending time with my grandson.

My service: In my FDC Service I focus on children’s interests and believe children learn through play. I value my local community and plan activities based around what’s happening locally, so regular outings and nature walks are part of my program.

My facilities: My FDC Service is an early learning space specially proved for Family Day Care. It offers a sleeping room, play room and outdoor area. The Learning Environment is changes regularly to support children’s interests and development.

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 8:30am – 5pm (hours flexible)

Lynda

Qualifications:  Certificate III in Children’s Services; Senior First Aid; Asthma and Anaphylaxis First Aid; Statement of Attainment Child Protection.

My service: I like to provide a safe and nurturing environment which I have kept developing since I started working in Early Childhood Education in 2001. I continue to improve my service by attending new learning experiences and trainings made available to me. This helps me to encourage our children to develop their own individual skills and knowledge.
The environment and play space I provide leads to children learning through play. I focus where I can on nature play, walking to the local island sanctuary and parks, gardening, recycling or “up” cycling reusing where we can, plus attending the local library and playgroups to encourage a sense of community.

My facilities: Our indoor environment includes a small kitchenette allowing for warm lunches and snacks in the colder weather. There are free choice toy shelves and a small library of books to share, as well as an art and craft cupboard. I have two separate sleep rooms. Our outdoor area is divided into small adventure worlds – a farm, dinosaurs, fairy garden, construction sandpit and a vegetable garden to grow our own vegetables.

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8am to 5pm. Holiday care available.

Margaret

Qualifications: Diploma of Children’s Services

About me: I have worked in the Early Childhood sector since 2005. During this time I have built my knowledge and skills as a Toddler Room Leader before commencing my career in Family Day Care. I have been caring for children in my family day care since 2016. I have a husband and 2 daughters who are supportive of my family day care. I am a Nan to 5 grandchildren ranging in ages of 17 down to 3 years. I enjoy crocheting and photography and spending time with my family.

My service: My service is provides a nurturing and caring environment. As a mother and grandmother I understand the importance of building positive respectful relationships with the children. These positive relationships are important for every child’s positive start in their Early Childhood Education. I enjoy creating play spaces outside that foster the children’s play through physical, imaginative and sensory with the very popular mud kitchen. I like to create an environment in my home for the children and families to feel comfortable coming into and sharing this space. I program for each child’s individual needs and create play spaces based on the children’s interests in their play.

My facilities: I have a School room with it’s own access for easy drop off and pick up of children. The private back yard is a rather large space with lush lawns and a nature habitat of beautiful large trees for shade for play spaces. A natural mud kitchen amongst the trees for children to engage in imaginary play and sensory play and a large veggie/flower garden.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am to 5pm.

Marita

Qualification: Associate Diploma in Child Care Studies with updated courses over the 38 years.

About me: I have worked across several child care platforms from teacher’s aid, to disability support services from children to adults in group homes. Services provided were writing individual reports to develop skills in home help, community engagement and personal care needs. For the last 23 years I have worked as a Family Day Care educator across 2 services, Wagga Wagga City Council and now Intereach. I’m a volunteer within community groups.

About my service: I am passionate about providing care and a program that supports each child’s individual needs, learning goals and development milestones. Due to having small groups I can track each individual child’s development. My service is based on having a curiosity approach where children can explore a child-led learning program with loose parts learning with lots of natural resources. Where children are given opportunities to figure things out for themselves, which enables them to build confidence, be creative, build critical thinking skills and problem solve.

My facility: I embrace the rights of all children to access and participate in programs. I provide a flexible program and environments that meet individual needs and interests. I truly focus on each individual child’s development and individual needs, while providing high quality early learning in a natural environment of a family home. I believe that play should be fun, hands on, spontaneous, stimulating and challenging while providing opportunity for children to experiment, discover, explore, create, take risks, learn through achievement and mistakes, practice skills over and over, make choices and decisions with support of their peers and educator. My program offers a natural approach to play and discovery allowing opportunities for children to figure things out for themselves, building upon the curiosity approach to learning. I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Indigenous Owners of this land on which we work, play and learn and pay respect to Elders both past and present and emerging. Throughout my program I have embedded the welcoming garnering circle where children engage in Acknowledgement to Country every day. I actively promote inclusion, culturally safe and actively advocate for child’s rights.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8am – 4pm

Mary

Qualifications: Diploma of Teaching (Primary); Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Career background: I have 3 adult children, a lovely grand daughter and I enjoy gardening. I trained in Primary School Education, and prior to Family Day Care, I spent six years as a Reading Recovery Teacher in a local Primary School.

My service:  I have been a Family Day Care educator since January 2015. Have been working with Intereach from July 2019. I value positive relationships with children. I support children in developing to their potential. I endeavour to partner with parents to provide the best care for their child.

My facilities: I’m in a rural setting and have a large outdoor play space. With 2 indoor play areas and a dedicated sleep room.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am to 6pm.

Maryann

Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services and Certificate IV in Aged Care and Disability

Career background: I have worked in Early Childhood Long Day Care for 10 years, and now in Family Day Care for 15 years. I have two grown up children who have moved out of home.

My service: I provide a warm and friendly home environment for children to feel confident in achieving their learning goals.

My facility:  I have a large outdoor area sectioned off for children to play outdoors safely, and explore the natural environment. Supervision is very important to my practice. My indoor play spaces include a lounge area and an art/craft space.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am to 5pm.

Meridith

Qualifications: Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care).

Career background: I have been a registered educator since 1998. I am a married mother of two children and I have been working in the Family Day Care industry for 22 years. Both of my children have grown up and left home, but visit occasionally, so there is now generally just myself and my husband at home.

My service: This is based around a simple philosophy that relates to my personal life, as much as my professional one. I believe everyone has the right to feel safe, secure, respected and valued, both physically and mentally. I believe intrinsically that children are the future and that I, as an adult and carer, am bound to provide for all these needs to ensure they have the best start in their life. I ensure this is achieved by providing a friendly, loving and inclusive environment where all who come to my home are free to grow and learn new skills through a range of enjoyable and fun routines and experiences.

My facility: I run my Day Care from my home in Swan Hill. We have a four-bedroom weatherboard house that I have extended to now include a large play room that is specifically for the children. It has easily accessed shelving so they can choose their own toys, a blackboard/whiteboard for drawing, room to use ride-on toys and a home corner. We also have a fridge for the children’s drinks and food, plus a separate toilet and sink.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8am to 5.30pm.

Michelle

Qualifications: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care: Diploma in PC Engineering; Certificate III in Marketing Management; Statement of Attainment HLTAID004 First Aid; Statement of Attainment Child Protection training. Working towards accreditation Curiosity Approach, currently studying towards a Diploma in Early Childhood.

About me: I started Shell’s Family Day Care in 2018 and have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I started working with children of all ages in 2005 when I was a franchisee owner of a Kumon Maths and English centre in South Africa. When we immigrated to Australia, I then continued my work in a Long Day Care Centre here in Echuca where my passion grew for early learning.

My service: My Family Day Care Service is committed to providing a warm, safe, inclusive environment for the children and children’s families. I am committed to creating a learning environment that is stimulating, educational, nurturing, and flexible to each child interests, goals, and strengths. At Shell’s Family Day Care, children are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the natural world and children are supported to take an active role in caring for the environment. My focus is on the whole child, each child is unique, is valued, and nurtured accordingly. Children have the freedom to learn through play and reach their developmental milestones. I am passionate about early learning and love to create beautiful play spaces that allows each child to explore, be curious and learn through their play. Here at Shell’s, we use authentic resources that are sustainable and open ended.

Hours: Monday: 9:30am – 4.30pm, Tuesday-Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm

Pauline

Qualifications: Certificate III in Child Care; First Aid Certificate: Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management; Child Protection training; ongoing professional development.

About me: I started my career in Family Day Care in 1988 and joined the Intereach team in 2012. I have since enjoyed caring for children and working with families in the local community.

My service: Pauline’s Family Day Care home is in central Moama so we have regular walks to the local park where we can explore the environment. My philosophy is to provide a quality Family Day Care service to the children and families in the Echuca/Moama area, working closely with families to ensure the children are happy and well cared for.

My facility: I provide a home-like environment both indoors and outdoors. The large outdoor environment provides much opportunity for motor activity and exploratory play. Indoors also provides opportunity for individual and group play with dress-ups, books, cars, trains and a variety of equipment to support the children’s learning.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7.30am to 5pm.

Rebecca

Qualifications: Diploma in Children’s Services

About me: I have been working with Children for 24 years. Early Childhood Education is my passion and I love helping children grow and learn each day.

My service: I support children in their learning by offering a child-led program that allows children to play and learn focusing on individual needs and interests.

My facility: The children have a purpose built play space both indoors and out. They have access to a variety of materials and resources to promote exploration, provide challenge and encourage creativity.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm

Sally

Qualifications: Diploma of Children’s Services; Diploma of Community Services; First Aid Certificate; Asthma and Anaphylaxis management; Child Protection training; ongoing professional development.

About me: I have worked as a Family Day Care Educator for many years. I registered as a Family Care Educator in 2002 and have since enjoyed caring for children and working with families in the local community. In 2013 I was nominated for Educator of the Year. I was born and raised in Rochester and did all my schooling here.

My service: Sally’s Family Day Care aims to provide a loving, nurturing environment for the children and families in Rochester and surrounding areas. The children and families have always been a part of my home environment and I like the children to feel they are coming to their aunty’s place and not day care.

My facility: The outdoor area is large and inviting where the children enjoy craft, water play, messy play and a range of dramatic play options.  We have a cubby and a sand pit. The children enjoy collecting the eggs from the chooks. Indoors also provides opportunity for individual and group play. Sally’s Family Day Care home is in central Rochester so we are able to enjoy regular neighbourhood walks where we can explore the local environment. We also visit the local library to borrow books.

Hours: Monday – Friday and after school care. Flexible and negotiable.

Sandra

Qualifications: Diploma in Children’s Services; Certificate III in Children’s Services; Working with Children Check; Police Check; First Aid Certificate; Asthma and Anaphylaxis management; Child Protection training; ongoing professional development to keep up to date with changes in legislation and new ideas for children’s learning.

About me: I am married with two adult aged sons who grew up within our Family daycare environment. I am a dedicated educator who has been providing quality care to children and their families in the Echuca/Moama area for 28 years.

My service: I am located in Echuca South and provide an environment that is focused on play-based learning, which is stimulating and encourages independence growth and development, that is respectful and inclusive of all who attends. I believe each and every child has the right to reach their full potential, and this begins in a nurturing environment that provides warmth, safety and opportunities to explore their curiosity through fun-based activities. I strive to work alongside families providing the parents with clear communication, listening to their needs and being flexible in developing a program that is part of the Early Years Learning Framework and based on each child’s individual needs, interests, skills, and abilities.

My facility: Our indoor area provides choices and many resources promoting positive, respectful relationships with others while engaging in activities like cooking, board games, dramatic play, sensory play, music, puzzles, reading, art, craft as well as free play. Our outdoor area consists of a wide range of sensory and exploratory activities; some of these include a mud kitchen, water wall and river, lean too, sandpit, sensory boxes, gardening, ballgames, bikes and a range of equipment for gross motor development. We enjoy approved regular outings to enhance children’s learning such as to the library for Rhyme time & Storytime, local bus rides, bush exploration outings, neighbourhood nature walks, parks and to the homes of other Educators. We also occasionally engage in approved non-regular excursions like the Echuca Fire Station, Glanville Village Aged Care, Echuca Twisted Science, Kyabram Fauna Park and train rides to Bendigo Science Works, Melbourne Zoo and Aquarium.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm (6 hours minimum). Occasional weekend care available.

Sandra

Qualifications: Certificate IV in Family Day Care, Certificate III in Children’s Services, First Aid Certificate, Asthma Management

About me: I have been a registered Family Day Care educator since 1992 and have enjoyed caring for children and working closely with families in the local community. I have 5 grandchildren who live in Canberra and Toowoomba.
I believe children feel secure and happy in a stable environment. It is my desire to support the parents using my service by providing a happy and loving alternate family for their child, giving opportunity for each child to develop their maximum potential through play-based learning. My goal is to work in partnership with parents to bring out the best in each child in my care.

My service: I provide each child with a flexible but stable routine full of fun activities which include free play singing, dancing, arts and crafts activities, dress-ups, and story time.

My facility: I am based in the center of Wagga. Children can play with a range of toys both indoors and outdoors. We regularly go for walks to the park and visit other educators for playgroup.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 5.30 pm (can be flexible when required)

Tania

Qualifications: Diploma Children’s Services.

About me: I have been an Early Years Educator for 25 years. I enjoy watching the children grow and learn. I enjoy learning through the eyes of a child.

My service: I work for Intereach Family Day Care. They are supportive and helpful.

My facility: I run my business between 2 lounge rooms, dining room and kitchen. I have an outside area which consists of a large sandpit with a cubby and mud kitchen in it and a large undercover area which is all weather accessible. I have a large grassed area in between both sections.

Hours: I work Sunday 1.30pm – 10.30pm, Monday to Friday 7.45am – 5.30pm. Other times by request.

Taysha

Qualifications: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care

About me: I am a mum of 3. I have worked in early childhood education since 2020 and opened my family day care in 2023. I have a passion for creating engaging learning environments for children. In my spare time I enjoy gardening and cooking.

My service: I opened my service in January 2023. I offer care to children under school age, as well as school aged children during school holidays. I believe in play-based, hands on learning. I also encourage and support children to build positive connections with their peers. I believe families are children’s first educators and recognise the importance of strong relationships with families in order to provide the best care and education for children.

My facility: I am fortunate to have a large backyard, which is where we spend most of our day. We have a large sandpit, mud kitchen, trampoline, bikes and cars, as well as fruit trees and a vegetable garden. Our indoor space is set up with a range of activities based on children’s interests and current events/celebrations. Learning experiences are changed regularly to suit the children’s changing interests and developing skills.

Hours: Monday to Thurday, 8am – 5pm and Friday 8am – 2pm

Vicki

Qualifications: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. I commit to ongoing professional learning in my field to improve my quality of service and the practice I provide to children and families.

About me: I have been working in Early Childhood since 2015 and with Intereach FDC since 2018. After work I enjoy Pilates and water sports.

My service: At my service I aim to meet the needs of families through flexibility and provide best education and care in a warm, secure, safe, nurturing and inclusive environment. I have an emphasis on partnerships with families and aim to make the bridge between home and Family Day Care as close as possible. I offer opportunities for regular outings to the local shops, parks and wider community. I embrace the Early Years Learning Framework to guide my planning and develop the individual child as whole.

My facilities: My FDC Service has dedicated spaces for learning inside and a small outdoor area, with ride-ons, teepee cubby and opportunities to paint and have picnics. I provide craft and learning activities based on children’s interests.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Vicki

Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services; First Aid and Anaphylaxis; Child Protection and ongoing training through Intereach in all areas of learning and wellbeing as an Educator; life experience as a mother.

About me: I have been a Family Day Care Educator since March 2004, a career I decided on because of my love for children of all ages. I have been blessed to have made lifelong friendships and relationships with many children and families that are and have been in my care.

My service: I believe in a balance of structural and unstructured activities, indoor and outdoor experiences, music and story time, multicultural and imaginary play. I am passionate about promoting play, as I believe this encourages problem solving, social interactions, role play and communication and enables children to develop skills in all learning areas which results in them being happy and confident. My philosophy is summed up with the following quote: ‘To every child …. I dream of a world where you can laugh, dance, sing, learn, live in peace and be happy’ – Malala Yousafzai

My facility: I supply all food in my service and offer a menu of healthy foods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, nutritious cooked meals and breakfast for early arrivals.

Hours: I am flexible and offer care for times and hours required.