I have been working in the Early Childhood field since 2003 with many of these years being in long day care working with all age groups. I decided to become a Family Day Care Educator so that I could personalise my care and offer a quality program to families in a smaller group dynamic.
I believe children learn through play. My program includes me observing each child’s interests and using these to expand on their knowledge and understanding, as well as encouraging them to make connections with the world around them.
Sensory play is offered to children regularly as this type of play allows children to explore all their senses along with supporting their agency. I have experiences set up both indoors and outdoors to promote play and thinking, and these evolve with the children’s input. We go on regular outings and on occasional excursions to venues in our local area which encourages the children to be involved in the community.
I like my Family Day Care to have a natural approach making it feel like a “home away from home” for children. I believe in working collaboratively with families to support children’s holistic development. It is with this approach that children are more likely to reach their full potential both as individuals and as part of our small group. I believe the most important part of my role as an Educator is to build trust and relationships with each child which enables them to feel safe, secure and supported.