fbpx

Shire seeks more Family Day Care educators

June 26, 2019 BY

Talitha Michael runs a Family Day Care service in Bellbrae.

THEY say “home is where the heart is” and for Talitha Michael, it couldn’t be truer. The Bellbrae resident has made her dream job a reality, becoming a Family Day Care educator.

The Surf Coast Shire is taking applications for Family Day Care educators, with Ms Michael encouraging interested people to look further into the rewarding role.

“Overall it’s been such a positive experience,” she said. “It’s enabled me to do what I love from home.

It’s also given me freedom, including the ability to set my own hours while having a secure income.

“I recommend to other early childhood educators who want to work from home to make the leap.”

Ms Michael’s Bellbrae residence offers a warm, welcoming and stimulating space for youngsters.

“I think it’s really important to put some love into how you create the environment for the children,” she said.

“I have created lots of different areas to foster play, imagination and creativity.

“We have a little home area set-up for role play, an area for blocks and construction, a vegetable garden, mud kitchen, painting and craft, and lots of natural materials that inspire imaginative play. I believe the best learning takes place through organic play and opportunities to collaborate with other children.

Belonging to a small group and being in a nurturing environment promotes children’s wellbeing and confidence.”

Ms Michael was studying a Bachelor in Early Childhood part-time, nannying, and teaching threeyear- old kindergarten when she heard about Family Day Care.

“I thought ‘what a lovely opportunity to slow things down, work from home and make the environment how I dreamed it would be’.”

She acknowledged the shire for its support in helping her to meet safety requirements. The council also processes enrolments and ensures that Family Day Care services adhere to national regulations.

“It’s good to have another perspective come in and look at the house, then to help you make any changes needed,” Ms Michael said.

Family Day Care educators are required to have a Certificate III in early childhood education and care, or be working towards it.

For a full list of requirements and to find out more about applying, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/fdceducator.

Surf Coast Times – Free local news in your inbox

Breaking news, community, lifestyle, real estate, and sport.