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Child Care Coordinator
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Name: Anne Marie Connolly |
Why the City of Perth?
In the 80’s when I began my career, a lot of other Child Care Centres were really just about taking care of the children and not offering support to families or the child’s ongoing development. The City provided an opportunity to be involved in a service that provided both long day and occasional Child Care in a purpose built building with excellent resources. The City is also very focused on doing the right thing and following relevant Legislation and the regulation requirements of operating a good quality child care service.
What does your role involve?
Every day is an adventure in Child Care. One day can run smoothly and go without a hitch and then other days might be busy with a number of children sick or children with challenging behaviours. My role is mainly an administrative one these days. I am responsible for ensuring the centre meets all legislative requirements. It also involves supporting the staff to manage groups of children and ensuring a relaxed but challenging environment for everyone at Citiplace.
Career highlights?
Too numerous to mention! The main ones would be celebrating Child Care Worker Appreciation Day every year, and winning the State Child Care Worker of the Year for Fisher Price. On a day to day basis, watching the children grow and develop is always a rewarding experience and building a trusting relationship with that child over time, as well as their families.
Advice for job seekers
At the moment the Child Care industry is looking for Qualified Child Care Workers. If you have a recognised Qualification you would be able to have your choice of employers, the industry is currently in a state of change and there is a lot of debate at the Commonwealth level to ensure all children under 5 years of age have access to affordable, quality Child Care.
Any good Child Care Service will have a mix of personality types and will build on your skills and interests but someone who is open to change, accepting of individual differences amongst people, cultures and abilities and has a genuine interest in caring for groups of young children would thrive in a child care environment.
A sense of humour is also essential along with an ability to accept change. Initiative is highly regarded at Citiplace Child Care Centre and a strong team approach to decision making is encouraged at all levels. This could include collaboration with other staff and other professionals on the best course of action for a behaviour management program for an individual child to long term goals of the centre to Policy and Procedure and Business planning.