“I found working in a childcare centre didn’t work for me,” she says.
“[Bendigo Family Day Care coordinators] Bec and Tam came out to visit me and looked through my home and I found it was a really easy process,” she says on taking the leap from working in a centre, to welcoming children into her home.
“And once those kids walk through that door, that’s the highlight of my day. I just embrace it. I love teaching them and knowing they’re learning with me.”
Most days Donna cares for four children under the age of five. Often, they’re siblings, learning and having fun together.
“They learn so much from each other, when you have a one-year-old and a four-year-old together for the day, it’s amazing what they pick up from one another,” Donna says.
“We also do a lot of spontaneous learning. If the kids ask if they can cook scones today, we can.
“If they want the paddling pool up because it’s 40 degrees, of course we can. At Family Day Care the kids don’t miss out.
“If the kids want to get muddy, they can. The kids are happy, and I really know them.”
Donna says the model is one that works for everyone, and as such encourages other educators to likewise consider starting their own business.
At present, Bendigo Community Health Services has a waiting list of families choosing Family Day Care for their children. There is huge potential for more educators to initiate a successful business.
“If only they’d just take that next step and really look into it,” Donna says. “It’s so worth it.
“You’re your own boss, but you have support from the coordinators. And they help with anything and everything, from paperwork right through to if I need to ring someone then and there for advice.”
Donna is one of 17 local Bendigo Family Day Care educators to be nominated in this year’s Excellence in Family Day Care Awards, along with coordinators Rebecca Fitzpatrick and Tamarra Tie.
September 4 is Early Childhood Educators Day, which could just be the motivator current childcare centre educators need to make a change. For information on joining our supportive network, call Tam and Bec on 5406 1200 or email fdc@bchs.com.au
Bendigo Family Day Care coordinators Tam and Bec.
