Child care professionals share a commitment to improving society by creating dynamic and nurturing care environments for Australia's youngest learners.
In this month's Child Care People we speak to Kristal Irvin who works at Kids Capers Childcare in Wamuran QLD.
Kristal was nominated by her boss Sharron Hey who describes her as someone who always goes the extra mile for parents, children and staff. Sharron says that Kristal's caring and easy going personality helps her build great rapport with people and makes her a wonderful employee.
Kristal Irvin from Kids Capers Childcare
in Wamuran QLD
This month we are profiling Kristal Irvin from Kids Capers Childcare in Wamuran QLD. Kristal was nominated by her boss Sharron Hey who describes her as someone who always goes the extra mile for parents, children and staff. Sharron says that Kristal's caring and easy going personality helps her build great rapport with people and makes her a wonderful employee.
C4K: What is your professional background and career experience?
KI: I have worked in the childcare industry for the last 6 years since leaving school. I have my Cert III and have nearly finished my Diploma. I have worked in OSH at Wamuran School and at Kids Capers Wamuran when it opened in July 2009 I have now just moved into a Group Leaders position.
C4K: What attracted you to a career in child care?
KI: I was attracted to child care because I thought working with children would be a rewarding and fulfilling career. I also love to spend time with the children and talking to the parents.
C4K: What does a 'normal' day look like for you?
KI: Most of my days are spent working with the children, interacting with them and guiding them. There is also the usual paper work that goes with working in a room.
I also spend time talking to parents and informing them on how their child's day has gone this is very important and helps me understand their needs. I work very closely with other members of the team and my assistant to make it a happy and enjoyable place for all of us to be in.
C4K: What are some of the advantages of working in the child care sector?
KI: The joy the children give me and the friendships we make. Watching the children learn and grow and the excitement that they show when they have achieved or found something new is also an amazing experience.
C4K: What are some of the biggest challenges facing the child care sector?
KI: Keeping up with the latest changes in the Government regulations, legislation and accreditations is a big job. The high staff turnaround and low wages are also big issues.
C4K: How has your place of work changed to deal with these challenges?
KI: We ensure that our staff are up to date with whatever is coming up in terms of changes to regulations, legislations and for accreditation. Our company is good at acknowledging staff efforts and hard work with little surprises and awards.
C4K: How does the industry need to change to adapt to these challenges?
KI: People need to be made more aware and informed of what is involved in child care and understand that it is not just looking after children. We need to make sure that it is about the children and that they come first and ensure that the changes being brought in are for their benefit and in the best interest of the staff involved.
C4K: What advice would you offer someone thinking about a career or looking for a promotion in child care?
KI: Go for it! Child care is a very rewarding career and opens up so many other careers to go into.
If you or someone you know deserves to be featured in this section drop us a line at editor@careforkids.com.au.Each child care person we profile will receive a a selection of DVD's for their service courtesy of Roadshow Entertainment.
CareforKids.com.au®
Care For Kids Internet Services Pty Ltd
ABN 55 104 145 735
PO Box 543 Balmain NSW 2041
privacy policy contact us