Child care professionals share a commitment to improving society by creating dynamic and nurturing care environments for Australia's youngest learners.
This month we are proud to introduce you to Rebecca Ackroyd from Nirimba Community Children's Centre in Quakers Hill NSW.
Rebecca Ackroyd from Nirimba Community Children's Centre in Quakers Hill NSW
C4K: What is your full name?
RA: My Name is Rebecca Ackroyd and I am 29 years old.
C4K: What is your professional background and career experience?
RA: Before I moved into child care I had been working in a management role for five years. I then moved into child care and have now been working at Nirimba Community Children's Centre (Quakers Hill NSW) for five and a half years.
While there I obtained a Diploma in Children's Services and then a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching (birth to five years) and I have been the director at Nirimba for three years now.
C4K: What attracted you to a career in child care?
RA: Child care and teaching was something I always wanted to do, after going down another path in my early working life, I then got up the courage to study at TAFE to finally get into the career I had really wanted to be in.
C4K: What does a 'normal' day look like for you?
RA: I organise myself and my new nine month old baby girl, then I head to work where the fun begins! I spend most of my time teaching in the three-fives room while managing the centre and families.
C4K: What are some of the advantages of working in the child care sector?
RA: The enjoyment of working with the children and great staff. I also enjoy the relaxed and fun working environment each day.
C4K: What are some of the biggest challenges facing the child care sector?
RA: Keeping up-to-date with changes in regulations, the new national quality standard and current teaching practices.
C4K: How has your place of work changed to deal with these challenges?
RA: Staff at our centre have been embracing extra training opportunities and we meet regularly to look at introducing the necessary changes gradually so we are not inundated with too much new information all at once.
C4K: How does the industry need to change to adapt to these challenges?
RA: The industry needs to offer more funding for training and more opportunities for staff to attend forums and seminars.
C4K: What advice would you offer someone thinking about a career or looking for a promotion in child care?
RA: DO IT! Remember that each day has its challenges but to see the children smile and laugh makes it all worthwhile!
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 selection of DVD's for their service courtesy of ABC Kids and Roadshow Entertainment.
Courtesy of ABC Kids and Roadshow Entertainment.
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