Child care professionals share a commitment to improving society by creating dynamic and nurturing care environments for Australia's youngest learners. This month we feature an interview with Jennine Blackburn.

What is your name?

My name is Jennine Blackburn and I am aged 50.

Which centre do you work in? How many staff and children are in the centre?

I am the Nominated Supervisor of Wombat Occasional Childcare Inc. in Miranda (NSW). Wombat is a community based, non-profit organisation, licensed for 29 children from birth to five years.

We have a flexible license and care for up to 15 children from 0-2 years each day. There is a strong need for this age group in our area and we often have 15 babies (who come on an occasional basis, so it can be a little crazy -but lots of fun- at our centre). There are 11 educators, two kitchen hands and a bookkeeper and we all work on a permanent, part time basis.

I am also the President of Occasional Child Care Australia Inc. (OCCA). OCCA is a national association run by volunteers whose aim is to promote and advocate for occasional care centres Australia wide. I have been in this role for two years and prior to that I was Treasurer and on the general committee. I contacted OCCA seven years ago seeking advice and guidance in managing an occasional care centre and now I am the President.

What is your professional background and career experience?
I started in child care when my first child was 15 months old. (James is now 25 years!) James was in Family Day Care from the age of 16 weeks and I worked in an office three days a week. I gave up my office job and became a Family Day Carer myself with Sutherland Council. I worked as a carer until my youngest child started school. I then went to TAFE to study the Associate Diploma in Social Science (Child Studies). I worked as a casual child care educator at Bankstown Occasional Childcare for three years and I have been at Wombat Occasional Care ever since. I have recently completed by Diploma in Children's Services at TAFE.

What attracted you to a career in child care?
When I dropped off my son to his Family Day Carer each morning I used to think, 'I could do that'. And so I did. From that time on I have developed a passion for the child care industry and for working in partnership with families in caring for their children.

What does a 'normal' day look like for you?
In occasional care there is no such thing as a 'normal day'! I start at 8am and the other educators and children start arriving at 8.30am. The educators look at the sign on sheet and everyone asks, “Who is coming in today? Who is this child? Is he the baby that came two weeks ago?” etc., etc.

Of the 29 children we do have 9 children who come on a regular basis and many of our children come regularly enough for us to get to know them all. Programming can be a challenge in occasional care and we often change the program to meet the needs of the children attending that day.

What makes your centre unique?
We have a very low staff turnover and generally speaking everyone gets on well. Educators vary in qualifications, age, strengths and ability, and we respect each other for their contribution to the team. We laugh a lot and laughing is contagious. One educator retired at the end of last year after 25 years. I have been at Wombat for 12 years and running the centre for 9 years.

What are some of the advantages of working in the child care sector?
Where else can you get paid to play all day! I often say this to people and only those who work in the industry know how hard you have to work to make it look that way. The advantage – personal satisfaction - it is very rewarding working with young children and their families.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the child care sector?
All challenges relate to funding.

• All Nominated Supervisor's have this grand plan (pipe dream) to create an environment like no other. One that is a combination of natural and manmade materials - an expanse of grass, a wet/dry creek bed, a digging patch as well as a sandpit, a frog pond, a fabulous garden for the children to explore, an edible garden, the list goes on and on. Yes, I've actually had quotes and no, we can't afford it.
• Funding for children with special needs or challenging behaviours is not adequate to make a significant difference to their lives. This needs to be addressed by both the Federal and State Governments. Every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential and for this to happen the funding needs to be addressed.
• Families who use State funded child care centres (such as occasional care and preschool) can only claim 58 cents per hour through Medicare. The Child Care Benefit (available from federally funded centres such as Long Day Care) should be available to all families so that they can choose the centre that best meets their needs.
• The documentation required in running a centre, although massive, is important and relevant. However, it takes me off the floor and away from the children to complete it. I am no different from many Nominated Supervisors who do a lot of the documentation in their own time. If funding to centres was increased a non teaching educator could be employed to assist with documentation.
• Occasional care centres are Out of Scope of the National Regulations and are awaiting the review in 2014 to see whether we will go in scope. There will be challenges to go in scope due to the unique nature of occasional care. There will also be advantages. Occasional care will be recognised for providing quality child care for families on an irregular or ad hoc basis.

How has your centre changed to deal with these challenges?
With regard to the National Regulations OCCA has been in consultation with ACECQA, the state governing bodies and occasional child care centres Australia wide to keep abreast of where out of scope services will sit after the review. All occasional care centres, Wombat included, are embracing EYLF and are working towards meeting the National Regulations.

How does the industry need to change to adapt to these challenges?
There have been so many changes in the child care industry recently with the introduction of EYLF and the National Regulations. These changes are research based and are a holistic approach to provide children with the best start in education and learning. Educators need to keep up to date with current research and utilise training that is being currently provided.

What advice would you offer someone thinking about a career or looking for a promotion in child care?
Work hard; study hard; laugh a lot! Educators who are passionate about child care can make a big difference to the lives of young children and their families. Approach the industry with the thought – what can I give?