|
|
| Child care person in the spotlight
|
| Jacqui Taylor
|
|
|
|
What is your name?
Jacqueline Erika Taylor though children refer to me as Jacqui or Miss Jacqui.
Which centre do you work in? How many staff and children are in the centre?
I work at Rainbow Station Early Education Centre Casino and I am also Area Manager covering Sandcastles Early Education Centre Evans Head. There are more than 200 children between the two centres and 15 staff members.
What is your professional background and career experience?
I hold a Bachelor of Social Science and a Graduate Diploma in Early Education. I began in the industry as an unqualified 'float' 13 years ago. I loved the experience so much that I returned to university for a post-graduate degree in early education.
I have worked throughout the industry from Long day care centres to crèche, nannying and OOSHC. My heart lies in long day care centres with the mix of ages. Cuddling a baby in the morning and participating in a group learning experience with the preschoolers after is great.
What attracted you to a career in early childhood education and care?
Originally I had planned to work in family services after completing my degree in Social Science. I took a job as a float at a LDC to gain experience while I looked for other jobs. Instead I absolutely loved the job and ended up increasing my hours as I was passionate to learn about programming and keen to engage in meaningful experiences with the children. I later completed my post-graduate degree to allow me to be an ECT.
What does a 'normal' day look like for you?
I have three children of my own. My daughter is in grade three so the usual busy morning of lunches and bus. Once I have dropped her off my twin four year old boys come along to the centre with me. We live 30 minutes away. The boys have been at the centre since they were one and love it as much as I do.
When I arrive at work the mornings are filled with talking to staff and families about their needs, requirements and answering any questions they may have. This usually settles by 10am when I am able to move onto my other work in the office, including pays, fees, QIP, policies and procedures, study for staff and work with students. I also travel for work to our other centre which is 45minutes away. A lot of my work is communicating with others and helping them to have a greater understanding of early education. This includes local services which I am closely tied to such as Brighter Futures.
What makes your centre unique?
I wouldn't necessarily say we were unique. There are many wonderful organisations and educators out doing what we do for the love of children and to help families along the way. I believe our connectedness to the community really unifies us as a centre. We work hard to create and continue strong ties with the families and local organisations. We love to be there for each other and our families. I have one educator who knits jumpers for the children! We are a close knit service and proud of the relationships we hold with not only our children but the families and community members as well.
What are some of the advantages of working in the child care sector?
We are able to come to work every day and know that we are a part of the future. We know that we are providing a nurturing and caring environment and not all the children have that outside of the service. We are aware that we are making a difference every day in a child's life and try to make it as positive as we can.
We work with children who have been removed from their home or suffering trauma for a variety of reasons. I like to think that the difference we are making in their lives makes it easier for them to cope with the other days. I want them to know that there are others out there advocating for them and truly concerned for their welfare. Whether it is that we pack extra warm clothes in their bag or perhaps send some food home for later.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the child care sector?
I feel that the label 'babysitter' really hurts the feelings of early educators. The day in the life of an educator includes teaching, toileting, supervising, coordinating, assessing special needs, nurturing, developing language, motor and social skills and so much more and to down play or not respect that hurts the industry as a whole. For us in Casino there is a lack of services and professional development. There are many seminars that are held which would be beneficial to staff and families though most are in capital cities and too far to access.
How has your centre changed to deal with these challenges?
I am a strong advocator for early education and at every opportunity explain our processes to the families. We create displays that break our regulations and guidelines down into family friendly information using visual documentation and use each opportunity we can to explain how what we are doing is meeting many different development steps in a child's life. We also try our best to include other services in professional development. This way more educators are being reached and the community benefits.
How does the industry need to change to adapt to these challenges?
I think unfortunately it is a premise that many have had from long ago. As the newer generations come through I think that the proof is in the quality of the child's learning and experiences. I also believe that by not paying ECTs the same pay as teachers in primary schools does not help. We want to encourage quality early education, set the children up for the rest of their lives and by suggesting that a teacher qualified in early education is not as valuable as one in a primary school does not set a great example.
What advice would you offer someone thinking about a career or looking for a promotion in child care?
I believe in following your heart and encouraging others to do so. I have encouraged one of our mothers and one of the centres grandparents to study early education. One has just completed her Certificate 3. They have the knowledge from caring for children for 20 plus years though were scared when it came to the theoretical side. I recommend if you are a leader to take the time and spend with these valuable sources of care, it was certainly one of the best steps we made for our centre.
I think one of the greatest aspects as early educators we can offer is the care. I truly feel that by providing a safe and nurturing environment that the learning will follow. I also believe in being open for my team. They know that they can come to me whether it is related to work or not. Everyone needs someone to stand by them and as a leader I do feel that fits into my job description.
|
|
|
|
|
