Child care professionals share a commitment to improving society by creating dynamic and nurturing care environments for Australia's youngest learners.
Read this month's Child Care Person in the spotlight Cherie Stein from Southport in Queensland.
Cherie 'Miss Cheeky' Stein
Southport Kindergarten Gold Coast QLD
C4K: What is your full name?
CS: My name is Cherie 'Miss Cheeky' Stein and I am 26 years old.
C4K: Which centre do you work in?
CS: I work at Southport Kindergarten in Queensland, the centre is licensed for 75 children and has 11 staff members.
C4K: What is your professional background and career experience?
CS: I have worked in child care for several years and have completed the Certificate III in children's services. I recently published my first book 'Your Child a Recipe for Healthy Happy Children'.
My book takes a holistic approach looking at all aspects of child development. It includes sections on nutrition, safety, illness, accidents and information on why children behave in certain ways and positive steps we can take to help children.
The book is organised for busy people so instead of having to read an entire chapter readers can simply flip through to the developmental stage and age of a child. It is written in a language that is short, quick and to the point. The book can be ordered online at www.zeuspublications.com or www.csteinbooks.com
C4K: What attracted you to a career in child care?
CS: Children are my passion. I've always wanted to make a difference in their lives. It is so exciting seeing a child reach their developmental milestones, and watch them flourish knowing that I helped them build skills for a rich and happy life
C4K: What does a 'normal' day look like for you?
CS: Always interesting and very busy full of laughs, excitement and surprises!
C4K: What makes your centre unique?
CS: My centre is unique because of its warm family friendly atmosphere, surrounded by trees and nature. We also have diverse range of programming styles within each class that work really well together. The multicultural, professional and caring staff make working for this dynamic team satisfying and exciting.
C4K: What are some of the advantages of working in the child care sector?
CS: Child care is intrinsically satisfying, if you do something you love and are passionate about what you do, it is great.
C4K: What are some of the biggest challenges facing the child care sector?
CS: Hiring and retaining high quality and qualified staff to give exceptional care for the children in our hands.
C4K: How has your centre changed to deal with these challenges?
CS: This centre values and appreciates their staff, many of us have stayed for years! Further training and courses are offered to help staff gain qualifications.
C4K: How does the industry need to change to adapt to these challenges?
CS: Perhaps the government could offer more free child care courses for teachers to grow in the industry. With qualified staff members a centre would be balanced and work well.
C4K: What advice would you offer someone thinking about a career or looking for a promotion in child care?
CS: Follow your heart and go for it! Child care is a wonderful and rewarding career to step in to.
I'd like to finish with a quote: 'Children may not always remember what you say but they will always remember how you made them feel.'
Cherie Stein
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