Celebrating 25 years in Bega
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EDUCATOR EDITION
NSW FAMILY DAY CARE ASSOCIATION AND PEAK TRAINING NEWSLETTER • AUTUMN 2014
Celebrating 25 years in Bega
•
Having been in operation 25 years, we have much to celebrate at Bega Valley Family
Day Care.
We are a dedicated team of 28 Educators and
five Coordination Unit Staff. Two Educators,
Carmel Dufty and Carolyn Cunningham, have
completed 20 years of wonderful service with
us as has Joanna Rideaux of the Administration
Staff. A celebratory dinner was held to
acknowledge these significant milestones. Our
committed educators currently work from Eden,
Pambula, Millingandi, Tathra, Candelo, Bega,
Cobargo and Kalaru.
The original office was in the Old Bega Hospital
just south of the town, but after a fire in 2004,
it was relocated to Peden Street near the War
Memorial Arch. Bega Valley Family Day Care has
its roots deep in our community. The Educators
provide guidance and nurturing to the children
and families of our community, grounding them Joanna Rideaux (20 years administration staff)
in a sense of belonging and encouraging them Carmel Duffy in the middle (20 years Educator) and
on a path to becoming all that they can be. Carolyn Cunningham (20 years Educator).
Twenty-five years ago, founder Victoria Lamont
saw a need in the community. She planted it used to be – from cloth nappies and buckets,
the seed of her vision and it was her passion ringing the office to put in times and attendances
that motivated and guided her fledgling idea of the various children, the introduction of gloves
through its development, and built it into the and many other requirements that were taken in
strong service it is today. Victoria’s retirement stride by our very adaptable Educators.
was followed by Ilona Payne as coordinator Our history at Bega Valley Family Day Care
and, currently, Zanette Burr is Supervisor. Our shows an adaptable and resilient organisation
district has seen fire, flood and heatwaves and led by passionate and persistent women who are
our Educators have adapted and responded admired as Educators.
wonderfully to the social and political changes Educators have shown a love for children and
affecting children and families. They have risen a fascination for watching their minds grow and
to the challenge of catering for the changing being able to listen to what matters to them.
dynamics and individual needs of our families Relationships are really the cornerstone of our
and community. service – relationships that embrace the whole
As society has changed, so have the family and work in partnership with the Educators
requirements of our service. Rules and for the best outcomes for their children. Over
regulations have been introduced, changed the years, many have found a rewarding career
and rewritten over the years and the younger working as part of the Bega Valley Family Day
Educators listen wide-eyed to the stories of how Care team.
CONNECTIONS: EDUCATOR EDITION • AUTUMN 2014 1
Educator Spotlight: Jenny Pan
Passionate, creative and dedicated to her profession as a Family Day Care educator, Jenny Pan
has been registered with Merrylands/Holroyd Family Day Care (operating under Holroyd City
Council) for the past six years.
we provide are generated and guided by the
children.
Over the years Jenny has adapted her
programming to reflect the Early Years Learning
Framework, incorporating the changes with
determination and insight. She continually
attends training and workshops to extend her
own knowledge and learning in the areas of early
childhood.
Jenny has been a passionate supporter of our
environmental journey at Merrylands/Holroyd
Family Day Care – contributing plants and sharing
her knowledge of gardening and vegetables.
She regularly attends Playsession and joins in the
Jenny’s welcoming and friendly manner, together organised eco adventures at the local park.
with her experience and genuine interest in Jenny celebrates and shares in the children’s
people, has gained her the respect and trust of the achievements, supporting and guiding them
children, their families and the staff at Merrylands/ in their play. She continues to find great joy in
Holroyd Family Day Care. caring for and educating children and most
From the moment families walk through Jenny’s importantly shares in the fun along the way!
door they experience a sense of calmness, of
warmth and gentleness. The children’s home
environments are sensitively incorporated in to
Jenny’s home, enhancing family relationships and
JOB VACANCY
promoting each child’s feelings of belonging. Professional Children’s Services
Jenny’s environment is both inviting and Trainers (Casual Employment)
engaging. Play areas provide a wealth of rich
Do you hold a current TAE, like to work independently
and meaningful experiences, offering interesting and are looking for work, life balance?
choices for all ages of children in care as well
The NSW Family Day Care Association was founded in
as access to both inside and outdoor play 1976 and was established to support the development of
spaces throughout the day. Jenny supports and affordable, quality child care within a home environment
encourages the children as they freely explore in NSW. We are currently looking for qualified trainers
with a minimum 3 years’ experience in the Family Day
and investigate. She extends on their play ideas Care Sector.
promoting their learning and encouraging them Trainers are offered opportunities which include:
to question and experiment. She is always seeking n Facilitating face to face sessions delivering training
additional materials to include in their play, actively to groups and individuals at Family Day Care venues
resourcing from the local library and from our across NSW
Playsession library. n Webinars
Jenny provides planned and thoughtful n Developing and delivering new learning programs
small group experiences drawing on children’s This position will suit someone who is looking for casual
interests and experiences. Her positive energy employment and who enjoys delivering face to face
workshop style classes to the Family Day Care Sector
and enthusiasm is shared by the children as she within their region.
reads stories, sings songs and introduces games
If you would like to know more about this position please
in interesting and creative ways. Listening to the call Mandy on 1800 157 818 and press 2 for Professional
children and sharing in their conversations, Jenny Services.
understands that the learning and experiences that
2 AUTUMN 2014 • CONNECTIONS: EDUCATOR EDITION
Traditional Indigenous sports and games
Would you like to do more about incorporating Aboriginal culture in your Family Day Care than the
token poster on the wall? Would you like to introduce new games that promote physical activity and
also challenge problem solving skills?
Embracing the various traditional indigenous games
can be a great way of doing this. There is a wide
range of spectacular traditional indigenous games
that will entertain children of all ages. These games
can be played every day, becoming a normal part of
the physical activity plan for your family day care.
Incorporating aboriginal games links to National
Quality Standard Quality Area 1, Quality Area 2 and
Quality Area 5. It also support EYLF outcomes 1, 2
and 3.
A great start to playing aboriginal games is the
online resource ‘Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous
Games’. “Yulunga” means “playing” in the language Illustration from ‘Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games’.
of the Kamilaroi (Gamori) people of northern-
officials, settlers, scientists and missionaries in
western New South Wales. This resource has been
the nineteenth century. They have also been
published by the Australian Sport Commission and
passed down through generations by indigenous
is free available online through this link:
Australians. It’s possible to see elements of our
www.ausport.gov.au/participating/indigenous/
modern games in these traditional Aboriginal
resources/games_and_activities/full_resource. It
games. Keentan is like basketball, and Wana is much
includes many many games for all ages. All games
like French cricket, Kokan is a hockey game and
are categorised by age range and kind of game (ball
Koolchee is like 10-pin bowling, according to Sharon
games, water games, indoor games etc). Each game
Louth an education lecturer at the University of
description includes the traditional name and how
Southern Queensland.
to pronounce it. It goes on the give some interesting
Benefits of bringing traditional Indigenous games
background information, the (simple) equipment
back to life include:
needed and the basic rules. The resource includes
n bringing-together of indigenous and
games and activities from Aboriginal and Torres
non-indigenous people;
Strait Islander societies all around Australia. It
n help reconnect (urban) indigenous children to
provides an opportunity to learn about, appreciate
their culture;
and experience aspects of indigenous culture.
n boost education retention;
Some traditional Aboriginal games were almost
n promote reconciliation;
lost after colonisation. Today extensive consultation
n provide essential training in social interaction;
with and approval by Aboriginal elders is necessary
n enhance physical health;
to re-establish the traditional Aboriginal games and
n link to NQS and EYLF.
their rules. They are now creatively adapted – for
Traditional indigenous games can be seen as a
safety reasons – by using tennis balls instead of
strong indicator that the Aboriginal culture can
spears and soft pool noodles instead of waddies
survive. Traditional Aboriginal games were not only
(Aboriginal heavy-wood war club). The games and
played by children. Some games involved only
activities in ‘Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games’
men and boys, even old men, while in other games
often had to be reconstructed from incomplete
everyone was allowed to participate. In this way
accounts.
traditional games are not only helping children to be
Traditional Aboriginal games are inclusive games
active but also inspiring older brothers and sisters,
and not competitive. For example, if a player gets
parents and whole families.
‘out’ in some games they can immediately re-join
Sources:
the game once leaving the field.
Educational Experience: www.edex.com.au
Indigenous games and activities have a rich history Creative Spirits: www.creativespirits.info
as some were recorded by explorers, government Ausport: www.ausport.gov.au
CONNECTIONS: EDUCATOR EDITION • AUTUMN 2014 3
Amazing apps RECTIFICATION
Save the Date to Vaccinate In the NSWFDCA 2014 Educator Diary the
Very useful immunisation reminder Easter holidays are marked at the wrong
app by NSW Health. You can add the dates in the March monthly planner and
names and details of several children.
This app will then send you a reminder March Weekly views. The correct dates for
when a vaccination is due. Add all Easter in 2014 are:
your children in care and you will know when to ask for an
updated immunisation status. Good Friday: Friday 18 April
Easter: Sunday 20 April
Express Plus Families
Do your family’s Centrelink business
Easter Monday: Monday 21 April
with Express Plus Families–simple,
fast, mobile. The Australian
Government’s Express Plus Families
app helps you update your family
income estimate, view your child care details and report NSW FDC ASSOCIATION
changes in your circumstances to Centrelink. Anita Jovanovski CEO
Denise Mackay HR and PA to CEO
My Child’s eHealth Record Elizabeth Carasco PA to CEO
This app by the National E-Health Jenny Hoang Accounts Officer
Transition Authority is for Australian Kate Tran Admin Assistant
healthcare consumers with children Magda Jansen Association Membership Officer
under the age of 14 years. It allows PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
parents and authorised representatives to access the Anita Jovanovski CEO
child’s personally controlled electronic health (eHealth) Mandy Ross Manager Professional Services
record to add and view information about the child’s Rosie Pupo Project Officer Professional Services
development. Lisa Wilson Project Officer Professional Services
PEAK TRAINING
Dates for your diary Anita Jovanovski CEO
Vivienne Medway PEAK Manager
Josua Mataitoga Senior Administration Officer
Fri 7–Sun 23 February,
Jizalyne Valenton Administration Support
Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Fatima Livotto Administration Support
Games Rebecca Saba Training Support
Follow Australian and international Victoria Potts Training Support
athletes competing for fame and glory. NSW IN HOME CARE SERVICES
More information and video clips on Anita Jovanovski CEO
sochi2014.olympics.com.au. How about some Olympic Maria Fazio Manager
inspired craft activities to get into the spirit? Felicity Coughlin Project Officer
Dusanka Romic Administration
Sun 2 March, Anne Bentley Administration
Marisa Black Administration
Clean Up Australia Day ADDRESS
Clean Up Australia Day is a simple way 1 Sloane Street, Summer Hill NSW 2130
you can take action to clean up, fix up PO Box 386, Summer Hill NSW 2130
and conserve our prized Australian T: (02) 9779 9999
environment. You can register your F: (02) 9779 9998
Clean Up event and receive a free information kit. If you E: info@nswfdc.org.au
are unable to organise a Clean Up on Clean Up Australia www.nswfdc.org.au
Day, you can register your Clean Up any day of the year www.facebook.com/NSWFDC
and still receive the free kit. More information here:
www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au. Children can even follow us on FREE CALL
participate in the Green Kids Award.
1800 157 818
PRESS 2 FOR FDC
Mon 17 March, St Patrick’s Day
The celebration of Ireland’s patron saint St Patrick has Disclaimer This newsletter is provided for information only and should not be used in place of
professional advice. The NSW Family Day Care Association Inc. and PEAK Training, the author/s and
spread to international fame. Why not organise your very any other person/s associated in any way with the development and or production of this newsletter
expressly disclaim all and any liability (both in contract and for negligence) to any person or organisation
own St Patrick’s Day parade? For some craft inspiration whatsoever in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person or organisation in
see: spoonful.com/st-patricks-day. reliance upon any part of the text or any inference drawn from the text appearing in this material.
4 AUTUMN 2014 • CONNECTIONS: EDUCATOR EDITION
Sustainability in your
backyard
NSW FAMILY DAY CARE ASSOCIATION RESOURCE SHEET AUTUMN 2014
By Kiri Combi from Backyard in a Box are human beings. We know this stuff. We are designed
and wired to survive and adapt to new conditions. Part of
successful adaptation is maximising resources on hand and
being innovative or creative with how they are used. That’s
all. Pretty basic stuff.
Of course current teaching and learning pedagogic
theory and practice also comes into play but I developed
Backyard in a Box with these same fundamental principles.
Backyard in a Box simplifies and helps guide your practice
until you gain the confidence to expand on your existing
knowledge and do it yourself.
Project based learning is particularly useful in embedding
sustainability because it takes place over a period of
time and allows ideas to flourish and develop in natural
directions that can be documented and proven. Growing
vegetables is a choice example. The fear of not knowing
Why can embedding sustainability be so hard?
‘how’ to do something or ‘getting it wrong’ usually
Because practising Educators are being asked to teach thwarts these types of projects. Backyard in a Box covers
something they sometimes themselves know very little 7 themes that remove the fear and empower you to
about. But I suspect educators know much more than they progress professionally and personally. Consider Resource
give themselves credit for. Recycling, Worm Farming, Composting, Guinea Pigs,
Chickens, Organic Gardening and Water Recycling.
So how can you comply with national laws and start the ball
rolling? The benefits to Family Day Care educators are fourfold.
Firstly, the training resources teach you while you are
Grab a cup of tea and find a quiet place to sit down.
teaching. The classroom resources minimise your own
Close your eyes and cast your mind back to your earliest
preparation and planning time investment. Our Community
memories of your grandparents and parents. Now try
and School Readiness resources also create continuity from
and recall memories that relate to being outdoors, in your
home and school, engaging families in ways that will inspire
backyard, at a park, near a river, or family gatherings – you
new behaviours and help you comply with National Quality
may need a box of tissues at this point! Now just sit and let
Standards in numerous Quality Areas. And finally you
the memories flow in.
have the benefit of dual use, once for your family day care
What is your strongest memory? Write it down and make a families and again for your nuclear family.
sketch of your memory.
Visit backyardinabox.com.au to view our online tutorials
For most of us this exercise will trigger a memory of a and learn more about how easy it is to become a
loved one who modelled behaviour very much in sync sustainable Family Day Care Educator.
with sustainable practices. It may have been as simple as
feeding stale bread to ducks on a riverbank, or reusing
left over boiled rice to make rice pudding, or perhaps your
grandfather was like mine – he literally licked his plate clean
and would consume old food because he couldn’t bear
to throw it in the bin! Grandpa Ricky (or Koro Ricky) had
a cast iron stomach, a practice he developed no doubt
during the Great Depression and Second World War. I’m
not advocating this, mind you. I am a strong believer in
throwing old food into the chicken coup or compost bin.
You have had models of sustainability around you in your
life and perhaps you didn’t even know that’s what they
were. It’s so simple that perhaps you overlooked it. We
Poetry for
children
NSW FAMILY DAY CARE ASSOCIATION RESOURCE SHEET AUTUMN 2014
Round and round the garden Cognitive Development
Like a teddy bear Through rhymes and poems, children understand that
One step – two steps – there are words which are similar in sound but with different
Tickledy under there! meanings. They learn what a pattern is and become capable
of recognizing patterns. They understand, through patterns,
Young children can be easily engaged with rhymes and what a sequence is. They have fun memorizing rhymes, thus
rhythm. Add some actions, such as playing ‘This Little Piggie practicing their memory. Memory, patterns and sequences
Went to Market’ with their toes and you are likely to find a are also extremely helpful for approaching math and new
toddler giggling and squealing with delight ‘Again!’. languages.
Playing with sounds and rhyme helps young children find
Social/Emotional Development
out how language works – its spaces and patterns and beats
– and is an important bridge to reading. We learn about Poetry can help children to know more about themselves
words through our ears as much as our eyes, which is why and about their emotions. This can enable them to establish
it’s so important to read out loud to children – poems and healthy relationships with other children and adults around
nursery rhymes as well as picture books – from an early age. them. Rhymes encourage children’s sense of humour.
Sharing rhymes with their family creates space for inside
Why do children love poems? jokes and for an emotional attachment to the stories
Most of us approached storytelling through rhymes and children read together with their families. When children feel
poetry. The first stories we have been told as children were lonely, or need comfort, they can easily recall the rhymes
probably poems. Why do children love poems? Are rhymes they shared with their parents and feel cherished, also if
important for the child development? Indeed, they are. they’re not with their family in that exact moment.
Rhymes are important for language development, cognitive
development, social/emotional development and physical
development.
Language Development
Rhymes make it easier for kids to learn new words. Learning
new words appears effortless, because the rhythmical
structure creates a familiar context for unfamiliar words.
Moreover, reading rhymes aloud or repeating rhymes
helps them practice pitch, voice inflection, and volume. It
may seem trivial to an adult, but the level of coordination
required to master all the variables of voice is extremely
complex.
Poetry can provide a relaxed and playful way for children to
gain language skills.
Physical Development
This brings us to the impact of rhymes on physical
development. Breath coordination, tongue and mouth
movements are made easier by the musical structure of the
rhyme. Rhymes create a perfect environment for children,
because it looks like right things happen easily. Rhymes help A Treasury of Children’s Poetry
you understand when you need to breathe, and for how
by Melissa Stein (Editor), David Borgenicht (Compiler)
long, with no need of theory of explanation. The physical
awareness developed through rhymes can be naturally Poems can purr. Poems can fly. Poems can sing, poems
applied to reading aloud as the children grow older. can dance – poems can tell about life, and about you.
“Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and
use the individual sounds or phonemes in spoken words. Sources:
Helping children understand rhyming is one key skill of http://timbuktu.me/blog/why-do-children-love-poems
phonemic awareness.” (Block & Israel, 2005) www.kids-bookreview.com
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