nurture. inspire. educate
PROSPECTIVE EDUCATOR
WWRFDC Philosophy Vision To ensure quality outcomes for families and children – every child, every day in care.
We achieve this by our commitment to • • • • • • • • • • • •
Viewing each child as a capable and competent learner and acknowledging children learn best through a play based program. Putting the rights of children first and being an advocate for children. Providing individualised care responsive to child and family needs. Assisting children to develop a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing by acknowledging and building on their strengths. nurture. inspire. educate Giving priority to nurturing relationships with all children. Striving for equality and inclusion for all children. Respecting relationships with families and caregivers. Respecting culture and understanding and honouring difference. Building strong partnerships with community. Maintaining high standards in education and care to ensure a positive impact on children’s learning and development. An ongoing cycle of reflection and review. Generating new ideas through professional development and improved practice.
Values WWRFDC values respectful relationships, honesty, inclusive practices and ethical decision making.
We demonstrate these values by • • • • • •
Building positive relationships. Collaborative decision making through consultation and advisory groups. A commitment to continuous improvement. Being an advocate for children and families. Recognising various perspectives from the cultures included in our community including the Wiradjuri culture. Communicating openly and freely.
We are guided by the Australian Early Childhood Code of Ethics, the Education and Care Services National Law, the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011, the Early Years Learning Framework and My Time Our Place.
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Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care - Prospective Educators
Licensed by Department Education and Communities www.dec.nsw.gov.au
Licensed under The Education and Care Services National Regulations under the Education and Care Services National Law
Approved Provider
Provider Number
Wagga Wagga City Council
PR00005055
Approved by
Department of Education and Communities www.educationandcommunities.nsw.gov.au
Guided by Australian Early Childhood Code of Ethics The Early Years Leaning Framework My Time Our Place National Quality Standards
Become an Early Childhood Educator with Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care! Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care (WWRFDC) is seeking dedicated and motivated people who have experience and passion in educating and caring for children, and want to be part of a professional early childhood team which has MET the National Quality Standard for Education and Care. If you are looking to return to work or seeking a change of direction in your work life; and are interested in operating an Education and Care Service, Family Day Care may be the career you are looking for. WWRFDC represents a unique opportunity to work from home, and to build a successful business, with local resources, support and training through a partnership with our Co-ordination Unit. WWRFDC Educators work with small groups of children between the ages of birth and 13 years. Educators plan each day with the individual needs and preferences of the children in mind; creating experiences that help them to grow and learn through play in a secure, family-friendly home environment. Opening your home to families and children takes a special kind of person; someone able to adapt to different people, cultures and lifestyles. You will also need the support of your own family, as home-based Education and Care will have an impact on their lives as well. The home provides real life opportunities for children to grow; develop and learn within a family environment. This authentic Education and Care environment is like no other; where children can play in the leaves, plant a garden and relax, just like they would at home. It is a very flexible and child focussed environment. Family Day Care offers an opportunity for Educators to balance work life and family commitments, whilst ensuring quality Education and Care, and outcomes for all children. Educators are individuals who have their own unique style and personality in delivering the Family Day Care experience. Grounded in and guided by our values, professional and experienced Educators understand the need for openmindedness, flexibility and being able to accommodate the wide ranging needs of children and families. Having good organisational skills and the ability to plan and manage your time will be an asset in your new business.
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Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care - Prospective Educators
Qualifications Educators must have a minimum Certificate III in Education and Care Services or be actively studying this qualification. You will require a current First Aid Certificate, Asthma & Anaphylaxis Management Certificate, a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check. The working with children check will also need to be completed by anyone over the age of 18 residing in your home. When you start educating and caring for children, you must hold a current public liability insurance policy to cover your business.
Why Choose Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care? As an Educator with WWRFDC, you will be a part of an established Education and Care Service which has been operating in Wagga Wagga since 1975. Our service extends from the major regional centre of Wagga Wagga, through to small country towns such as Lockhart and Coolamon. You will benefit from our brand name recognition, marketing and promotional materials, customer service and professional Co-ordination Unit team experienced in supporting and training you to deliver high quality Education and Care. WWRFDC is a government approved Education and Care Service. Parents who use WWRFDC can receive the full range of fee subsidies available through the Australian Government including Child Care Subsidy. WWRFDC is part of a national network of children’s services, experienced professionals who are committed to providing a unique, family focussed Education and Care experience for families. WWRFDC offers a range of Education and Care options designed to meet the diverse needs of families within the community. This includes Education and Care in licensed Educator’s homes (Family Day Care) or care in a family’s home (In-Home Care).
Start-up costs In small business, there are a number of initial costs, which need to be met before you get started. These include: any home maintenance or changes required to meet legislative and safety standards, equipment such as bedding and furniture, craft materials, books and age appropriate toys and insurance. The safety and health of children is the number one priority. There are legislation and policies in place to ensure that your home and gardens are safe for children. Potential areas that might need attention include: • Safe fencing and gates • Fire equipment such as extinguisher, blanket and smoke alarms • Safety glass in accessible windows and doors • Child-proof locks on cupboards • Car Safety equipment and checks Other costs for setting up your Education and Care service include: • Certificate III in Education and Care Services • Public Liability Insurance • First Aid Certificate including Asthma & Anaphylaxis Management • Working with Children Check • National Police Check • Educator Annual Levy which contributes to the cost of providing the Family Day Care Service • Development Application if residence is in a bushfire zone
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Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care - Prospective Educators
Your Income As a Family Day Care provider in NSW, you become a self-employed small business operator, operating under the Education and Care licence held by Wagga Wagga City Council. You will set your fees according to the income you need to cover costs and to make your business viable, while remaining affordable. Your business expenses are tax deductible, so it is essential to keep accurate records. Fees are paid directly to you by your families. Many of your families will be eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS).Where this is the case the scheme will pay you the CCS on behalf of the parent each fortnight and the parent will pay you the difference between the subsidy and the full fee.
Business equipment & paperwork Business keeping will include: • Attendance Records for each child in care are submitted electronically to the WWRFDC office for processing fortnightly. • Written observations for each child. • Daily/weekly programs which include age appropriate experiences for each child. • Incident records for insurance and child protection purposes. • WWRFDC Policies and Procedures and welcome information for new parents. • Income and expense records. • Own computer, photocopier and scanner. • You need to be contactable at all times, so having a mobile phone is necessary. • Third party software Harmony Web
What do we expect from you?
Every Family Day Care scheme in Australia is unique because of the local area in which they operate and the diversity of families in those communities. WWRFDC service is also unique and there is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ Educator. However, if we were to write a job description for Educators it would go something like this:
Knowledge and Experience • • • • •
Ability to plan and provide play-based learning experiences for children in care. Knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework and My Time Our Place. A demonstrated ability to respond to children in an appropriate manner and a positive approach to behaviour guidance. A basic level of spoken and written English to help guide children’s learning, communicate with families, staff and essential services, and understand and complete legislative and administration tasks. Knowledge of good nutrition, health, hygiene and safety. Open communication.
Personal Skills • • • • • • •
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Ability to work collaboratively with the WWRFDC Co-ordination Unit. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with children and adults. Acceptance of diversity, inclusive practices and respectful of families including cultural or religious practices, and additional needs. Acceptance of the right of each child to learn and grow in an environment which is warm, safe and stimulating. Willingness to continually learn about Education and Care practices. Awareness of the importance of professional development and a willingness to improve practice. Professionalism.
Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care - Prospective Educators
Flexibility One of the key differences between Family Day Care and other forms of Education and Care is our ability to accommodate a range of Education and Care needs. Family Day Care offers: • Full-time care • Part-time care • Casual • Before/after school • Vacation care for older children • Overnight care and • Weekends Your families, particularly those who have demanding jobs with long hours, and those who work shift work or travel as part of their job will appreciate a flexible service. The greater your ability to offer a flexible service, the more you will enjoy a good, stable income.
Independence • • • •
After a period of orientation and initial training, you need to be ready to take responsibility for your own business and the management and administration that goes with it. You are responsible for the legal requirements of managing your own Education and Care business. WWRFDC will help you set up and get started and we provide you with ongoing professional development and support through regular Co-ordination Unit visits, phone calls and professional development opportunities. It will be your business, your families, your relationships and your unique service.
Next step If you are interested in finding out more about Family Day Care, the next step is to contact the WWRFDC office and organise to attend a Family Day Care Information Session. At this session you will be offered all the information on the requirements of becoming an Educator with WWRFDC.
Contact us Wagga Wagga Civic Centre Cnr Morrow and Baylis Streets PO Box 20 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650 Phone: (02) 6926 9367 Fax: (02) 6926 9379 fdc@wagga.nsw.gov.au
www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/fdc Office Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday If the office is unattended, please leave a message.
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Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care - Prospective Educators