Our Service - St Augustine's Long Day Care
Located in a peaceful setting, and featuring an expansive outdoor play area, St Augustine’s provides children with a unique learning environment that encourages creativity and exploration. We believe each child is unique and learns differently, so our educators spend time getting to know each child and family so we can create programs that reflect the way they will socialise, learn and grow.
Overview:
An Educator in a long day care centre plays a crucial role in the early development and education of young children. They are responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. The role is dynamic and multifaceted, requiring a blend of teaching, caregiving, and administrative skills.
Qualifications and Experience:
1. Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent).
2. Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis, and Asthma certifications.
3. Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance.
4. Understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards (NQS).
5. Previous experience in a long day care setting is preferred.
Program Planning and Implementation:
6. Develop and implement age-appropriate educational programs that align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
7. Create daily and weekly activity plans that cater to the developmental needs and interests of the children.
8. Incorporate play-based learning activities that promote curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Childcare and Supervision:
9. Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children in your care.
10. Provide close supervision during activities, meals, and rest times.
11. Attend to the individual needs of each child, including feeding, diapering, and comforting.
Learning Environment:
12. Set up and maintain a clean, organized, and inviting learning environment.
13. Ensure all materials and resources are safe, age-appropriate, and in good condition.
14. Rotate activities and resources regularly to maintain children's interest and engagement.
Observation and Assessment:
15. Observe and document children's progress and development.
16. Use observations to tailor activities to support each child's growth.
17. Share insights and updates with parents and caregivers through regular communication and formal reports.
Relationship Building:
18. Foster positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
19. Communicate effectively with parents about their child's day, progress, and any concerns.
20. Encourage parental involvement in the centre’s activities and events.
Compliance and Professionalism:
21. Adhere to all relevant regulations, policies, and standards, including health and safety guidelines.
22. Maintain confidentiality regarding children's records and family information.
23. Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
Team Collaboration:
24. Work collaboratively with other educators and staff to share ideas, strategies, and resources.
25. Participate in team meetings and contribute to the centre's continuous improvement efforts.
26. Support new staff and volunteers through mentoring and guidance.
Behaviour Management:
27. Implement positive behaviour management strategies that promote self-regulation and respect among children.
28. Address challenging behaviors with patience and consistency, using techniques that encourage positive outcomes.
Personal Attributes:
29. Passion for early childhood education and a commitment to fostering children's development.
30. Patience, empathy, and a nurturing demeanor.
31. Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
32. Creativity and enthusiasm in planning and delivering educational activities.
33. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
In essence, an Educator in a long day care centre is a vital contributor to the foundational years of children's lives, playing an essential role in their growth, learning, and development within a supportive and enriching environment.