The Echuca educator was recently named the Regional Family Day Care Educator of the Year for the Mildura and Murray area at Family Day Care Australia’s Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
“I feel so honoured to receive this award. I don’t consider this a job, it’s my passion, and I feel so privileged in being able to help shape the lives of the children in my care,” Michelle said.
With 17 years’ experience working with children of all ages, Michelle started her career in South Africa as a Kumon instructor — a maths and English tutor who helps students develop their academic potential.
She has been an educator with Intereach for five years and in the industry for more than seven years – assisting more than 100 children over that time.
“I am passionate about providing quality care and a program that supports each child’s individual needs, learning goals and developmental milestones due to having the smaller groups,” she said.
“I love seeing how the older children help and encourage the younger children to challenge themselves and become role models for the younger children; the younger children teach the older children empathy and patience. It’s a wonderful environment that is nurturing and full of laughter and fun.
“Because it’s a home-based program, it’s an extension of a child’s home, providing care in a flexible, nurturing, educational and homelike environment. Children learn best from feeling safe and secure.”
Intereach Family Day Care Program manager Rebecca Fitzpatrick said the team was extremely proud of Michelle’s recognition.
“Michelle is a wonderful advocate for high-quality education and care for children, continuously looking at innovative ways to ensure children and families alike are benefiting from what she offers,” she said.
“Michelle has a ‘curiosity approach’ to her services, which is based on child-led learning. Children are given choices and opportunities to figure things out for themselves, which leads to confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving.”
It is one of the reasons Michelle has been recognised for her award, for which she has been nominated every year since she started with Intereach.
The national finalists were due to be announced on October 17, with the winner presented on November 25.
Michelle said being a family day care educator was rewarding and exciting.
“I run my own business, work from home, choose my days/hours, provide quality care and programs to support and develop each child’s individual learning goals, all with the support from my provider, Intereach,” she said.
“Like every job, there are many challenges, but with each challenge, there is always a better outcome.
“If you like smaller groups and are passionate about providing education and care to children, then family day care is for you. Intereach is supportive and always available to provide advice and guidance when needed.”
If you are interested in a career as an Intereach educator, contact the Family Day Care team on 1300 488 226, email fdc@intereach.com.au or visit www.intereach.com.au/become-a-family-day-care-educator
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