174-178 Lava St Warrnambool VIC 3280
Phone: 03 5562 1289
Email: [email protected]
Monday to Friday 6.30am to 6.30pm
We believe that the value of play is of utmost importance to children as it is their way of learning about their world. While children play they are able to experiement with new ideas, test theories and their understanding of concepts, express their creative ability, release their emotions and share their feelings. While engaging in play children are developing across all domains and creating the building blocks for their future.
We build strong partnerships with families to provide safe, family-centred learning. Each child is respected and supported. Our team continuously develop skills and discover new and engaging ways to enrich your child’s early learning experience.
We understand how important indoor and outdoor play based experiences are to children. Our educators develop and design structured and spontaneous play experiences that create learning opportunities for your child.
Inspired by the teachings and insights of early childhood theorists and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), our programs help develop children’s emotional, social and cognitive intelligence.
Our Kindergarten curriculum emphasises play based learning, combined with intentional learning times that focus on literacy and numeracy, socialisation, self-regulation, and developing independence.
What led you to a career in the childcare industry?
My Early Childhood Education career began in 1987 when I completed my Diploma, known then as my “Certificate of Applied Social Science”. I soon discovered that Long Day Care was where I belonged, following a brief stint working with vulnerable families in residential care and working as a nanny. At 24 years old, I opened a centre in East St Kilda, where I spent the next 17 years. Upon selling the centre, I joined the “Koala family” where I managed a number of services until I moved to the Warrnambool child care centre. We then had the exciting opportunity of becoming a part of the Story House Early Learning journey.
What are your favourite memories within the workspace?
One of my favourite parts of the role is engaging with the local community. It is a fantastic feeling to contribute back to local causes and charities. Our Christmas bake sale this year was wonderful. We raised $404 to Food Share Warrnambool, assisting them to create Christmas hampers for local families in need. We also donated a further $404 for MacKillop Family Services to spend on toys for foster children in their care. This was a true highlight to me!
Who Inspires you and why?
I have been incredibly privileged to attend two Story House Early Learning Conferences. The conferences allow us to connect with those working behind the scenes in the support office, connect with fellow service managers, and continue to build our knowledge through guest speakers and trainers. It was a highlight for me to hear from Julie Cross, not once but twice! Julie is such a unique motivational speaker; she “tells it how it is” and believes in the power of authenticity. She leaves a lasting impression on those that hear her, with her personality and approach to finding a little “sparkle” in our everyday lives.
What are you passionate about?
Early childhood education, nature and animals, cooking, reading and coffee!
What type of leadership style do you have?
In my role as service manager, I think it is incredibly important to build rapport with everyone – the educators, children and families, and the wider community. This is key to building a high-quality service. I am strong in my beliefs but am always open and willing to listen to others. I pride myself on having a compassionate and understanding personality, good communication skills, and my willingness to do what I ask others to do.
What makes your service such an amazing service?
The core of our service is the people. From the children and families, the educators and anyone else I cross paths with throughout the day – the people are the true standout reason that makes our child care service in Warrnambool so amazing.
What are your goals for the service over the next 12 months?
We strive to continue growing as a team and as a service. It is also very important to me that our service continues to build relationships, not only with the families who use our service but also the greater community of Warrnambool.
Koala Early Learning and Childcare Centre at Warrnambool receives visits from their local Koori Pre School Field Officer. Having access to programs such as this helps us to embed indigenous culture into our day to day program, not just during Reconciliation week and NAIDOC week and other special dates during the year.
Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3) provides an opportunity for everyone to celebrate Australia’s indigenous people, families, and communities and reflect on what we can do to help the ongoing process of reconciliation.
At Koala Early Learning Warrnambool, we welcome children and families from surrounding suburbs including Warrnambool, Dennington, Allansford and Bushfield. The purpose-built facility features modern educational materials, spacious play areas for children to enjoy and beautiful natural environments.
With strong community connections, your child can develop their skills and feel safe while continuing their learning journey.
The largest child care centre in Warrnambool, Koala Early Learning is in the centre of town on Lava Street. You won’t miss the lovely heritage building, originally built in 1935 as St Joseph’s primary school.
174-178 Lava Street Warrnambool VIC 3280
03 5562 1289 | [email protected]
Open Monday to Friday 06:30am to 06:30pm
