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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