Educators

Name– Heidi
Qualification-Bachelor in Teaching (Early Childhood)
How long have you been working at JEEC-23 Years

Role at JEEC– 2IC, and WH&S Representative. Works in the Bottlebrush room W-F.
My Interests are– Spending time with my husband and our two young adult children. I love getting away in our caravan. Anyone that knows me will be aware of my love of my morning coffee.
My favourite children’s book– Australian Classics ‘Koala Lou’, and ‘Wombat Stew’
My favourite part about working with children- I have a strong belief that children learn as they play, and they do this through a strong sense of belonging to the environment they are in. Part of building this sense of belonging, includes not only having relationship with the child, but the child’s family as well. 
My philosophy about working with children– What is my role in fostering children’s learning, I do this by providing them with uninterrupted time to play, explore and engage with both the indoor and outdoor environments. Along, with providing the children with the materials as provocation for their individual stages of learning.

Name– Kim
Qualification– Diploma of Early Childhood- Children’s Services
How long have you been working at JEEC– 19 Years

Role at JEEC– Room Leader in Gumnut room (M-F) and Educational Leader
My Interests are– Travelling, netball and catching up with friends.
My favourite children’s book– Koala Lou (Mem Fox)
My favourite part about working with children– Getting to see children grow and develop, and being a part of children’s learning.
My philosophy about working with children–

• I believe that each child is a unique individual, and that all children develop through their own pattern of growth and development.
• I believe that supporting children’s self-confidence and self-esteem is important in reaching developmental milestones for children
• I believe in providing a quality curriculum and environment where children are encouraged to learn, create, imagine, discover, problem solve and play
• I believe that inclusion and cultural understanding is an important part of the curriculum and learning
• I believe that family involvement is an important part of the curriculum, and as such families are well informed and welcomed participates in all activities at the centre
• I believe that ongoing communication with families is necessary to continue to meet the needs of children in our care

Name– Sue
Qualification– Diploma of Early Childhood

How long have you been working at JEEC- I have been employed at JEEC since 2009

Role at JEEC– Educator in Gumnut room (W-F)
My Interests are- spending time with my daughters as she learns and grows, spending time with my family and friends, catching up on the latest T.V series in my down time at night, walks by the lake.
My favourite children’s book– Wombat Stew, guess how much I love you, good night sleep tight and green eggs and ham.
My favourite part about working with children–

Watching the children learn, grow and play. Nurturing children so they feel loved and have a strong sense of belonging. It brings a sense of joy when I see the children meet their milestones.

My philosophy about working with children–

I believe that every child is unique and special in their own way. I believe children learn and grow when they have a strong sense of belonging and are surrounded by positive energy in a positive environment. children need to feel safe, secure and supported by their primary caregivers. If caregivers provide consistent sources of food, comfort, and affection, the child learns about trust. Trust that others are dependable and reliable.

 My role as an educator is to ensure that children feel loved and supported. My role is to keep children safe so they can exceed in play and development.

Name- Ashleigh
Qualification– Diploma of Early Childhood
How long have you been working at JEEC-10 Years

Role at JEEC– Educator in Gumnut room (Mon &Tue) and Cook Wednesday and Friday.
My Interests are– Go on walks & Spend Time with my family.
My favourite children’s book– The Rainbow Fish By Marcus Pfister
My favourite part about working with children- I love working with children and seeing them achieve individual milestones.
My philosophy about working with children– I believe setting up experiences and providing opportunities for each child to explore, discover and create extends on their strengths, interests and skills. I love seeing children learn and discover new things.

Name– Keely
Qualification– Certificate 3 Early Childhood
How long have you been working at JEEC-3 Years

Role at JEEC– Educator in Wattle Room (M-F)
My Interests are– going to the beach, going to the movies, reading, taking my dog for walks
My favourite children’s book-: The Magic beach by Alison Lester
My favourite part about working with children- My favourite part about working with children: I love that I can be apart to help children learn, grow, and develop to their greatest potential. I love being able to create special relationships with the children and their families, being able to teach the children important life skills and helping them achieve their milestones.
My philosophy about working with children–

My philosophy about working with children I believe it’s important to build those special strong relationships with the children and their families, I believe it’s important for the child to feel safe in the environment and also meeting the child’s needs. I think it’s important to teach the children important life skills and making sure they are reaching their milestones but helping them achieve their goals and implement learning experiences, I also believe it’s important to introduce the natural environment and resources for children to explore to extend their learning and interests.

Name– Kaylee

Qualification– Cert 3 Early Childhood
How long have you been working at JEEC– I started working at JEEC as a trainee in 2019 and have now been working at JEEC for 2 and a half years.

Role at JEEC– Floater, I also often assist with kitchen duties.

My Interests are – I love spending time with my family and friends. You will often find me in the bush camping, my favourite place to camp is at Baerami Creek it is certainly back to basics with no power or phone service. Recently I have realised how great it is to get out in the garden to plant flowers, fruit and vegetables. I also love to go swimming and walking in the sunshine around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
My favourite children’s book– My favourite children’s book is Koala Lou by Mem Fox.
My favourite part about working with children– My favourite part of working with the children is watching them achieve their milestones and grow in their knowledge. By working with children, I want to be apart of them gaining confidence and success, I want them to feel safe and happy. Each day I learn something new from the children at JEEC, I love the sound of their chit chat and laughter.
My philosophy about working with children– I believe children are our future, they are individuals and each child requires unique strategies and approaches to grow. I want to be able to help them develop their strengths, interests, abilities and skills. Being an educator is my way of helping them gain more knowledge and expand on their learning, by encouraging them to do and be the best that they can.

 ***It takes a village to raise a child***

Name- Stacey

Qualification-Certificate 3 Early Childhood
How long have you been working at JEEC– 2 years

Role at JEEC– Educator/Floater (M-F)

My Interests are– Spending time with family and friends and babysitting my nieces and nephews.
My favourite children’s book-:  The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
My favourite part about working with children- Getting to know the children and what their interests are.

My philosophy about working with children– I believe children learn and develop through their own interests,  beliefs and imaginations  whether that be from home or school. I believe that involving the children’s families and communicating with them also helps with their learning and development. And observing the children’s play with themselves and others.

Name– Selina
Qualification– Diploma of Early Childhood
How long have you been working at JEEC– 1 year

Role at JEEC– Room leader in Wattle Room (M-F)

My Interests are– Travelling, baking cakes, family time and exercise.

My favourite children’s book-: ‘The Things I Love About Friends’ by Trace Moroney
My favourite part about working with children-

When I discover new creative ideas through working with children and bring peace and joy to my heart knowing I’m helping and educating the future generation. I also love encouraging children to learn and being there alongside them for the journey until they are ready for primary school.

 My philosophy about working with children–

I believe that the child orientated social environment is a wonderful way to create a warm, friendly and fun learning atmosphere for your child. Child care services aim to provide professional education and care to support children’s development where they can feel secure, respected and their wellbeing is regarded as being upmost importance. We provide a positive and natural learning environment which allows the children to feel safe and comfortable when in care.

The activities provided ensure that the children are exposed to a variety of experiences so that all areas of their development can be stimulated.

Support and encourage building relationships with the children and their family, and believe in working together as a partnership to support individual children’s learning.

Name– Nicky

Qualification– Diploma of Early Childhood

 How long have you been working at JEEC– 1 year

Role at JEEC– Room leader in Bottlebrush room (M-F)

My Interests are– Reading, spending time with family, traveling.

My favourite children’s book-Harry Potter, Mem Fox books

My favourite part about working with children is-Seeing the children grow, when they first arrive, they are quiet and shy but when they leave, they are confident little people. My philosophy about working with children- (What are your beliefs in regards to the ways children learn and develop/ What is my role with respect to this?) I believe in being consistent with the routine and rules And I believe that each child will be treated fairly and with respect. While promoting children behaviour through positive encouragement and experience that build the child’s self-esteem and self-worth

My philosophy about working with children- I feel as an educator it’s important to allow children to make decision and provide them with a clean, safe caring environment where children can learn through play experiences.

 I believe this provides opportunities for children to engage in social interaction between peer’s and educator’s, by providing opportunities for the children to explore and experiment

 The children are encouraged to play where they can extend on their language, engage in social setting, fine and physical skills, independence and working through their emotion, grasping how to take turns and sharing in a group situation. They learn through watching listening to others, children learn through play and just having fun.

I will aim to provide a program that will reflect on small groups time and the child’s individual needs, are met. Through ongoing observation and evaluations, providing information about each Childs progression and to document each child’s learning out comes. I will also aim to provide a program where children are treated fairly, and their cultural and diversity embraced and acknowledge.

Families are encouraged to share their cultural and their language from their home. The equipment will be accessible to the children according to age appropriate activities. Families are encouraged to participate in making decision within the center about their child. Giving the children plenty of time and opportunities to complete their painting, drawing, puzzle.

I believe in being consistent with the routine and rules and I believe that each child will be treated fairly and with respect. While Promoting children behavior through positive encouragement and experiences that builds the child’s self-esteem and self-worth. I endeavor to approach each family in a professional manner With regards to their cultural, gender, background, values, religion or different child rearing practices, also to be non – judgmental while interacting with families. A parent knows their own child best. Providing information about their child progression and to document the child learning out comes.

Name– Kim
Qualification– Cook/ Food Safety Supervisor
How long have you been working at JEEC- 8 years

Role at JEEC– Child Care Cook

My Interests are– Sewing, craft activities, cooking, fishing and travel
My favourite children’s book– The Ugly Duckling
My favourite part about working with children–
Even though I’m not an educator, I love talking and spending time with the children.  It always makes my day when they say lunch was good or that cake was yummy!  I love making things special for the children (Easter/Christmas etc).   The hugs, hellos and waving goodbye from the playground as I drive out are so special to me.

My philosophy about working with children–

In my role, to provide good nutrition during those early years is very important as it is a time for rapid growth, development and activity. It is also a time for healthy tooth development and to prevent decay.

It’s important we encourage parents to talk to the kitchen staff about any concerns they may have in regards to their child’s eating habits, in particular babies progressing from puree foods to more solid consistency, and also the fussy eaters.

We are happy to help you anytime.

 Name- Nicole

Qualification- Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

 Role at JEEC-Nicole works in the Bottlebrush room on Monday and Tuesdays and Wednesday in the Gumnut room.

How long have you been working at JEEC for– Started at JEEC April 2022.

Name- Georgia 

Qualification– Certificate III in Children’s Services and currently studying my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care at JEEC 

How long have you been working at JEEC– Started April 2021

Role at JEEC– M-F in the Wattle room

My Interests are– Shopping and sewing

My favourite children’s book-Where is the green sheep?

My favourite part about working with children–
No two days are the same! I love putting smiles on their faces and even more when they put a smile on mine

My philosophy about working with children– My philosophy of childcare is that all children are unique in their own way. I believe that children of all ages learn best through hands on experiences being able to discover new things and explore the environment around them. I believe building partnerships with families is valuable as I’m able to share insights into their development and it helps me to value the role, we both play in their children lives.