Deniliquin’s Angela Coffey and Echuca-based educator Kelly Martin were winners in the 2022 Regional Educator Awards category — which recognises educators who drive quality improvement, innovation and a commitment to quality care.
Angela claimed the award for the Wagga Wagga and Riverina Region, while Kelly won her award for the Mildura and Murray region.
The awards highlight the incredible work of Family Day Care educators and the invaluable contributions they make to the lives of children, families and communities. The Family Day Care awards are based on professional practice, relationships, flexibility, autonomy and diversity, and social support.
Angela has more than 15 years of experience in the education industry, including teaching in primary schools, at TAFE, in long day care, Mobile Children’s Services and Family Day Care.
“It was an honour to receive the award,” Angela said.
“I feel the role of the educator is to provide a warm and welcoming environment that invites children to explore and join in experiences,” she said.
“I believe that children learn through play, trial and error, repetition, experimentation, problem-solving, taking risks and being exposed to many different experiences.
“I feel the role of the educator is to provide a warm and welcoming environment. I provide a program created around children’s individual needs, interests and developmental stages.”
Angela thanked her Intereach leaders for the support they provide.
“Both myself and the children look forward to visits from my supervisor, who I can bounce ideas off and get a second opinion if I need it. She also brings activities for the children, which they love.”
Angela, who has a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Community Services (Children’s Services), said she especially enjoys the personal aspect of Family Day Care and the small group sizes.
“There are only four children here each day, so you get to know each child and their individual interests and needs.
“I also get to know the families; siblings attend, and I have therefore cared for members of the same family for six years. The relationship and friendships we develop are a special part of Family Day Care.”
Intereach Family Day Care offers nurturing home-based childcare for small groups of children with flexible and extended hours.
Care is available in the homes of qualified, registered FDC educators on weekdays, school holidays, overnight and weekends, as well as before and after school.
It is available for babies and children under the age of 13 in Coolamon, Deniliquin, Echuca, Finley, Jerilderie, Junee, Kerang, Moama, Nanneella, Rochester, Swan Hill and Wagga Wagga.
Intereach Family Day Care program manager Rebecca Fitzpatrick congratulated Angela on the award success.
“Intereach Family Day Care truly focuses on each individual child’s development and needs, while providing high-quality early learning in a natural environment,” she said.
“Angela is an excellent example of how a successful career can be forged in education while working in your own home.”
Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Family Day Care educator should contact Intereach on 1300 488 226.
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