The Childcare Companion

"National Quality Standards" or better said "Not Quite Smart" enough

2011-04-09T21:38:00.006+10:00

What does it take to figure out that the new Quality Standards will fail child care once again? Thousands of man hours in planning, 1650 forum attendees across every state in Australia and millions of tax payers money ...apparently.

Frankly it would have been easier to ask an everyday childcare worker or hell ...just ask me for that matter. So why will it fail. Here's why!

Despite the thousands of man hours and dollars that have gone into this new framework, and don't get me wrong in the perfect world these would actually have some value. But for the world we live in they once again fall incredibly short of anything more than marketing propaganda to make parents feel secure about leaving their children in poor quality services, when the fact is they are no better off then they were before.

The problem is simple. This new framework while all good in intentions fails to truly look at the aspects of the childcare industry that don't work and will continue to not work, leaving the standards of our child care services at nothing more than mediocre at best.

So what doesn't work. Ask any child care worker that isn't deluded by all this propaganda garbage and they'll tell you. The results of these standards, accreditation evaluations.. whatever you want to call them are not a true indication of what really goes on. In a nut shell..

The survey process and results; Are not confidential and therefore are rife with workplace bullying, intimidation, and forgery. I mean seriously if you want to know exactly how well a service provides for the children, then the last thing you would do is ask staff to rate their "job" and then give it to their BOSS to read...arh derh! Its doesn't take a genius to figure out that that won't work.

The expectations of the standards; are unrealistic to the industry. Take this one Quality Area 4
"Educator-to-child ratios (including qualification requirements) are maintained at all times". This is required to meet the National Quality Standard. Well i can tell you now that in 15 years of childcare i have yet to work in a service that would honestly meet this ( including some of those that would consider themselves pioneers of the industry).

What you see is not what you get; forget menus, forget programs and staffing. What might look like high quality on paper is not always what you get. So where an assessor might come and rate a centre on all the things that look amazing on paper, they are not there the week before or later to see that the Oriental Fried Rice is more like congealed day old rice with some frozen veggies thrown in. Nor are they there or smart enough to notice that where the service states all these culturally inclusive and wonderfully investigative activities are planned, the service doesn't actually own them.

Leadership; again even the pioneers of childcare fail this one. Why is it left up to an assessor to judge whether or not a director is a great leader. I mean does she personally ask each staff member if they feel their director offers them leadership. Frankly i can tell you now that a large percentage of staff would tell them that their director not only fails to offer them leadership. But also adequate breaks, personal support and workplace rights such as their own locker and acess to hot water and a clean and hygienic place to eat.

Last but not least one of the biggest and most essential aspects of the child care industry is a national highlight on Carer's Mental health; You guessed it. In what part of the National Quality Standards does it look at the mental health of workers. Sure it looks at whether they are educated, aware of the latest pedagogical teachings and have passed a working with children check. But what about them, yes..taking a moment to care for our carers (who'd have thought). What about the fact that their overworked, exhausted, working while sick to intimidated to take a sick day, spending their own money on resources, or simply dread coming to work each day and facing an industry soiled in a culture of workplace bullying. Where does it look at whether a director is running a "mentally" healthy service. Its all good and well to point the finger and judge services for how they cater for children but whats the point if the service is failing our carers. Would i be right in saying unhappy carers make for unhappy children.

While i could go on and many would say, it would be no surprise. I find I'm repeating myself like those who feel it's still a newsflash to say " The first 5 years of a child's life is the most important". I mean its been five years since they started saying that and they haven't managed to get past that yet, so whats the chances they'll progress to actually doing something about that anymore then they will in fixing the industries standards. Probably not a lot.

In the mean time , until where prepared as a society and industry to be honest with ourselves . All i can say is grab a copy of your child care services brochure, read it and keep telling yourself that, that's exactly what your child gets each day. Your child might not be better for it but your peace of mind will.

RSC: Responsible Serving of Children

2011-04-03T20:07:00.003+10:00

Forget Responsible serving of Alcohol, these days its all about serving up kids and there's no limit.

You guessed it..with new ratios coming into play, services are quickly figuring out how to make it work for them as usual. In most cases it means that for rooms caring for 0-2 years old's once caring for 15 babies with 3 staff now can have 4 staff and squeeze an extra child in to make it an easy 16.

But just how does this extra one make a big impact on such a small scale.Well the problem is not so much about the child itself but rather what needs to come with the child. While services are quickly making space for another child and the fees they can charge to go with them. There not quite so fast to provide any of the extra's to go along with them. And there lies the problem.

For many child care workers caring for under 2's, trying to provide enough supplies and time to care for them has always been hard enough. But with the new ratios leaving gaps to add one more to the party, staff are learning to cope with another mouth top feed as centres are making the most of the new ratios. The problem is carers are finding that adding just one more to the party is having more impact then expected.

As a carer when you are already struggling to find enough high chairs and cots to cater for the number of children you have, adding another one for the hell of it, just becomes about dollars rather than common sense. So just what kind of accountability should services be held to in regards to "responsible serving of children". Would a service have no problem enrolling 16 under 1's to 5 carers. Would they see any real concern in forcing staff to make do when babies out number cots or would they take head to take into account "a responsible serving of children".

To date the industry shows that while ever there is a spot they will fill it, despite the moral debate that might follow. But what about the National Quality standards and how does that question services and their "responsible serving of children"? The standards clearly require the following:

"Element 2.1.2 Each child's comfort is provided for and there are appropriate opportunities to meet each child's need for sleep, rest and relaxtion"

If this is the case just how does a service justify adding another child without considering the needs for extra bibs, chairs, cots and resoucres. Or is knowing that an extra staff memeber is present ...enough. Does staffing alone make it acceptable or should a service asking for changes to its liscence in order to enrol another child have to demonstrate just how they will be catering for the extra child in their care. Surely for every new child, someone should be determining if the physical space alone be adequate. Being that the NQS state that there should be 3.25sq of unemcumbered floor space per child. I mean sure you can buy more bibs but you can't make the room any bigger.

And what about the staff and the emotional and physical stress that adding another child can bring. Are service provided responsible for ensuring that they can manage with the work load, or does "learn to deal with it" cut the mustard. At what point do we stop services just handing out demands to go along with their greedy wants and actually begin to truly care and respect our carers and their needs let alone that of the children they enrol.

I dont know about you but when i hear the director say for the third time that month that staff need to work together and be patient with their needs and take some initiative because the director has her own workload to do. All i can think of is "Learn to deal with it"....

Staff Retainment: Simple as a bottle of milk.

2011-04-03T20:03:00.009+10:00

After some quick research on the net it seems there is some confusion about how to retain child care staff. With answers such as agreed performance targets, strategic business goals of a service and professional management plans there's no wonder were all leaving the industry in droves. I mean...What the! ....
Not only have i never heard of such things in the industry but i can guarantee it wouldn't be the answer to why i left a service. The facts believe or not actually fall a lot closer to home and whats worse is that it will only cost you a bottle of milk.

Ask any child care worker and they'll all tell you that the the number # 1 reason they leave a service (other than personal reasons) is: Poor Quality working conditions...Plain and simple.

For those that don't know what that is here's a clue...

1. A Bad Director...
A bad director will make and break a centre. All too often the child care industry unlike other industries fail to achieve an unbiased and professional front. This is caused solely because of the following reasons; 1. The lack of career direction in childcare causes a culture of every man for themselves (pardon the irony). So the industry is rife with favouritisim and infamous bitchiness.
2. The directors are rarely suited to their roles or qualified other than child care skills. A child care director as apposed to a corporate business director has often no management, interpersonal or leadership skills. They simple take on a role and off they go, with no one in the position to address it. As there is no other higher paying roles in the industry to obtain, most directors remain in these positions for long periods of time. Often to the detriment of the centre and staff. Point out a centre that has a constant turnover of staff and ill point out a bad director.

2. Poor treatment of Staff...
Over the years it has become definitively clear as to just what child care workers really want from a service/director. Sadly as much as i would like to see greater demands from carers, the simple fact remains that they are happy to settle with good old fashioned appreciation, feeling valued, respected, acknowledged and treated as a whole person that is not solely there as pawns to make money for centre owners.

A prime example of this is "a good old cup of tea" sure its a menial thing but to a child care worker its often the savior of our day. Its the thing that makes all the problems and crying children melt away (well almost). But imagine this....you've already paid out this week for new centre resources from your own money (more than you'll ever admit) and in return all you would appreciate is some milk for your tea. Unfortunately... the order didn't go through properly and there will be no milk for the week. Rather than running down to servo and grabbing some spare milk with petty cash and well..yeah even the directors money. More times then you would believe centre staff simply go without for the week. I mean let's face it, if a child care worker can spend minimum of $20 a paycheck on their centre, surely a service can chip in few bucks for milk.

Or lets look at it this way..
Each year our estimated 90,000 workers will each spend $20 a month on work related items. That's a whopping $21.6 million dollar investment to our own industry. If we can do that, then surely our centre owners can cough up a bottle of milk.

At the end of the day the last thing a staff member wants to hear is not that there is no milk but the director saying "oh well...you'll be right! At the end of the day its not about the milk its about that moment when a director decided that her staff weren't worth the bottle of milk.

3. Poor working conditions
Theres not a lot to be said of the childcare industry in terms of perks, there's no coffee machines, no internet access, and no freebies other than a range of infections. So what is in it for us.
For many its finding a service that offers more than just unpaid overtime, often we'll look for anything that's above "crappy" or is indicative that things might be different here. Such as computers that work, extra programming time, colour printing and resources as well as ratio's that might actually mean that one won't be required to stay back every day. Of course a director or owner that's truly interested in investing in its staff is also a huge bonus. Knowing that your skills and goals will be acknowledged an supported make a huge impact to taking a job. Other than that it's a toss up between Woollies or Big W.

Seriously at the end of the day owners and directors really need to start looking at things that will actually entice workers and i mean things that they actually put out for. Saying that you can offer better ratios isn't a bonus honey, that's what your suppose to offer. How about things like free access to internet so we can pay our bills online and check mail, meals provided for unpaid staff meetings (and NO pizza isn't an option) , paying for staff birthday cakes wouldn't kill em either rather than staffing paying for that too, air conditioners that work or hell a light that works in the toilet. Something that says "Your important and you don't go unnoticed".

At the end of the day Staff are more than happy to stay back after hours, start a little early or help out with special activities if the conditions are equal give and take, rather than always take take take.....

4. Poor service quality
There's only one thing you can hope for in the industry and that is the ability to look the other way. But for those that struggle with it or simply can't, the job can be very hard on your values. Knowing and working in a poor quality service is one of the biggest reasons child care workers leave their job. Watching every day as poor quality care from ratios, food and resources are dished out can weigh heavily on a person who spent years studying that quality care should be the opposite. Whats more is that you can most likely have no impact on stopping or even changing it.. A poor quality service can be the biggest moral killer of all time and in time if not corrected can become nothing short of toxic. I have seen many amazing staff simply fall apart or walk away from the industry altogether due to poor service quality.

So if that's not enough to help you understand why your staff are leaving in droves then your most likely one of those directors that no one likes anyway because you JUST don't see the bigger picture...!

Oh and by the way...buy some milk ya cheapskate!

The Honeymoon Period

2011-03-16T19:20:00.000+11:00

You know that feeling when things start to loose their shine, like when you buy a new handbag and a week later a new one makes yours look less shiny. Well the same thing can be said of childcare and new owners. Or better put when the honeymoon comes to an end.

Sadly as with love, the promise of new management within childcare has everyone jumping for joy with the hope that things will be different..better even. First there's the new toys, bounty's of morning tea biscuit (yes...free ones just for you) and of course the biggest deal sealer of all...colour copying. Or the sweet sounds of printing in colour, can it get any better. Not really. Well... that's until you realise what you knew before but really didn't want to admit. That this was clearly just the honeymoon period and well...its over!

So just what is this honeymoon period and why is it so common in childcare.
Well for those who don't know and for those who would rather you didn't here it is
It's become a common practice these days in childcare, with ever changing owners that ensuring staff loyalty is top priority. So what better way to do that then to give this illusion of "a brighter future".

In the beginning its all about building rapport with staff and drawing in their loyalty and commitment. They do this by offering a range of all new things like, bigger food budgets and more art and craft supplies than Martha Stewart would know what to do with. Then there's the toys, equipment and if your lucky they'll throw out the big "spender" cards like new air cons or long awaited maintenance items. Suddenly its like Xmas and you find yourself thinking "there's no way I could consider leaving now.

But by now you would have already no doubt have voiced your thoughts on how great the new owners must be, how much you love your job and how you look forward to working here for a long time. The owners of course would also have made a very special effort to come and meet and greet the staff and all too kindly, allow you to put a face to their new name.

That's called Phase one (staff manipulation)..complete.

Now for phase Two...
If you've made it this far you're going well. Its at this time that staff appraisals kick in and things start to resemble a diet. The good food gets to stay and the bad food (that's staff who don't follow the new plan) get tossed in the bin or as new management prefers to say "If you're not interested in being part of the team than perhaps you should look for a place more suited to you. Of course with this new diet comes new budgets and well their a lot smaller cos well were on a diet. So out goes the colour printing, the free laminates, craft and art orders look more like a supermodels lunch and a unyielding supply of gloves and wipes are a thing of the past.
The fact that you can't wipe a steaming nappy full of poop without the risk of an extreme sport thrill is another thing as the cheap plastic gloves tear at the seams mid nappy change. I mean lets be honest if Loreal and Garneir can offer better free gloves with a hair dye surely we can do as good. At the end of all this it becomes very clear that money is at stake and the new owners are staking their claim.

Last but not least there's stage Three: Mummy wants shiny new things...!
Never let it be said that behind ever childcare owner there's a wife that likes new things. As evident in this stage of the honeymoon process. Of course if you blink you'll often miss it, and it comes in the form of a nice, almost forgettable man that wanders through the centre with clipboard in hand, quietly taking notes. These little men are like Termites, they are the silent threat that goes at work without being seen. So who is this man...well he's the evaluator or in better terms, the man who's job is to find out what mummy can buy using the centre as collateral. When this man comes along you know, the owners mean business. There thinking , they've made it through the first year (no thanks to the staff who did unpaid overtime and bought resources). So now its time to start doing what they set out to do. Spend money on themselves.

Generally this comes in the form of a new house but hey what's a new Maserati and holiday between friends or even another centre. When the going's good why stop now. For everyone else this is the start of the end. For many staff they choose to move on to others centres that are going through the first year of honeymoon where all is well, others give in and even more well they just give up and go onto other careers.

One things is for sure...the only person getting anything good on this honeymoon is the owners.

Childcare and it's.. All or nothing approach...!

2011-03-06T12:46:00.000+11:00

OK ...So Tom cruise hasn't quite taken over childcare yet but it does seem as if the childcare industry is taking a page out of the Scientology "crazy book". As they continue to become further and further self assured that they somewhat 'Own" their centre staff. What's more the industries professionals are feeling the pressure; as does Katie Holmes i suspect. To deliver such dedication in order to save their jobs and the career they love.

Having worked in the industry for many years its fair to say that this "theory"isn't new. Nor is the centre owners and directors intentions to keep it that way. But just how did this demeaning and unjust "all or nothing" approach manage to find it ways into the industry and why are we as professionals still allowing it to remain?

If like many you take on a new position and cautiously as we all do; aim to make a good impression then your not alone. But what happens when it goes beyond being on time, putting in 110 % or going that extra mile? What happens when it becomes so much more?
For child care professionals this growing feeling of pressure to constantly submit to a director or owners demand for more..and more...and more has become ...well sadly second nature to all. Whats more is that it's very hard to stop doing it .

So what does this "all or nothing" approach look like. Well it looks a bit like candy..or should we say sour candy. You see there the little things that often go under the radar and are all too often sugar coated or wrapped in something else to disguise what it really is. An abuse of power on venerable people who are all to compelled by guilt, stable employment and financial burdens to refuse. These unspoken demands come in the form of many cleverly wrapped terms such as " commitment", "support", "for the good of the centre", or even the worst of all " Do it for the kids". What they don't tell you is that there is rarely ever an end in sight.

So why do it..I hear you say. Well this thing is no worker ever sets out to do it, what happens however is that one finds themselves a part of this vicious cycle before they really have a chance to say no. For young and new workers you do it because you don't know better or you think thats it's once off, for older more expereinced workers you do it because you know the harsher reality of it.

But for most it goes a little like this...Your offered a new position. You jump at the chance and cant wait. Even though in your mind you are aware of what your are prepared and not prepared to do. Then of course within the first couple of months your "invited" not asked to attend the centres special event. Of course inviting you and not asking you suggests that you don't have to come..(that would entail the owners being required to pay you). But of course if you don't then clearly your loyalties and commitment might be considered lacking and your suitability to the role may be questioned. So you feel compelled and being that it's a new job you don't want to rock the boat. So you go.

Congratulations .....You are now a member of the industries secret world and there's no going back. From here in there's no stopping them, from starting work early and leaving late, to taking time in lieu; when and if we let you. To the infamous, staff meetings, Easter hats parades, kids Xmas parties, open days, parent teacher nights, grandparent morning teas, afternoons teas, staff training,working bees and fundraising events. Of course if you don't mind buying some extra craft and room supplies and even your gloves then that would be great too...Phew! And before you ask NO they wont be paid!

Perhaps the saddest part of this story is that while the industry continues to struggle to obtain a greater image for our professionals, its very providers take every opportunity to hold us back by encouraging and demanding us to remain submissive and controlled by guilt and fear. For any one out there that of course would like to dispute this then go ahead, but in my 14 years of work i have met many a "I'm not like that" director or owner who quickly comes undone when you reprise your given right to say NO.

Frankly only when the expectations of Early Years professionals equals that of others that we will finally begin our journey to better recognition. I mean since when do other industries go to work for free to help out. Lets face it when did an anesthesiologist drop by a hospital just to help out, or a baker go into work at 4am just to make a staff birthday cake or a council worker spending his saturday picking up rubbish on the side of a road, just to make it look pretty. Its simple they don't becuase it would never be expected of them...yet it is continually expected of us.

At the end of the day until we can afford ourselves the opportunity to really say NO and stand strong knowing we have the right to say it. Then we will continue to spend our hard earned money and precious time at our workplace as apposed to being at home with out loved ones, hobbies or hell......... just resting. If thats not enough reason then ponder this....No one likes Tom Cruise.

Will there be anything sir?

2010-04-02T15:57:00.000+11:00

Now I don’t normally like to let my frustrations get the better of me, but if those clearly out of touch can`t seem to get a clue, then who am I to stand in the way of someone’s much needed education. So forgive me if i`m wrong, but since when did Australia's child care system rest in the hands of the mere humble worker?? It sure the hell doesn’t rest in their Gucci purses i know that !

It seems the mere workers just can`t be satisfied with low wages and poor conditions, yep you guessed it …there are more demands. This time they want us to single-handedly take on the responsibility of ensuring that our childcare centres are all up to scratch, Seriously …What the hell!.

Frankly There appears to be a belief that unless a child care worker goes out of their way to report a centres poor quality or a Directors incompetence, then no-one else is to blame. Don’t get me wrong I wholeheartedly agree that mandatory reporting is our God forsaken duty, but when it comes to the ongoing demand for staff to compile evidence just short of a criminal defence case, with their job security attached, I have to draw the line.

Just where are the Childrens Services Advisers and the National Childcare Accreditation Council when you need them? Oh, that’s right their busy reading the book of tricks so they can stay “ totally down with that ” when it comes to validating a centre. I mean if a validator or advisers ability to rate a centre is based just on walking in an hoping that the director will enlighten them in regards to any breaches, then what hope do we have?? I don’t know about you, but I cant remember the last time a Director said “welcome to our centre and for your information were`e over ratio by 7”. That’s right I haven't. What I can tell you is how many times Ive had a validator tell me they know all the tricks in the book. Well honey you must have missed a chapter or two cos you passed our centre. A centre I might add that’s got a DOCs file the size of Uluru.

I mean really, all jokes aside, is this not the work of the Department of Community Services and the Accreditation Council to ensure that quality care reigns. Is it not within their role and powers to take an overall complaint about a centre and investigate till they have the real picture. And If not..why not?

If I wanted to earn the $90 k plus that a defence lawyer gets, I`d have gone to law school, but I chose child care and i`m not sure about you but my diploma didn’t teach me about compiling a law suit, so why the hell am I constantly being advised to do so in attempts to have real justice brought to child care centres and directors who barely deserve a front desk receptionist position?

Phew…well I don’t know about you but i feel much better now. Of course it will only last for the next 10 minutes when I hear back from another Docs adviser telling me that it`s in the best interests of the children to keep a certain centre open, despite the centre having an environmental atmosphere of an oil spill. I can only reply with……Really..You think so?

The Qualification Agenda!

2010-03-30T16:39:00.000+11:00

To all those that have made a career out of caring. This is for you.

It never fails to astound, and crush me, I might add, when I receive a tear stained call from yet another child carer whose talent for caring exceeds their ability to tick a mere qualifications box. After more than a decade in the industry, I have confidence in saying that I have pretty good feel for carers. Not just for those that the job seems to fit, but for those who would simply fail at anything else, because caring for children is what they do best.

What concerns me thought is this “Rise of the qualification” agenda that is sweeping our country. Sure it can provide a greater level of training, but does it provide for what these “true” carers can offer ? Does it really provide for a true “capacity” to care? Is it in the best interest of children that we remove those who have long cared for children in favour of those who may simply hold a piece of paper ? Don’t get me wrong, there is a place for qualifications, what I question is the value of qualifications, if they can’t surpass the “capacity to care” that others can offer. Do we simply ignore the ability to care in preference of qualifications or do we take a moment to see how one`s capacity to care outweighs what they could achieve with further qualifications.

Over the years I have been faced with all levels of the industry, from Directors to assistants, all with varying skills and qualifications, but it was those who were prepared to truly advocate for children, put their jobs on the line, demanded greater standards and enforced the need for better quality care that won me over in the end. It was these people that remained standing at the end of the day; albeit with placard in hand and children’s rights weighing on their minds. Never failing to see the potential in their actions.
These people where the pioneers, the true fighters and in many minds, forever the front runners.

Today, new students flood the market, all too many with nothing more than a Certificate to meet the Department`s need for educated recruits, and easing their burden with the old "being seen to be doing something" syndrome. The Child care industry meanwhile continues to cry out for true pioneers who will continue to forge forward in attempts to one day get it right.

To all those that have helped pave the way in providing children with the quality of care they deserve, I applaud you and your efforts so far. In saying that; if you feel that more training will make you a greater carer than you already are, then by all means obtain it. For those who don’t have the qualifications to tick a box then I ask you to look within yourselves and tell yourselves that while you may not be able to tick a box it will never make you less of a carer. Only you and how you care for children can decide that.

As great carers we all know that one can never stop learning, that we learn more everyday when we take the time to really respect our roles, but there is a difference between learning something for the mere sake of ticking a box and learning something vital along the way that truly adds to our abilities to understand the needs of children. Anyone can pick up a textbook and read it, but it takes someone special who will seek out a book that will provide them with the knowledge that’s essential for the care of just one child.

Lets face it! At the end of the day a course can teach you the theory, but it can`t teach you to care. It doesn't give you the courage to advocate for children, or the conviction needed to do what`s right. That is something that must come from the individual. While one with qualifications may be highly educated, without the capacity to care, they will never be more than second best in the eyes of children.

Childcare : An Industry Divided

2010-03-03T15:32:00.000+11:00

If, like me, you have noticed a growing divide within the industry, then you’re not alone. It seems there is an increasing number of workers that are feeling left behind, as the Childcare industry pioneers it's way to greatness, and not everyone is invited along for the ride.

Over the last ten years the Childcare industry has seen some much needed changes. While many are confident that this is just the beginning, others are left thinking that perhaps it has lost touch with those who are at the heart of the industry, it`s workers. Don’t get me wrong; I am more than happy to see some real and tangible advancements within the sector such as frameworks for greater quality care, better working conditions and an overhaul on ratios and qualifications. However, there still remains this unmistakable divide between those who make the decisions within the industry and those who are expected to simply carry them out. So just what is this divide I’m talking about?

Well for those who don’t have the answer it’s simple. If this is the first time you’re hearing about it, then you’re probably one of the lucky few that have been given your rights of passage. For everyone else it’s old news. Put simply; if you’re one of the 90,000 Childcare workers Australia wide then you’ve mostly likely discovered that as a worker, the industry is often out of your reach. For many of these workers their daily role involves the familiar face of their centre, and the children they have come to know by smile alone. Few could tell you the latest Early Childhood research or who spoke at the last Early Childhood Conference. You see the great divide is the ever increasing space between workers and the industry in which they work.

As an industry the Childcare sector includes two very distinct groups of professionals.

First you have those who are apart of the privileged group of associations members, Early Childhood advocates and peak body representatives. All of whom have tertiary educations and access to the latest and greatest research findings. They make the decisions for those not as privileged, gain knowledge and network as they attend the members only functions and then they sit and create the long winded articles that few ever read. Not simply because they don’t have the time, which they don’t, but because they never had the funds to join the association anyway. Sure, centres that offer to pay receive these wonderful journals but most copies can be found lingering amongst last years accreditation paperwork, that all too well is now forgotten as the real demands kick in.

Then you have the second group of people; the workers. The ones who have their Diploma or less, yet years of experience. Those who struggle to maintain their positions in the industry all the while carrying out the work those mentioned above filter down. For this group of workers gaining a higher education isn’t part of the plan, as they spend the majority of their time working overtime or at night and spend too much of their wages compensating for their centre`s shortcomings. They are the group of people who rarely have time to read one of those articles about “Quality care and education through neurological research” let alone network. For these workers it’s hard enough justifying to their loved ones why they did five hours overtime without pay let alone the $50 dollar cost for the latest industry magazine.

Ask most of these people and they will tell you that there is a reality within the industry that sees those in power such as Directors and their right hand mans gain greater knowledge while those less fortunate stay behind to ensure the work is done. Frankly I can’t recall in my years of experience, the last time a Director offered to send a worker instead of herself to a child care conference. A worker that would be more than capable of bringing the knowledge back to the staff, unless of course the information was considered beyond them, in which case it clearly won’t benefit them anyway. What would benefit them is being involved on a professional level, away from the dirty nappies and a chance to sit amongst those who have the power for real change. To be inspired, motivated and educated as an equal. What would benefit them is being treated as the kind of person they should see themselves as; an educated, passionate and strong professional capable of great things.

Instead these people are left holding the fort, implementing unrealistic curriculum's and the demands of poor working conditions. Instead they are left wondering why they were not valued or worthy enough to be sent themselves. Instead they are left to struggle with the poor self image and unprofessional attitudes that sees poor quality care rife within the industry. You are left with an industry of people, those who continue to develop their knowledge and skills and those who remain in the place the industry keeps them. Unseen and unheard.

At the end of the day one could suggest that if centre owner’s covered the financial needs of their centre, the director addressed the overtime problem, paid them better, and society placed greater value on them , then workers might consider forking out the $1000.00 non-member cost for the upcoming Early Childhood Conference for 2010. Then again……………..maybe you`r right, I guess it’s all asking a little much.

P.S. Don’t forget the conference is in Adelaide so you’ll need to add flights and accommodation to the cost.

When did "free" become a dirty word.

2010-01-09T16:02:00.000+11:00

Say it isn’t so, but apparently daring to mention..."So you want me to work for free?" was never a dirty word in my book. It seems these days if you’re a child care worker then working for free is the new term for love of the job. Personally I think the list of terms for love of the job seems to be growing, as child care becomes more lucrative. Funny that.

Now I'm not one to knock back chances for work, but when will child care owners and directors learn that until we are prepared to act like other industries, we will never be taken as seriously as them . Apart from asking prospective staff to work for free being slightly illegal it seems like such a slap in the face when they know damn well that it wouldn't fly in any other industry. I mean when was the last time a police officer or council worker was asked to do a days work for free to see if they fit in. For that matter when was the last time they said YES !

Sadly this lovely little game is played by too many directors and owners and its about time someone told them so. Are the directors who choose to do this so incompetent at hiring staff that they need to see firsthand what they can do? Does their centre hold such a bad reputation among workers that they can never keep staff for more than a week and want to suss them out before they run out? Is it merely a screening process used to weed out any workers who won’t fit the directors plans. I mean if they’re not happy to work a free trial then the chances of them working the 5 free Saturdays you have in store aren't too great are they.

Nonetheless, you as a director don't have the right to force worker to work for free nor do you have the right to filter who you hire based on their commitment to working extra unpaid hours. At the end of the day perhaps you should have more faith in the ability of your staff and let their dedication to the children, rather than unpaid free hours be the thing that defines them. Of course we could always start doing the same and try interviewing directors as to whether or not they fit the bill for a great leader and employer.

So I guess free IS a dirty word. Therefore, i want to take this moment on behalf of all workers tired of being used & abused, to say that director's can gently blow it out your free !!!!

Another one bites the Dust!

2010-01-09T12:14:00.000+11:00

"Another one bites the dust," Is quickly becoming synonymous of the child care industry of late. It seems the government is pulling out all the stops to put quality back into child care. Child care professionals aren't so convinced. Is it that the government’s attempts to cure the childcare crisis are nothing but hot air, or do child care workers know something that others don't. Now this may sound crazy but has anyone thought to ask them. I know crazy right...! Well seeing as i was never the child care professional to hold my tongue. I wont! So here's what I think.

Will the million dollar new frameworks and rating system be the answer to the child care industry`s cry for help? No! While short term it may bring them new found motivation and some much needed focus on issues, long term it will only be a matter of time before the industry`s issues will simply return.

You see whenever there's to be a problem in childcare, ( lets face it you'd need a maths degree to keep track), everyone's first step is to go along like its a rugby grand final. Because its easier to fool people with a splash of cash then to deal with the heart of the matter. Arh ...Yes. That would be industry conditions, (Its that's annoying little thing that keeps popping up you know the one you and everyone else would prefer would just go away). The fact is no-one wants to pay child carer's more money, despite being the shining light of their child's day nor do they want to pay the extra fees to cover it.

So back to the question of just what do child care professionals know that you don’t. Well here's what we know! "Give it good time and there will come a point when new frameworks wont hide the fact that your child's "shining light" has lost all motivation due to increasing levels of depression, nor will it hide the fact that the incredibly dedicated and educated professional's are leaving in droves and being replaced by those who are simply doing it for the money. At the end of the day you can sit and continue to be mesmerized my wonderful new government initiatives and end up with no-one to implement them or you can just take a moment to listen to workers and fix whats broken. Lets face it, it's not like were asking for a politicians wages or a CEO's perks. Hell, we just want to go to work and be paid for the hours we work, & have processes in place to ensure the mental and physical well being of workers. Surely that is not to much to ask is it? I mean its not nearly as long as the list parents expect of carers, when looking for a centre for their children.

The Guilt Game

2009-10-26T18:05:00.000+11:00

Whether you’re starting a new position or in a well established one. There comes a time in every Child Care professional’s career when they must play the dreaded guilt game. For those unfamiliar with the industry, guilt is a widely used form of coercion to ensure staff work outside of their work hours without payment and the industry’s dirty little secret for too long. So why...In an industry that already sees its professionals give so much… does it continue to ask for more.

Well it’s simple. Child care centre’s albeit community or private all require a lot of work to run effectively and even more to run at a profit. For private centres saving money is nothing short of expected and the more they can save the more profit they can make. For community centres this is no different, if they can save more money than that is more funds that can go back to their centre. In the end the cost of running a centre must come from somewhere and sadly for too long, this cost has fallen on the shoulders of its professionals. For the estimated 90,000 child care professionals within Australia this cost comes in the form of guilt. Guilt that sees child carers work up to 5 hrs a week or more in overtime without payment, that’s up to 2 weeks unpaid work a year.

Now before there’s any confusion lets clear up exactly what we mean by guilt. You see guilt is never the word they actually use, commitment, dedication or my personal favourite “for love of the job” are the more preferred names for you name it; free work. Unfortunately the term unpaid work as you would expect doesn’t go down as well as most directors or owners would like. So they in turn replace “unpaid” with you guessed it “commitment” and what kind of worker would one be if they weren’t committed to their job. Right! Wrong. This ever growing habit of renaming unpaid work as commitment has not only cost Australia’s child care industry its reputation but hundreds of its best workers along the way.

While those behind desks continue to develop the latest frameworks in education and others claim to be pioneering the way for greater quality care. The industry itself is slowly weeding out the dedicated, compassionate and inspiring professionals it needs; to exhaustion, financial ruin and mental illness like depression.

For others, the childcare industry often comes across as a passive and somewhat gullible sector. Yet little do they know that it’s actually the kindness and compassion of these people that allows them to be perceived as such. If like others they simply walked out one must question if the industry would otherwise be seen as cruel and selfish as opposed to weak. For when all else tells them otherwise these are the people that go against their better judgments due to guilt and ensure that children receive what they need. The same guilt that sees these professionals give up their time for children’s xmas parties, special events, graduations and working bees to better the quality of the children’s centre. Despite the fact that these workers know they should be paid they are all too often fall victim to this guilt and find it almost impossible to refuse. It is this aspect that is all too well known within the industry and all too often abused.

While many have no phobia when it comes to commitment, the fact that hundreds still doing this job after 2 years let alone a decade should be more than enough to prove their dedication, and yet time and time again their expected to prove their dedication to the job by working unpaid hours and should they refuse their commitment is questioned.

I ask you this. “How many people do you know that spend their Saturdays gardening, painting or spring cleaning their offices for free? How many people do you know that weigh up family occasion for Easter hats parades or graduation nights? And more importantly, how many people do you know that spend a percentage of their weekly wage on work supplies? It is this social stigma has seen the industry buried in ignorance where other industries have thrived. At the end of the day police officers aren’t expected to buy their own guns, doctors aren’t required to provide their own medicine and yet oddly child care workers are not privileged to this same expectation.

Over the years the term commitment has become the norm weighed down with a burgeoning sense of guilt that has seen an industry as a whole fail to meet its potential.
Perhaps the most disappointing of all is that while we as professionals have struggled to gain the respect and recognition we deserve. It is our own industry that has failed us. Why is it not acceptable for us all as professionals to simply do our job well and be paid for it like everyone else? Why is working a whole Saturday considered commitment in our industry and yet overtime in everyone else’s.

So next time you visit your child’s centre or attend a centre event; take note of the workers, take note of the time and how long they stay behind to chat about your child’s wonderful achievements or simply to make you feel a part of your child’s day. Then when you’re finished take a moment to say thanks. Thank them for giving up their time, their family, their moment to themselves, to be there for you and your child. To an industry of owners and directors your position does not escape you nor excuse you. You are graced with the presence of kind, generous and compassionate people that in no way should ever have to justify their commitment through unpaid work. Instead take a moment to justify your own expectations and why your need for unpaid work somehow excuses it.

At the end of the day, should you feel guilty by your lack of gratitude or unfounded answers? Take head in the response you give your workers. If you’re not committed then find another place to work?

The Times are a changin

2009-05-17T12:32:00.000+10:00

There comes a time when you just have to say...What The?
Seriously it seems that while we slept, it became acceptable to ignore things like cleaning your kids ears, wiping their faces and god forbid the old faux pas of brushing their god damn hair.!

Now I don't mean to be old fashioned or gosh even critical but Christ how hard can it be. Whats more annoying is that while mums appear to spend considerable time primping themselves, today's children seem to be getting lost amongst the knots. Wild, unkept, overgrown nails and rogue strands of hair stuck to dirty faces appears to have become the norm. How!, when and why did this latest trend hit the streets.

Arhh!... the good old days when it wouldn't be heard of to step outside without looking presentable. The days when ones children were a direct reflection of our parenting. Days it seems...that are no more.

Sadly though, this "go as you are" approach or as I say "get out of bed "look, only further points out the increasing impact of a society that wants to have its cake and eat it too. As we constantly strive to have new this and new that, we undoubtedly have to sacrifice other things like staying home with our children as apposed to working 12 hour days to afford our 5 bedroom, 4 bathrooms chateau which houses our increasingly exorbitant collection of plasma screens and latest Mazda's.

Then again when you're friends the Jone's visit i suppose they'll barely even notice ones small grotty children amongst the wonderful and aspiring new devices, your family homes proudly displays.

The real sadness here is that where once children where revered as a invaluable investment within a family, for which time and yes hard work would be expected. They are now considered to be another cool accessory. A must have for the season that can be paid off as you go and should you find this new accessory is taking too much of your time, you can simply put it into childcare so you can work longer hours to buy the next latest gizmo. At the end of the day its an accessory that you've got for when you want it, you can put it on the shelf and if need be bring it out when you want to show it off.

But for the children themselves they will continue to just wait like a toy in the shop, hoping that like a new fad they will come around and will once again be the next big thing.

For those woman who stayed at home those many years ago, invested the time and effort, saw your children as a job worth doing well. Heaven only knows sacrificed your social life to be home giving your children a nice warm bath before brushing their hair and tucking them into bed. I can only salute your bravery as the Jone's well continue to live in a house they can neither afford nor enjoy as much as the children they can never quite find time for.

There must be a time when we stop worrying about the feelings and personal goals of parents and say...What about the children. You know the one's who's bonus got you that new Nintendo Wii. What about their needs. What about their thoughts on getting up at 5.30am so you can make it to work on time, who stay till after dark, tired and wanting a bath. The children who will in years to come tell you that all the latest devices meant nothing. After all didn't our grandparents always say "if you cant afford, don't have the time to care for it or aren't prepared to put it in the time.....DON'T HAVE IT.!

“Child care V’s Paperwork: Is red tape defining quality care?

2009-04-19T11:56:00.000+10:00

All work and no play is quickly becoming synonymous of those working in the child care industry. It appears child care professionals Australia wide are being over whelmed with burgeoning amounts of paperwork that is silently eating away at the amount of quality time spent with children.“It’s like an epidemic, everyday in more and more ways were being required to do more paperwork that frankly child careers see as having little or no value to children" say one child carer.

So how much is too much and what exactly is the true value of this paperwork; is it being implemented to greater the quality of care and if so how does it justify being with the children less or perhaps its real value is top provide child care providers with greater leeway in regards to liability?.

“I would have to say that 30% of my day is spent doing paperwork. From signing in and out every time I leave a room to signing to say I’ve read the weekly focus topic” says another. If we spent this much time focusing on whether children are provided with enough food or adequate toys we would have a greater quality of care. But yet you don’t see the directors or owners requiring us to sign forms to say there was enough food each day. Whatever the reasons behind this growing problem it’s evident that it lies in the hands of directors, centre owners and policy makers, than those actually caring for children.

It’s also become apparent that paperwork within the industry is being prioritised much higher than time spent with children, with the belief that at the end of the day it is vital that there is sufficient documentation to support any claims made against those providing care. Those working within council or smaller private centres say there is definitely a growing level of paperwork and for those working in corporate centres; staffs are truly shocked at the level of paperwork required.

So where does quality care lie? Is it in the daily smiles of happy children that receive an abundance of attention in the presence of carer’s; albeit paper works undone? Or is it in the faces of children staff cant quite recall the name of despite all their paperwork being done with their “I” dotted and their ‘T’s” crossed. At what point do we stop handing out paperwork and ask children what they want! Perhaps the answer might just surprise us.

Until this happens I leave you with this question. What do you think children really want?
Are they after child care that is of less quality but rigorously protocol to ensure their few and far between toys are hygienically cleaned, that their day is filled with activities; despite playing alone as their carers are lovingly dedicated to filling out paperwork that will endeavor to prove the kids played in a secure, hygienic, ratio approved, strict policy guided day; albeit unhappily.

Or do they simply want a day of care where the focus is them and only them. Where they are priority number one and everything else comes second, where carers spend their days making children laugh, watching them grow and telling them their special. All while ensuring that their tummies have been filled, their minds have been educated, their dreams encouraged and their well being sought; albeit paper work undone

At the end of the day children don’t care is paperwork’s done….and why should they!!

Just having staff isnt enough.

2009-04-19T11:26:00.000+10:00

The child care industry is often known for its high turn over and poor staff communication but little thought goes into why. While there are the obvious issues such as low wages and poor conditions, one must ask themselves why thousands chose child care for a career and yet nearly one third also choose to leave it in such a short time.

Perhaps this is due to the lack of development and growth available to staff within the industry. Unlike other industries there is a limited number of opportunities for staff to develop their skills. While getting to know your staff may seem like one of those dreaded camp games of the 90’s, there are many advantages to knowing your staff well, like developing a strong sense of communication and opportunities for open and respectful relationships.

Speaking to a variety of staff it quickly becomes clear that there is a large void in this kind of communication and is responsible for a lot of work dissatisfaction’s how do we as both child care professionals, directors and staff management over come this rather large and disheartening issue, that seems to be burdening our wonderful and dedicated field of children’s services.
For which is often simply small and trivial concerns that should be solved quickly and clearly to all those involved. The answer to this obviously does not lie with any one person or group but merely that of the team within the centre.

Firstly it is essential that everyone realises that every member of a team has goals and valuable skills to offer and only when we forget or ignore these aspects do we start to get these niggling issues.

If staff can use their skills to raise and educate amazing children then there is no reason they cannot solve these basic issues. Other than it seeming too hard or not enough time, both of which are not good enough and time must be made to correct them.

Only once we as a team are aware of others goals and ideas can we put steps in place to help them achieve them. Even at times when they may be beyond the boundaries of the child care setting there is no reason why staff cannot simply acknowledge them. As professionals working with children we are all to aware of children’s needs to be acknowledged and this is no different in adults.

Many staff seem to express negative views of others but the underlying feelings are generally that of admiration , a desire to become more like or take on tasks of those they work with. And while they may not have the qualifications it is not to say that they cannot be encouraged by being given tasks they can achieve or by learning first hand of these task through others.
At the end of the day the shear cost of advertising and placement of new staff greatly out ways the small task of getting to know your staff.

Here are a few ways to get to know your staff without sitting around the camp fire:
-Make designated times to spend a few minutes with each staff to discuss there ideas for the week or long term

-Have staff as a group casually discuss their ideas and goals in a relaxed setting such as outdoors and away from closed in rooms.

- Post staff goals on the walls in staff rooms so all staff are aware .So when an opportunity arises there is an open air about who might like to take part

-Have a training board where staff can highlight there interests in child related areas and if the training needs to be undertaken by a more qualified staff, make time for the less experienced staff to hear about it rather than being closed out of the discussion

There are so many ways to help staff find their potential or simply fulfill their interests but there is only a few ways to bring staff back. Every staff member is a gift and has their place so losing them to such menial issues is a shame. There is often to much emphasis on just replacing staff and not enough on keeping the amazing and tireless people that do a remarkable and invaluable job within society.

Workplace violence: When kids hurt..

2009-04-19T11:15:00.000+10:00

If like me, you've attempted to find a trace of information on the topic of workplace violence towards childcare professional’s you’ll have undoubtedly come up empty handed. Search the web and the results are even worse.

Yet ask anyone in the industry and this somewhat taboo subject quickly comes alive with personal stories. Shocking, vivid and emotional accounts of violence at the hands of children begin to flow.

For childcare professionals this is not uncommon nor is it something they expect to be acknowledged. Sadly there has long been and old school belief that violence at the hands of children is not something to be discussed. After all they are only children what harm can they do.

The reality is hundreds of Australia’s 90,000 childcarers are confronted day in and day out with a multitude of abuse. Biting scratching, punching and kicking are all part of carers day so why is it so acceptable.

Quite simply we must question why social acceptance is given to violence at the hands of 5 years old's yet there’s public outcry over the increased level of violence within our primary education system, children whose ages start as low as 4 and bares little difference to that of a 5-6 year old.

Perhaps most unsettling is that while primary education teachers are privileged to at least a handful of disciplinary measures those within early education are not.
With every new development within early education, it seems child care professionals are losing not only ways to discipline children but essentials measure to protect themselves.

While one can debate the true pain delivered by a child’s force; One cannot debate the increasingly evident impact such force has a child care professionals.
Recent surveys have stated that 1 in 10 child care professional's suffer depression, this is closely followed by fatigue, mental exhaustion, reoccurring illness and injuries.

Speaking to child carers it’s easy to see how the ongoing exposure to workplace violence ad its dismal acknowledgment goes hand in hand with the leading indicators of burn out within the industry.

For the early education industry it’s disappointingly clear that the real and most lasting effects falls far beyond the physical and more disturbingly amongst the emotional and mental health well being of its carers.

It can only be said that one cannot criticize the quality of care, carer give when one is not prepared to debate the kind of care inflicted on the carers themselves.

Famous last Words- Dazed and Confused

2009-04-04T20:58:00.001+11:00

At first, I have to admit, I let out a small giggle, when reading a newspaper article that said that a recent survey titled "What parents want from long daycare", showed 62% of parents believed at least one in four staff working in childcare centres held a University degree. Only moments later was I close to tears, perhaps it was guilt at somehow thinking this was funny or was it anger at the industries disservice to parents or merely the ignorance on the parents part. Nonetheless, I was astounded that such misconceptions could occur within the industry of childcare; or was it simply my own naivety.

There has long been many critical issues within the childcare industry, many of which can be overcome, but only when we are truly honest about the causes of the problems; money, ignorance and a breakdown in areas such as National Regulations and Accreditation, only then can we begin to create better conditions, for and from carers.

When looking at qualified staff in centres, one must remind themselves that at the end of the day, childcare has become over the last 10 years a HUGE business. And that is not about to change. One must also keep in mind that it is not the childcare workers that determine this, nor often agree; but that of owners (be it community, private or corporate).

The NSW Government regulations state that there should be a minimum of 1 qualified staff member on the premises at all times. That being, for a centre catering for 30 children or more but less than 40 there only needs to be 1 qualified staff member and for a centre catering for 80 or more children there only needs to be 4 qualified staff members.

Think about it, that's 80+ children per day with only 4 qualified staff on the premises. That means the rest of the staff can have absolutely NO qualifications or experience at all. (Excluding Queensland as their state requires that all staff must have a minimum of a Certificate to work in a childcare service).

Now we can spend all day denying ourselves the truth, but for centres other than community preschools or the elusive centres from heaven the majority of all other centres are in business to make money. There is no childcare service out there, other than non-profit, that are prepared to spend anywhere from half a million dollars and up on a centre, let alone the thousands of dollars in upkeep and supplies, just to provide children with a lovely place to play and learn; without getting their money BACK!

So here lies the problem; if a centre provider is only required to have a certain amount of qualified staff, then you can bet with certainty that that's exactly how many they'll have and not one more. The only exclusion to this is centres wanting to cash in on having more in order to be more competitive. No centre owner is going to pay out for an Early Childhood Teacher if they can get away with a $14 an hour untrained worker and sadly that's the way they go.

As with all things, you can't know everything, but for parents with children in care you MUST make yourself aware of the basics in childcare. Unfortunately so many parents spend more time in lay-by lines for BIG W toy sales then they do investigating their child's new centre. While on one hand centres can go to great lengths to ensure a centre makes a great first impression, but there can be no excuse for not knowing the quality of care your child's centre provides. At the end of the day it's your child......so it's your right and duty to know!

When enrolling your child in care its essential that you make yourself familiar with your states regulations and accreditation system. This way when something goes wrong, you're not the last to know. This can be as simple as downloading the documents from the Department of Community Services website and saving it to your computer for future use. From here, when you visit a centre, you can make notes and check it out. You can also use it to create a set of questions to ask the centre director when you arrive. At the end of the day bad centres are relying on you to not do your homework and check them out. Most people these days won't even consider buying a new plasma without first checking out what extras come with it, yet this is not the case with childcare

For many it can be all too easy to assume that the care your child receives is the care your centre says it provides... but how do you know. For example: You see a sign up saying child's teacher will be away for two weeks and you go about as normal. Only to find out later that no qualified teacher replaced them, instead a variety of non qualified casuals whom your child had not previously seen before had filled in. Now you have to remember that you pay high fees in order to have that qualified teacher care and teach your child, yet your money is paying for casuals who may have little or no qualifications at all.

With this fact in mind no one parent can truly place blame on a bad centre when you as a parent walked into a centre and handed them your child, no questions asked.For those that do their homework, ask the hard questions and still find themselves at the mercy of poor quality care, my heart goes out to you.Trying to determine the quality of a centre can baffle even the best of professionals, all we can do is credit our trying.

Management- A lack of Direction...

2009-04-04T20:47:00.000+11:00

There are a few things within a centre that pose a greater impact than that of lack of direction. For centres lacking quality direction; staff morale can quickly spiral out of control.

Sadly those that loose their way often struggle to find themselves back on track. It is this very struggle that can be costly to children’s services from a loss of staff to a centres reputation.

So what does it look like?To the trained eye a lack of direction is easily recognised. For others it can often be disguised amongst the daily grind of paperwork, washing to be folded and the long line of nappies to be changed. While many will get by others will struggle until what seems like a bad day quickly becomes a centre in crisis.

The signs of Poor or lack of direction
-Low or lack of staff morale
-Consistent staff sick leave
-Staff burnt out
-High incidence of turn over among staff
-A sense of lack of control
-Low motivation and dedication
-Poor quality of care
-Disregard for regulations and rules
-Poor job performances
-A breakdown in hierarchy

Where does the responsibility lie?
All too often a centres sense of direction is placed upon the shoulders of staff. Unfortunately it is this misguided responsibility that is the heart of the matter.
For a centre to stay on track their must be a driving force; a force that is prepared to take this pressure off the shoulders of staff and provide leadership.
This leadership is found in the form of a greater director. A great director must be strong enough to make final decisions, and to maintain a sense of control and confidence among staff.
At the end of the day when all else seems to be falling around you, a directors role is to pick you back up. Dust you off and show you the way.
It’s increasingly clear though that today’s directors are faced with so much more than just supplying quality care. There is of course the huge task of running a business, producing a profit and providing a service to a highly demanding clientele.
A clientele of working parents who cannot afford for their child care provider to fall behind; let alone fail. So is this pressure all too heavy? Are we asking too much of directors? Can a director really maintain this role without losing direction or have we as a community of business owners, parents and staff placed to heavy a load onto the shoulders of directors. Many of which that seem unprepared and ill equipped to handle this burgeoning task at hand.

We only have to look towards CEO’s of major companies to see that overseeing something of such importance takes much more than the love of it.
Then we must acknowledge that Australia’s Child Care directors must achieve the same results all while spending their own money on centre supplies, filling in on the job, and meeting the needs of over worked and underpaid staff. This and more while only be paid what most CEO’s probably spend on cab charges each year.
When it’s all said and done, a director’s role must be done. With this Living Childcare found out what others thought were the top six aspects that are vital for great direction.
Top 6 aspects of great directing

-Trustworthy
-Confidentiality
-Role model (practice what you preach)
-Action (staff need to see things happen)
-Presence (to feel their connected, in touch)
-Motivated (inspiring others to achieve)

Our team at Living Childcare would like to hear your thoughts and experiences with management.

Burn Out - An industry in Crisis

2009-04-04T20:44:00.000+11:00

Now I know you're busy, but I want you to take just five minutes out of your day to read about the one thing that is currently the biggest growing concern among those in the industry and perhaps the answer to why many wonderful carers are leaving our industry. Stress. Yes stress. While it can often be that mundane, daily workload that weighs you down or it can be the overall thought of low wages, poor working conditions and simply being overworked and under paid.

Often it can be the simplest things, like room noise, poor communication or bad time-management and routine. For others it can be a lack of motivation or career direction and even more serious health conditions. All these combined create a breeding ground for stress and related illness. Over the following issues I look forward to bringing you ways to both manage and overcome stress in your work place.

So for now, take a well earned break and think of well....nothing!

Burnout : An Industry in Crisis

Defined as a loss of energy and interest in ones job, burnout is making its presence known in the childcare industry at an alarming rate. For the thousands of childcare professionals the term ‘having a bad day' means so much more. For them it's the underlying reason behind many quality carers simply not making it to work.

Sadly, to those in the industry, this is not a a new concern but rather a a continuing cry for help. Quite simply, the facts are staggering and well supported by numerous reports and international research. Child development expert Deborah Phillips states that up to a quarter of childcare professionals suffer from clinical depression and that adult depression is toxic to young children. "You cannot have depressed childcare workers looking after young children."

Furthermore these findings for the basis of an array of disturbing statistics such as; high turnover of staff, exit rate, in completion of studies and heightened level of stress and related illness. Centre owners and directors must be made to take on an active role in the well being of their staff. Taking a moment to confirm a staff sick leave is simply not enough. When a centre owner or director takes on the role to manage a centre, they are taking on a responsibility to provided quality carers. In doing so, one must be confident that they're providing carers who are not only tertiary qualified but emotionally and physically prepared for the job at hand.

There must also be a national "burnout" program provided to centre owners, directors, childcare professionals and students to bring awareness to the industry.It is vital that childcare professionals are supported to ensure good mental health and well being. There must be options for staff who are finding it difficult to obtain the help they need. Australian carers are a gift and they have to be valued and only then can they provided the quality care we dictate.

We would like to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic

Workplace- Making Morning teas worth it

2009-04-04T20:42:00.000+11:00

Ever blinked and missed yours...

Yes, we're talking about the infamous ten minute morning tea break. They may only last a moment in time, but if you're lucky enough to get one, it seems like there really is such a thing as guardian angels.

For many they will come and go before you even make it to the staffroom. But as you all know, such a small thing really does give you a chance to gather your energy. It's this aspect of taking care of yourself that is of the greatest value. For all child care workers a ten minute tea break after five hours work is a given right through their award.While it may seem insignificant, it's the importance of self care that should be given the highest regard.

At living Childcare, we believe that it is vital for childcare professionals to take care of themselves and to know their value and limits. So it is important to remember to take a break, however long or short, and to recharge, so you can give your highest attention to the children in your care.

It is this aspect that our team has come up with some great and effective ideas to make your morning tea that little bit more worthwhile. So go on and try the following ideas and see how the littlest things can make a huge difference.

* Firstly, nothing says morning tea like a gorgeous teapot that even your Nan would be jealous of. So why not throw away the mugs, plastic cups and chipped glasses and sit down to a cup of tea worthy of your time. Most teapots can be picked up from various retail stores or if you've got a budget why not try your closest op shop or even a local market for a touch of shabby chic. Anyone for tea?

* Whether it's roses or sweet peas, fresh flowers say it all. The sight of flowers can lift any tired mood and a smart choice can see a small posy of flowers last a full week. While it can seem expensive you would be amazed at the savings you can make by opting for a cheaper brand of biscuits and splashing out for flowers.The effect will last long after the bickies are gone. If money's an issue see if you can get staff to bring in hand picked flowers from the garden instead and a staff flower chart will take care of the rest.

* Now the sound of music can take even your biggest worries away. A touch of music will instantly transform a staffroom. Get together with staff to find what relaxes others and find a way to put them into action. Ones options are only limited by their imagination.

* Lastly, the overall feel of the room can be dramatically affected by its contents. A messy, cluttered or work based room can feel like there's no escape. Try to limit the amount of work related material and clutter in the room to allow for fresh air and sunlight. A quick spring clean can prove well worth the time spent to revamp a small tired staff room into a crisp, clean and inviting space, however small or large.

So while it may appear that your morning tea break is only ten minutes, it's important to remember that its so much more about caring for yourself then grabbing a cuppa or a quick chat.

There are unlimited advantages to a morning tea break such as:
- Gaining more awareness as to how your staff are coping
- Communication among staff
- Getting to know your staff and co workers
- Taking the weight off your feet and simply having a laugh.
"All of which can do wonders for a centre's staff".

What Parents Want

2009-04-04T13:23:00.000+11:00

When I began creating The Childcare Companion I had no idea it would end up being a platform for so many people wanting to be heard.

Yet slowly as The Childcare Companion took shape, there was this growing sense that this was no longer just a blog. The Childcare Companion would be a place that would provide a voice and new level of honesty. Before long my simple idea was now carrying the weight of those who wanted to be heard, seen and more importantly answered.

One of these voices was parents. As a childcare professional for over 11 years I had heard many parents concerns and seen even more of their confusion and heartbreak. As I watched them struggle to make sense of the new and unfamiliar world of childcare.

So with this in mind I sat down to include parents in The Childcare Companion. Then came the hard part; defining how in depth an insight into the childcare world I would offer? Too much and those in the Child Care Industry may feel intimidated; too little and I'm left leaving parents where they are now... in the dark.

In the end I realised that I had to have faith in the very professional's I would be providing a voice for; professionals that held the integrity and compassion of great carers. Therefore I decided that The Childcare Companion would provide parents with an honest and real insight, one that would promote positive action rather than negative without shying away from the truth.

As editor I believe that it is only with real honesty, that we as a community of parents, professionals and service providers can genuinely supply quality childcare within Australia.
With my decision made I leave the rest in your hands. As Australia's parents I look to you, to forge a new path in the direction you want Australian childcare to follow.
Through your questions, ideas, suggestions, concerns and encouragement I will do my best to bring you the answers.

I am confident that as a community of parents and professionals we can gain a greater understanding of each others needs, concerns, and hopes for this country's Child Care industry. Of course no good fight is won without trials and tears but together at Living Childcare we will find the light at the end of the tunnel.

It is our goal at The Childcare Companion to bring you greater hindsight in the following areas plus much more...
ð Understanding quality care
ð Choosing the right kind of care for your family
ð How to tell if a centre has quality care
ð Everyday awareness within your children's centre
ð Knowing your rights as a parent
ð Enhancing communication in Child care

Last but not least welcome to The Childcare Companion your online Childcare blog and community.
Our team looks forward to hearing you thoughts ..

Globetrotter- Childcare at 30,000 FT

2009-04-04T13:05:00.000+11:00

Ahh yes! Flying with kids.

Now anyone who says a free trip to the USA, with small children in tow, would be an opportunity of a lifetime, was either too scared to do it alone or, quite simply insane. Let me tell you what childcare at 30,000 ft looks like. Frankly it looks like hell, and I don't say this in an attempt to be funny.

At 30,000ft, I guarantee, you will spend more time thinking about parachutes then you ever thought possible, and the idealistic thoughts you have of landing, are merely your body's inner wishes for everything to stop spinning just long enough for you to throw up, (and anywhere will do). While it's said that travelling with children can be a wonderful experience, one must ponder if that came from the mouths of celebrities, where their leer jets come with separate quarters for mummy and the kids.

For you in economy however, this is not the case. Oh!.... No, in fact, the moment you step onto the human people mover of the air, with babe in your arms you make your way to your seat, instantly becoming the most hated person on board. Only then will you truly understand what's its like to be loathed. For as you lower yourself between two strangers who, will basically over the next 22 hours of flight, hope that you die (quietly). You'll inevitably feel drawn to the emergency exit and fall victim to the myth that you "won't feel it coming".

Now it's not all doom and gloom. If you survive that is. There's the joy of spending the whole 22 hours awake, with the children and a variety of activities, that will fail to hold their attention longer than it takes you to make another trip to throw up. Then slowly, as you lower yourself back into your ruler wide seat and gaze at your charges, making another freedom flight down the aisle in the wee hours of the night, you'll think to yourself, "two countries, 22 hours without sleep, severe nausea, two beautiful charges and 5 minutes to yourself. Ah!......... how lucky I am.
So next time you think you're up for the trip of a lifetime, ask yourself "just how brave are you?"
Well I'd better go. There's a bucket of cookie dough ice-cream that I'm dying to dig into. So till next time, take care.

Now the Real Deal to traveling with kids
For those who have done it, travelling with children really can be a great and rewarding experience. Where you get to share some of the most amazing moments seeing the wonders of the world. But any good nanny will tell you, there will be times when you wished you had been more prepared or patient. A good nanny also knows that learning from one's mistakes makes them grow as a nanny. With this remember no-one is ever full prepared for what might lie in store when travelling with children.

With the help of Globetrotter, we will bring you all the information, hints and tips you need to travel with kids. From high class hotels and the latest travel equipment to very long waits in custom lines. So you can start building your very own resource guide for that trip of a lifetime.
First things first: All about YOU

While the first thing people think of when travelling is getting a great new cossie or games to play with the kids, the first most important thing to think of is, well ........... YOU! Believe me you do not want to step one foot out of the country, let alone your comfort zone, without first thinking of yourself. If you think kids take it out of you, then you haven't travelled enough. Travelling up the coast, for a weekend away, is nothing compared to travelling 25 + hours with children. You really MUST take care of yourself or you will be of no use to anyone. This, at times, may require being very honest with your bosses. Failing to tell someone you're feeling ill can get very messy.

So here goes. You've just been asked to travel internationally. Thousands of thoughts are running through your mind.
STOP!!!!!
Now that your focused think of these things first:
- How healthy are you right now?
- Are you on any major medication?
- Do you have certain eating habits eg: low sugar, need to eat lots of small meals?
- Do you have any allergies or medical conditions eg: asthma?
- How easy is it for you to sleep away from your bed?
- Is travel sickness an issue?

Now a point with travel sickness, lots of people can feel a little nausea or tiredness, but even the best of people can feel 5 times that bad when travelling internationally. So, unless you're sure, maybe just tick yes for this box.

Now you may think ... You'll be right, don't stress it!
Well here's a thought?
Your dream trip to the USA is here. It's boarding at 11pm at night and you've been up all day with excitement and thought you'd skip that quick nap. You get to the airport, waited 2 hours in line, to find the flight is delayed till 4am the next day. So you head to the hotel, and just before you fall asleep its time to get up. Now you're back in line for another 2 hours, feeling a little light headed, with no breakfast, and dying to go to the toilet. There's no leaving the line people, just so you know!

You made it through the line and now customs is just ahead, another possible 1hour + line up and still feeling light headed and in need of a toilet. Customs is over. You're still feeling quite unwell, but you don't tell your boss. Now you finally get to the toilet and one of the kids doesn't make it in time. So you spend the last ten minutes before boarding organising fresh clothes etc. Now rushing to the plane, finding seat and wishing you had mentioned how much you needed to eat, find a toilet and take some medication for a headache...........too late now.

You hear them say "No one is permitted to leave their seat until the seat belt sign is turned off." Now this usually happens about 15-20 minutes after take off in small domestic planes, but this is no small plane we're talking about, (think 240 passengers and crew) so you're looking at up to 1 hour before you can even get out of your seat.

Makes you think you should have done things differently and remembered to take better care of yourself.

Finding your footing

2009-04-04T13:04:00.001+11:00

With every new nanny position comes challenge. One that I find the hardest is finding ones place within the new home. Often enough this is determined early in the piece, while other times it can take longer.

During my many experiences I have had the privilege of finding my place both the hard way and the easy way. As a young nanny new to the industry, there would be positions that would last just months and yet there would be others that lasted years.

You see, there are the nanny positions were you are simply another hired hand, the kind were you are whatever-whenever and even the doormat if you allow it. But while you say you'll endeavor not to be any of the above, you will more than likely find yourself one of them before you're even aware. Lastly, there are the positions were you are seen as a person of well educated knowledge and are appreciated for your efforts towards the raising of their child. For the lucky few you will find yourself welcomed into a family as a cherished and highly regarded member that is credited for some of the special qualities their child displays.

While these positions are few and far between, it does however give nannies the hindsight towards the kind of nanny they are and the place where they belong. Don't get me wrong, for there are nanny positions that require a strictly professional and unattached presence among the home, and there are nannies that suit such a position. For every nanny position requires a specific nanny to match.

The nanny world consists of many types of nannies, from athletic and driven, loud and forthright, even headstrong and independent to that of humorous and lighthearted. All of these personalities come in handy when trying to match nannies with families that require a position involving elements such as horse rider, dog wrangler, yachtsman, chess master, mathematician and violinist.

So once you know the type of nanny you are, finding your place will come easier and there will be less bumps and hurdles along the way. Perhaps some of the easiest ways to find your place is to get to know and be open with the children and their parents. At the end of the day they are merely people like yourself and are more than likely happy to sit and discuss things with you.

As with my own experiences, I have found being honest the easiest way to go about finding your place. You see, everybody has their little quirks and habits and rather than ignore them one should simply embrace them and move on. Like myself and my habit of using cleaning and rearranging furniture to clear my mind. It has become second nature in my nanny family, that should they need anything rearranged they just let me know, for the next time I feel the need to clear my mind and in turn we have forged a unique yet harmonious working relationship.

I have also known of a nanny that requires large amounts of chocolate to cope with daily stresses, for which her employers found she was far more efficient when having chocolate throughout the day as apposed to having none. So they added a large block of Cadbury's chocolate to their shopping list each week just for her.

There is also the side of parents where a nanny would give her employer fashion advice each day that enabled the mother to leave the house on time. Which created in turn a less chaotic time in the mornings. Not to mention a nanny that found her male employer was unable to cope with home life demands without a cup of coffee. With this in mind, the nanny had a hot cup of coffee waiting for him each afternoon, with which he happily sat and listened to the nanny and discussed the things that needed doing around the house.

With all these things in mind one must be open and willing to work at their employment relationship in order to make it successful. At the end of the day, ones employment may last a great deal of time, perhaps even years, so it is wise to invest some time in your "nanny family". While you may like them as bosses you may find they become family very quickly, and all too soon you have gained more than you bargained for.

In time the position you take, and remain with, will define you as the quality nanny you know you are. Should you find that a position does not suit you, I encourage you to find one that does. Being picky may seem demanding, but knowing what you need, and want, will have you in the job that you dream of quicker than you thought. Whatever difficulties in the short term it may bring, in the long term, I assure you, you will find that you are better for having done so, and as a nanny, you will be more aware of your limits and strengths.

Our team would like to hear your thoughts about topics YOU would like to see covered by In-Focus

A Carpet Bag Dream...

2009-04-04T13:04:00.000+11:00

Dear Journal,
Little footsteps pitter, patter upon the bare tiles as innocent child like giggles linger in the air. Slowly but surely my heart gains pace and as the door opens I see the beaming smile I have come to know as my dear friend. As I step onto the street with her hand held tightly in mine, I stand tall and proud knowing that my job is both of value and importance.

She's only four but she's the best listener, biggest joker and kindest soul I know. Looking at her face I see the person I have had a hand at creating and painfully assess how well I have done my job. At the end of the day I can only do my best and despite her odd tantrums, moods and growing assertiveness, I wouldn't trade her or my job for the world of political luxuries. This is just a slice of my life as nanny, my special gift... my carpet bag dream!

From the first day I met her I knew that behind her chubby cheeks, there was person with an immense character I could hardly wait to know. I feel privileged to know and be apart of her world, that is full of innocence, carefree attitudes and an honesty rarely seen among the adults of my world..

A bygone era
You may ask why the lure of being a nanny is such a growing interest. But did you know that the profession of nannies has been around for a number of centuries let alone years. Although known as a Wet Nurse or Governess, the use of a young lady to raise and discipline ones children, has been widely used among such countries as Europe, England and America, dating back to the early 15th Century. It was often the role of such governess's to educate, discipline and instill proper manners and etiquette, in the children they cared for during their parent's absence. Though often a thankless task, it was performed by many young women and was generally taken on by young women who were yet to marry or required to undertake employment to support their families.

While in current times it appears to have gone unrecognized, the use of governess's was a highly sought after position by the likes of royalty, the extremely wealthy and the most distinguished people among the community. For a young nanny, this often meant that she would be taken care of by the family in terms of payment, health care and her essentials needs, well into her old age. Many governess's were known to be offered the use of family holiday homes, vehicles and resources, not readily available to all young women in those times.

A modern tale
Now that you are aware of the silent yet ever present role of the nanny, shall we look at the modern nanny? No longer is she the uneducated, spinster of the past, but a highly intelligent and well educated woman of the world. Often she is well travelled, speaks more than one language, is career focused and independent, as well as having taken on considerable training and knowledge in areas such as life saving, education and nutrition.

Long gone are the days of simply knowing how to make a child smile. Today's world of nannies is a highly competitive one, not just between the nannies themselves, but among the mothers who seek and demand not only the most qualified, but those that hold the content of character their child or children will need to help them grow in an unknown world.

With an estimated 40,000 Australia wide and around 600,000 within the United States working today, it's obvious the traditional nanny has made quite a lasting impression on the world and continues to today. Make no mistake, this rather unique and elusive world of nannies is not to be scoffed at. Today the humble nanny is not just another member of the "Hired Help" but a world wide network of women that are by no means lacking presence.

Currently there are nannies in the number of 1.5 million plus worldwide (many uncountable due to being paid off the books) making their presence known in many ways from private colleges, websites, chat groups, organizations, and agencies to say the least. For mere "babysitters" as there referred to these women are cornering aspects of the industry such as No#1 selling published books, international conferences and training credits, coveted awards and even positions within prime time television and film.

As highlighted by such book as "The Nanny Diaries" by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin and "White House Nannies" by Barbara Kline, nannies may well just have the last laugh.
Today's nannies are well aware of the potential power they have over their employers and the sheer chaos that could come from a nanny failing to turn up to work or quit at a moments notice. While these nannies care for children, at the end of the day, they work for high profile people who can't always afford the distraction of their children, such as political members and company directors needing to catch international flights, make press conferences on time or simply start at 5am or get home at 2am. For these nannies their presence is often the only thing holding these incredibly busy and time consumed families together. So it's no surprise when parents start throwing lucrative deals and bonuses together in the wee hours of the night, such as the nanny now having use of the family vacation home whenever she likes, (as long as she can start work within four and a half minutes notice).

Nanny wanted
To those working as a nanny or seeking to join the world of nannies, I ask you to take note of those that have gone before you and the reputation we strive to uphold. While we cannot lay claim to the inaugural and infamous Mary Poppin's, the world of nannies does retain a great deal of tradition and historical reputation.

A mother's choice to have us care and educate their child does not come lightly or without great consideration. There is no task more infinite and thought -provoking than that of raising a child. So a mother's agreement to have you care for her child in the times that she is unable to do so, will be the greatest endeavor you will take on. There's a reality that the children of today's society is reflective on the way we as a community raise them, one cannot place judgment on them without first placing judgment on the way we have raised them. As child care professionals it is our task to ensure that the opportunity we have been given in raising the child or children in our care is of the highest standard.

For most people the career of a nanny may seem daunting or simply unchallenging, yet where else can one take credit in playing an integral part in the way a young person will become an adult among society. As a nanny you are able to mould the content of a child's character face to face and see first hand, the results of your actions. Worlds of politicians held in highest esteem make decisions everyday yet fail to see the results of their choices and perhaps more sadly are not held accountable. Nannies do not have this luxury or choice as the simplest actions have momentary consequences that you are not given the option to ignore.

A Day in the Life
While nannies are faced with the task of creating a person of morals, compassion and integrity; something politician's are not faced with. Nannies nonetheless forge on without the unimaginable income that others are so accustomed too. There will be moments however were "a spoonful full of sugar" will far from ease the pain of a nanny's woes. You will more than likely find yourself the home manager, housekeeper, maid, gardener, receptionist, PA, taxi driver and personal slave before you have time to memorize the children's favourite nursery rhymes. You will also come to know all the mishaps, family business and indiscretions of others in the family before they realize that it is actually you that has been picking up there dirty clothes each morning.

And far be it for a nanny to simply believe her place is with the children and their needs, for as times goes bye you'll discover that the children in your care are the most self efficient and are well versed in taking care of themselves; it is in fact the parents that will consume the majority of your time and efforts. You will also find the question "why?" will become the most used word of your vocabulary throughout your career.

Don't jump...Leap!
Now that you have decided to take on the role and responsibility of being a nanny, take heart in knowing that many before you have survived to live the tale and both regret and disregard nothing. As nannies they have seen many things but none more important than seeing the children they care for happy and loved...even if there are a few that have seemed untamable, I guarantee they will have known your love. Always remember that as a nanny you are only as good as the children in your care believe you to be. So go forth, learn, embrace, care, listen, travel, show compassion and hold your umbrella high........

For In the words of Mary Poppin's "Glinda Glender Glander" let the magic begin.

Staff Trials:Busting the Urban myth

2009-04-04T12:59:00.000+11:00

This issue the team at living Childcare take a look at the widely used system of staff trials within the child care industry. We find out exactly what they're used for, do they work and where you stand.

The use of staff trials has long been used in conjunction with the interview process to determine the best candidate for a position. The majority of centres will ask a possible candidate to return for a couple of hours to see how they interact with children. The point of this is to determine if they respond well with the children, can they find their place quickly, are they able to take initiative without being asked and how the current staff react to them.

While all of these reasons are done in general good faith and do hold some basis, staff trials are rarely of any benefit. The reasons for their inability to be effective are in depth and varied.
One of these was noted through the number of childcare professionals living Childcare interviewed, stating that they felt there was a certain pressure to participate in trials in order to be accepted for the position. However, while many professionals disagree with such methods, there is often little option to appose them.

Another aspect of such trials is the fact that not only are these professionals being pressured to complete a trial, they are doing so without pay. While one would see little of trialling for a mere hour, many girls are working whole days without pay, superannuation or more important, work cover and insurance.

Of the many professionals that living Childcare spoke to, over three quarters said they felt they had little choice but to complete a trial in hope of obtaining a position. One must consider the reasoning behind such methods and what clear outcome those hiring new staff are hoping to achieve. If they are attempting to find the best candidate then surely stringent interviewing would suffice. There is also the factor of probationary periods for new staff; where should they not display or deliver the required level of skills for the role they are released of their position.

If this is the case then it raises the question of a trials real purpose in the first place, Does participating in a trial mean one does no longer require going through a three months probationary period and if so why not have the candidate complete a probationary period to start with and disregard the use of trials all together.

It is quite clear that the use of trialling was far more beneficial to those hiring then it was to those looking for a position, who quoted getting to know the way a centre worked before actually taking a position as its only real benefit. Perhaps the only reason for such trials is to minimize the need to re-hire should the candidate not work out. However while such issues are understandable there must be a line drawn.

At the end of the day we must consider whether such valuable professionals, in an already poorly recognised industry, should be subjected to such unrealistic expectations that would not be justified in any other industry.

What other child carers had to say!
"One can only assume that if you say no and another candidate says yes, then your chances of securing the position will be less" Melanie- assistant.

"In the end it came down to myself and another girl and it took 3 days of whole day trials without pay for them to decided the other girl was the best candidate" Ashanne -assistant

"I was told i could volunteer for as long as i like but it was clear that there was the expectation i would be staying longer". Becky -Assoc Dip

"As a child care worker it's hard to say no when this is so widespread. I mean you struggle with getting the job and trying to change a whole system by saying no. In the short term where does it get you? Amanda- Assistant

"I've been in the industry nearly 8 years now and was always under the assumption that it was the norm, to think of all the unpaid hours i did really makes me disappointed in the industry" Jody- Diploma

"You know it doesn't surprise me, there are so many elements to the childcare industry that just wouldn't be acceptable elsewhere in other industries" Marlene- E.C teacher

Here's what our team found out!
*Within the Childcare Award, staff are only expected to complete a one month trial basis as apposed to the 3 months generally known.
*Those completing a staff trial must know that they are to be considered invisible and act accordingly. For example one is not legally permitted to supervise child on their own, change nappies or other duties.
*Professionals need to be aware that this isn't an uncommon issue, but rather a growing and wide spread concern within the industry. That will only continue if professionals go along with such unfair demands.
*Staff trials are not a supported by the LHMU union
*As a childcare professional one has to determine if they wish to play along with this aspect or make a conscious and pro-active effort to say no.

Why Childcare?

2009-04-04T12:53:00.000+11:00

You know you're sold and there's no turning back once they've taken your hand in theirs. Like an unspoken agreement, you effortlessly and almost involuntarily offer both your heart, and your unconditional duty to care, not simply for their burning desire for ice-cream, but an underlying drive for respect, dignity and passion to learn.

For the majority of you, such words will have you already bought, packaged and en route to the nearest child care centre with a position vacant. However, for those that aren't quite yet sold, by all means take your time. Society has taken hundreds of years to understand and appreciate the relevance and invaluable asset that children hold within this world, so you can certainly take yours.

In quoting Marianne Williamson "There is no single effort more radical in its potential for saving the world than a transformation on the way we raise our children."

As a childcare worker in today's society, you will most certainly at some time be held or made to feel somewhat responsible to this. A task that yes.. can undeniably appear daunting and even overwhelming, and for some too much. Yet it is how you regard and deliver such a responsibility and in the way you teach and bring the opportunities of today and the future to the children in your care, which will in turn define you as a childcare worker.

Working with children has and always will be a great love of mine. Not for what I can teach them, but for what they can teach me. Through working as a childcare worker, I have been amazed tirelessly with how children can have the ability to enlighten the likes of those who have studied, debated and questioned the requirements of children.

Since completing my childcare studies and obtaining my first position within a childcare centre, I have never looked back (despite the dirty nappies, endless chores and unpaid overtime), I found little that could deter me.

The daily smiles, laughs and lighthearted approach to life that children bought and continue to bring into my life, induced an insatiable appetite for continued work and study, to greater understand the children who were ever so tolerant to allow me the insight into their world.

Perhaps the greatest downfall you will encounter as a childcare worker is the reality that its place among society's workforce is on average belittled to that of a babysitter. It would be unfair of me to welcome you to the world of childcare without making it known that childcare is not void of ignorance, hard work, unpaid efforts and ongoing frustration. To have your efforts rewarded with the same equality of pay, respect and opportunities that is expected of other industries.