We know it’s important for parents to know they are entrusting their children to caring, confident, and encouraging early childhood educators.
In our centres we love to acknowledge those special staff who live these qualities every day to create shining stars.
Today we want to introduce you to shining star; Michelle Leigh Shephard, Centre Manager at Aussie Kindies Early Learning Woy Woy.
“My favourite part of my job is the children and families, showing them around our beautiful Centre, the change we have made at the service is unbelievable.”
She started working in early childhood education in 1997 at Amber Cottage Child Care at Bligh Park in Sydney but returned to work at Bluehaven Jelli Beanz after having her own children and slowly worked her way up before being transferred to Budgewoi Jelli Beanz.
Moving through her career she moved from Centre to Centre before arriving at Aussie Kindies Early Learning Woy Woy just in time to oversee an overhaul of the facilities.
“The Centre was bought back to life, we reconfigured the rooms, allowing more babies into the Centre. {We} moved the older children over to the ‘big side’. We received new paint inside and out, new yards, and furniture. In a short time, we were completely full with a waitlist for families to join our centre. We completed an ACECQA course, then were up for A&R. That’s when we had our work cut out for us, long days, nights and weekends with working bees. Five skip bins later and the Centre looked amazing!”
Since that achievement, Michelle and the Aussie Kindies Early Learning Woy Woy team including Assistant Centre Manager Courtney Grieve have continued to go above and beyond every day for their families, and for the children in their care.
Our Lifelong Learners loved getting involved in 'talk like a Pirate Day at Aussie Kindies Early Learning Woy Woy.'
Lifelong Learning is embedded in their programming and experiences for children which most recently have included a very fun ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ and currently, some excellent reconciliation activities as part of the centre’s National Reconciliation Week celebrations.
Aussie Kindies Early Learning Woy Woy has been displaying the Echidnas made by children as part of the centre's reconcilliation activities.
When asked about the benefits of working at a Lifelong Learning Centre, Michelle said it was the support she received from everyone: “{They} are always looking to improve the centre, that’s what I love about being associated with {them}.”
We love having such passionate and experienced staff on our team, and we want to take the time to say thank you to all those who help us live our values throughout our Centres daily.