EDUCATION, TRAINING + CAREERS
PREMIUM FEATURE
Images courtesy Ferry Photography
Continuity Of Childcare Not-for-profit centre now with new purpose built kindy room “SOME staff have been with The Mike Reynolds Early Childhood Centre for more than two decades so you know your child is in safe hands,” says Centre Director Starr Strowger who believes that there is no decision bigger than whom to entrust to look after your child when you return to work. “Knowing who is caring for your child is important and as a small centre with experienced staff you and your child are able to form a supportive friendship with us. “We have a dedicated team of qualified caring professionals, 10 of whom have been working here for over 10 years and five of whom have been here for 20 years or more. It’s quite an achievement in any business.” Assistant Nursery Leader Margie Seage has been with the centre for almost 20 years and highlights the centre’s close-knit supportive community. “We get to know the families well and often know more about them than our own families. It’s a really friendly and supportive place,” she says. “Most of the children start with us in nursery and we have the pleasure of helping them grow up into happy, independent and respectful people. “We help the parents grow too. It’s normal
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for new parents to not know what to do in various situations like toilet training, for example. We work together as a team to help the child through that development phase.” Centre Cook, Chris Chauntler, has been creating a diverse range of nutritious meals at the Centre for nearly 21 years and follows the guidelines set by the Nutrition Australia Childcare Advisory Service to provide half of the child’s daily intake of nutrients. “We provide morning and afternoon tea and a freshly prepared lunch each day. Four days a week these are hot lunches,” Chris says. “Over the years tastes change and some children have allergies so I adapt the menus to reflect that. We have a four-week menu plan to provide diversity in fresh flavours from Sri Lankan Chicken to Spaghetti Bolognese. “It’s really lovely when a parent asks me for a recipe for a meal their child particularly likes.” As a not-for-profit organisation, money goes straight back into improvements at the Centre to provide the best quality of care, education and nutrition for your child. “Our new kindy room is our most recent development. We have vacancies for children aged 4–5 looking to transition into a school environment with two degree qualified educators,” says Starr.
“Our centre management team ensure that the staff are happy, supported and have the flexibility they need to come here and offer the best support, love and care for your little people.” The Centre offers long Day Care for children up to five years, Monday through Friday from 6.30am till 5.30pm and currently has vacancies for children aged over three years. To discuss your needs please call Starr or Kathy on 4721 3983. Mike Reynolds Early Childhood Centre 10 Leichhardt Street North Ward 4721 3983