By Alesha Capone
FOR RACHEL Cauchi, every day at work is child’s play.
The childcare educator from South West Family Day Care in Hoppers Crossing spends her days looking after youngsters aged from three months to four years old.
“I love my job, I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Ms Cauchi said.
She has been nominated for the 2011 Australian Family Child Care Awards, in the Early Childhood Educator of the Year section.
Ms Cauchi said she was not sure who put her forward for the awards, but she thought it could be a parent of one of the children she cares for.
As a childhood educator of 14 years and a mother of three, she has a lot of experience with young people.
Her typical working day involves youngsters getting dropped off from 7am, having “free play” which is an environment set up for learning through play, craft, naps, books, toys, computers and outdoor activities.
“It’s a fun-filled learning day. All the activities are based on the children’s own interests,” Ms Cauchi said.
She said the children could be “full of beans” but she enjoyed watching them find out about the world.
“It’s watching them grow for six weeks. I’ve seen them grow, learn and make new discoveries, which I find very rewarding,” she said.
“They become like part of your family.
“These days children are just so knowledgeable and they are always coming up with little comments.
Her teenage children, two sons and a daughter, like meeting the children their mother looks after.
“They see them as little brothers and sisters, they get in and play with them,” she said.
“My daughter wants to become a kindergarten teacher.”
Ms Cauchi thanked her friends, fellow staff members and colleagues at South West Family Day Care and said working with them was a great support.
For more information about the Australian Family Child Care Awards see www.childcareawards.com.au.
Finalists and winners from each state will be announced at a ceremony in April.
