Mother and daughter to be recognised as part of National Family Day Care Week

Mother’s Day has come early for two Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care Educators, with a mother and daughter both to be recognised for long service milestones.

Denise Pallett will be honoured for 30 years as an Educator and her daughter Renee Gurtner will mark five years of service.

The mother-daughter duo and nine other Educators will be recognised on Wednesday 8 May at an awards morning tea and play session as part of National Family Day Care Week.

Denise began as an Early Childhood Educator in 1989, giving her the opportunity to work while looking after her young family. Over three decades she has cared for hundreds of children, watching them thrive in the Family Day Care environment of homebased education and development.

Having grown up surrounded by the children in her mother’s care, Renee made the decision to open her Family Day Care service in 2013.

“I decided to become an Educator because for as far as I can remember, I have always had children around me in my life,” Renee said.

“I was four years old when my mother started her business. It’s funny how life has a plan for everyone as I also became an Educator when my son was four years old.

“My young family has benefited from me working from home. I love being an Educator and the joy and challenges of early childhood education.

“I love seeing children grow and develop from babies to going off to the first day of school.”

Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care is coordinated by Wagga Wagga City Council and has operated in the city since 1975.

Manager Kym Stewart said not only is Family Day Care a great option for parents needing flexible, education-focused care for their children; becoming an Educator is a great way to return to work after starting a family.

“Council is always looking for new Educators to help grow the service and provide care for more families across the City,” Mrs Stewart said.

“Family Day Care allows you to work from home and build a successful business. Educators are provided with local resources, support and training through a partnership with Council’s coordination unit.

“During Family Day Care Week we celebrate our fantastic Educators and the service they provide - education and care in a safe, stimulating environment.”

Anyone interested in becoming an Educator can contact Council’s coordination unit on 6926 9367, email fdc@wagga.nsw.gov.au or visit wagga.nsw.gov.au.

Educator Service Awards

30 years: Denise Pallett
20 years: Julie Coles, Yvonne McAlister
10 years: Shannon Castle, Nichole Coleman, Sue-Annah Knight
5 years: Kirsty Barby, Lisa Clark, Renee Gurtner
1 year: Debbie Gould, Felicity McLean

About Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care

• Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care (WWRFDC) provides quality education and care for children up to 13 years of age in the homes of Family Day Care educators. WWRFDC exceeds the National Quality Standard for education and care.
• Council’s coordination unit manages a network of self-employed Early Childhood Educators
• The service caters for working families who need 24-hour care, weekends, and overnight care.
• Care is provided in small ratios of one Educator to four children under school age, with a maximum of seven children under the age of 13. Educators provide individualised development programs for children, especially catering for children with special needs.
• WWRFDC also provides in home care in association with NSW In Home Care. This service caters for families with multiple birth, special needs, rural and remote areas where an educator operates out of the family’s home.