Working in ECEC as a Mum
If you want to be close to your little one each day, while progressing your career, here are five reasons to work at the early learning service your child attends.
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
Being a working mum has its pluses and minuses, and although things get a lot easier once your little one settles into their amazing daycare, you don’t necessarily have to drop and go.
If you’ve got experience as an early childhood professional, or are keen to kickstart a childcare career, then it’s very possible to work at the centre your child attends.
And this has upsides all the way.
Just ask Ashlee, the Assistant Centre Manager at Community Kids Enoggera in Queensland!
Ashlee has been at this centre since 2015, and genuinely loves what she does.
So, when her daughter Paige was born, Ashlee didn’t want to take too much time off, and also wanted Paige to experience everything that Community Kids Enoggera has to offer.
Paige started attending the centre as a baby, starting with four days per week, then quickly moving to five.
And for two years, the mummy-daughter duo have been loving this childcare life!
The arrangement makes sense on a practical, financial and emotional level, and here are five of the best things about them being at the same centre:
1. Ashlee loves having Paige with her at work
She says, “One of the best things about working at the same service my daughter attends is having Paige with me each day.
“It’s really special knowing she’s close by and part of the same community that I work in.
“As both a parent and an educator, I get to see first-hand the relationships she builds with her educators and friends, and it gives me a lot of reassurance, knowing she is happy and supported in the same environment that I’m part of.”
2. Returning to work felt easier because of Ashlee’s great bond with the team
She explains that, “Coming back to work after maternity leave can feel like a big transition, but my relationship with the team – and especially the longer serving staff, like my Centre Manager and Early Childhood Teachers – made it a really smooth and positive experience.
“Because I already knew and trusted my colleagues, I felt comfortable leaving Paige in their care, and confident in the quality of education and support she would receive.
“That strong parent to educator relationship makes such a difference, as we communicate openly about Paige’s day, her development, and anything she might need.”
3. The 50% childcare discount makes a big difference to Ashlee’s family finances
Childcare providers can offer discounted fees to employees who send their child to their service, and at Community Kids (and G8 Education’s other brands) this discount cuts fees in half!
Ashlee says, “The 50% childcare discount for permanent team members (and 25% discount for casuals) is obviously a huge benefit.
“Early childhood education and care is an important investment in children’s development, but the cost can be challenging for many families.
“So, having that discount available as a staff member makes a real difference to our family budget and wellbeing, and it means Paige can access quality early learning while I continue growing my career.”
4. It’s a joy to see Paige learning through play in an outdoorsy way
Ashlee explains that, “Our centre has a fantastic outdoor environment, in both our Senior and Junior yards, which is something I really value as both a parent and an educator.
“Paige absolutely loves being outdoors, and seeing her develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of nature through outdoor play is really special to us.
“Paige enjoys activities like splashing in water trays, exploring sensory experiences outside, and running around with her friends in the fresh air, which is so great to see.”
5. This arrangement makes the childcare commute quicker and more meaningful for Ashlee and Paige
Usually, there are two stops involved with a childcare commute (at the centre, then on to work, and vice-versa), but Ashlee doesn’t have to go that extra distance.
This saves time and fuel, and although Ashlee and Paige’s one-stop commute is still quite long at the start and end of the day, they really look forward to this quality time together, and have lots to share along the way.
This is all very inspiring, and if you’re working in childcare and planning a baby, or parenting at home and planning a career, you really can set things up like Ashlee.
G8 Education is one provider that supports mums to work at the centre their child attends, so fill out their online form to register your interest.
And thank you, Ashlee, for sharing your amazing experiences.
Paige is so lucky, and you are too!
FAQ
Can you work at the same daycare your child goes to?
Yes. Provided your childcare centre has vacancies, it can work well to send your child to the daycare you work at. Benefits may include a quicker childcare commute, a discount on your child’s daycare fees, an easier transition back to work after having a baby, and enjoying being close to your child each day, watching them learn through play.
