Orange Family Day Care educator Kellie Tom has been named the region’s best.
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Mrs Tom was the regional winner of the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
She said she was excited and a bit shocked at her win.
“I think there’s quite a lot of educators who are deserving of this award, so I’m quite humbled,” Mrs Tom said.
Each day she cares for four children helping them learn in the years before school and the children were part of the family.
Some of the children start at 12 months old and stay right up until they leave for school – Mrs Tom said she would sometimes look after them before and after school as well.
She’s looked after 20 to 30 children over six years and said educating children was a lifestyle.
“It’s more than child care, it’s more than a nine to five job. It’s one of the most rewarding jobs you can have,” Mrs Tom said.
She said being able to be at home with her children and watching them grow up as well as running her own business, Kellie’s Family Day Care, was the ideal work and life balance.
Being able to choose her own working hours and days was a big part of the appeal. Her three children have all gone through Family Day Care.
“Being at home with them has been a privilege,” Mrs Tom said.
“It’s thanks to the families of the children I care for and educate – without them there’s no service.
“It’s one of the most precious gifts is being able to look after their children.”
Mrs Tom said it was the support of her family which helped the keep the business based out of their home running as well as the support from the regional Family Day Care office staff.
Family Day Care CEO Andrew Paterson said the awards shed light on the importance of the service in the community with around 21,000 educators care for the children of 120,000 families.
“This is an opportunity to highlight the special contribution that educators like Kellie make to the lives of the children in their care,” Mr Paterson said.
“To be named regional winner is a testament to not only Kellie’s dedication to providing quality early childhood education and care, but also to the relationship that Kellie has with the children in her care.”
The awards’ national finalists are announced on September 25 and the winner is announced on October 28.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
