20 years of caring

She describes her time with Intereach Family Day Care as being ‘‘such a privilege’’, with the most special part of her work being ‘‘the many beautiful children I have cared for over the years and all the fun we have had together’’.

Catherine says there have been so many wonderful learning opportunities.

‘‘You become part of each child’s family as you work in partnership with them,’’ she said.

‘‘The children often tell me, ‘I love you Cathy’, and I feel the same way about them. 

‘‘It is very humbling when years later, after children have moved away, they come back to visit you and tell you some of their favourite memories.

‘‘You develop such a bond with your families that you can become lifelong friends.’’

She recalled the time when a child arrived back from an overseas family holiday and presented her with a gift she had bought because Catherine was ‘one of her special people’.

‘‘I have received many beautiful handmade cards and gifts from my little friends. 

‘‘I even had a child offering to buy me a new dress (well, her mum would buy the dress) so I could attend a family wedding and watch the child walk down the aisle as a flower girl.’’

Intereach Family Day Care nominated supervisor Bec Fitzpatrick said Catherine has always provided a caring and nurturing approach not only to the children in her care but their extended family. 

‘‘Catherine is such a committed educator, always looking for ways to improve the quality of care she provides and ensuring children’s learning, development and wellbeing is at the forefront of her decision making,’’ she said.

‘‘It is such a privilege to work with an educator who gives so much to her role; 20 years is an amazing milestone.’’

Catherine said there have been many changes to Family Day Care over the last 20 years through regulation, electronic timesheets, the Early Years Learning Framework and child development.

‘‘Intereach Family Day Care has been a great place to work through these changing times, and I have valued their constant support, professionalism and encouragement over the years,’’ she said.

Catherine’s quality of care has been recognised during her career, and in 2015 she was the regional winner in the national Family Day Care awards. 

To learn more about Intereach and its Family Day Care services go to www.intereach.com.au or phone 1300 488 226. Intereach also offers support and assistance across community services, children and families, older people, people living with disability, mental health and carers.