Early learning in a home daycare environment allows educators to provide families with a professional service that offers both flexibility and opportunities to nurture and support children within a home environment.
I regularly spotlight some of the wonderful work that professional family day care educators do here in Australia and also overseas.
We take a peek into their home based early years environments, talk about why they love what they do and even share a few of the unique challenges that only this role offers.
Last month I put the spotlight on Sai Family Daycare and this month I’m continuing to highlight some of the wonderful work that professional family day care educators do all around the world.
If you missed last month’s Educator Spotlight you can catch up HERE.
Early Learning In A Home Environment
This month I’m excited to continue our series by putting the spotlight on Desi Adema from Little Mini Lighthouse Family Day Care
Desi is a member of our Empowered Educator Facebook Community and we always love seeing her setups and activity ideas.
What is your Family Day Care Service Name?
Little Mini Lighthouse Family Day Care
How long have you been an educator?
I have been an educator for almost 6 years and run my own family day care.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
I have a certificate and diploma in early childhood education. I also have a bachelor degree in social work.
What is your philosophy regarding working with and caring for young children?
I believe in a natural environment where children can explore, discover, play and grow. I combine children’s interests with a little mix of intentional learning. I believe in lots of open ended resources like loose parts to stimulate learning.
Challenges & Benefits For Early Learning In Home Environments
What is your biggest challenge working in this sector?
It can be overwhelming sometimes but it is also very rewarding.
What do you feel are the biggest benefits to children attending a family day care service like yours that the community and families might not be aware of?
Family Day Care allows you to provide early education and care in a nurturing, flexible and small group home and learning environment.
I enjoy seeing children happy and developing into their own independent little person.
What made you decide to work in early childhood education?
I decided to work in early childhood when my own children were born. I thought it would be perfect to be home with my children and to teach, guide and support them while doing the same for my own children.
What advice would you give yourself if you could go back to your first year as an ECE?
Just start slowly as it might get a bit overwhelming in the first year. It takes a few years to build up your family day care and getting to experience what works and what doesn’t.
You can find out more about Desi and Little Mini Lighthouse Day Care via her Facebook Page (I recommend checking out her stunning invitations to play!).
Thank you so much to Desi for taking the time to share her story and being part of our Educator Member Spotlight series for 2022.
If you would like to be featured in this series you can register your interest HERE.
A Little About Me
Jodie Clarke is an early childhood professional supporting educators who want and need to stay passionate about the work they do! She has 30 years hands-on experience in the early childhood and human services sectors across many different roles.
Jodie is mum to 3 in Australia and has already helped thousands of educators with their work through her popular blog posts, activity ideas, online training and e-books.
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