Ms. Austrialia has worked in childcare for over seven years, and as she opens her own daycare in Norwood, MA, she says it is so much more than a job to her.
“Caring for children is work, yes, but it is such a joy,” says Ms. Austrialia, whose experiences include serving as both a nanny and family child care assistant, in addition to raising three children of her own. “I never lose sight of what an important responsibility it is to help children grow into happy and healthy adults.”
It was this desire—to help children achieve their full potential—that motivated Ms. Austrialia to open her own daycare in her Norwood home this summer. The program focuses on learning through play and encouraging children to find their own voices and passions.
The program’s main room will offer opportunities for children to have fun learning about math and science, reading, playing musical instruments, and even practicing dance and yoga.
“Traditionally, playing was always the way that children learned,” explains Ms. Austrialia. “And I think it is still the most effective. I especially love playing outside, teaching them about nature, exploring the outdoors—I think time outside really helps to reinforce classroom lessons.”
But the most important lessons Ms. Austrialia hopes to convey are about love and respect. “It makes me so sad when I see people yelling at children,” she says. “Of course you need to set rules and enforce discipline, but children are people, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect as anyone else. It’s so important to me that we be patient with one another and show each other love at all times. Every person is unique, and we should celebrate that.”
Per Massachusetts’s law, Ms. Austrialia is a licensed Family Child Care Provider through the Massachusetts’s Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). To secure a license, Providers must complete trainings on childhood development, health, and safety; undergo a thorough home inspection and three-part background check; and maintain current pediatric CPR & First Aid certificates. More information about Massachusetts’s FCC licensing requirements can be found on the EEC’s website.
Ms. Austrialia’s new daycare in Norwood has the added benefit of also being a part of the NeighborSchools’ network of daycares. As a NeighborSchools Provider, Ms. Austrialia has the support of a team of experienced Providers and business experts in designing her program, engaging in multi-channel marketing, and streamlining her business services.
“Opening Rosie’s Family Child Care is gratifying and humbling, because I’m learning just as much from them as they are learning from me,” shares Ms. Austrialia. “The children really keep me centered and grounded.”
Click here to learn more about Rosie’s Family Child Care and read testimonials.
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NeighborSchools partners with experienced educators to launch world-class licensed Family Child Care programs. In supporting the creation of more small-scale child care programs, NeighborSchools helps increase access to high-quality programs. Children benefit from lower ratios, greater continuity of care, and a nurturing home environment. Parents can discover and build a relationship with a Provider located right in their neighborhood. Providers get to launch the program of their dreams and earn a living wage, while working hands-on with young children every day.
Want to learn more? Find a Provider near you or contact us.
