Little Hands Early Learning Centre former director admits to pocketing thousands in childcare fees

The former director of a Southport-based early learning centre has admitted to fraudulently pocketing thousands of dollars in childcare fees. Find out how it all happened

Jordan Marcelle Tohovaka former director of Little Hands Early Learning Centre has been charged for fraudulently obtaining more than $2000 in fees from a parent. Picture: Amaani Siddeek

A childcare centre director who convinced a parent to pay fees to her personal account initially told police she “didn’t notice” when thousands of dollars appeared in her savings, a court was told.

Jordan Marcelle Tohovaka, former director of the Southport-based Little Hands Early Learning Centre, pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday to two counts of fraud after dishonestly inducing a parent to pay $2044.80 in childcare fees into her personal bank account in 2021.

Jordan Marcelle Tohovaka former director of Little Hands Early Learning Centre has been charged for fraudulently obtaining more than $2000 in fees from a parent. Picture: Amaani Siddeek

Following complaints made by the parent to police, investigations uncovered emails from the 37-year-old advising the parent on which bank account to pay fees into.

At the time, Tohovaka denied the allegations during a police interview in 2022.

“When questioned about (the emails), Tohovaka said there were three other staff who also had access to the email account and that everyone used her email signature,” Prosecutor Gavin Reece said.

When pressed further, Tohovaka told the officers she “must not have noticed there was extra money” in her account.

Andy Bazzi, principal solicitor at Bazzi Law, representing Tohovaka said the fraudulent actions were a “momentary lapse in judgement” that was “uncharacteristic” of the New Zealand national who has worked in childcare for more than 20 years with no prior criminal history.

Mr Bazzi said Tohovaka had since been employed at the Mudgeeraba-based Tree of Life Child Care Centre and Kindergarten and continues to foster three children. He said a conviction would likely see her foster carer status revoked.

He added that a conviction would also impact future blue card reapplications certifying her to work with children and young people.

“I wouldn’t say this was a momentary lapse in judgement,” Magistrate Louisa Pink said.

“It was two instances in the context of a 20-year career in that industry.

“You were in a significant position of trust when these offences occurred.”

Magistrate Pink ordered Tohovaka pay $2044.80 in restitution to Little Hands Early Learning Centre, and convicted and fined $1500 referred to SPER.