My “second family”: Tassie’s best childcarer goes extra mile
Known for being a devoted “second family” to the babies she looks after, a Hobart woman has been voted by you as Tassie’s best childcare educator. THE WINNER + TOP 5 FINALISTS >>
Tasmania
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When Brooke Munnings makes it into the office the stuff of pure magic awaits her, where she gets to witness the first smiles, sounds and steps of the cherished little babies in her care.
Mrs Munnings works in the baby room at the Lady Gowrie Acton Road Child Care Centre and has just been voted in as Tassie’s Best Childcare Educator in The Mercury’s online poll.
It has been four glorious years for Mrs Munnings working at the centre and prior to that she worked for six years in family daycare, with her experience not going unnoticed by those families that she has supported.
“It is really humbling to win this title and feel so appreciated,” she said.
“I think the main thing I enjoy is the relationships you build, not only with the child you are caring for but also with the families - they almost become a second family to you.
“It’s so rewarding because you get to see those firsts, in a way it is almost like you are raising them too, it is very special.”
The key to giving families a good experience is to make both the child and parents “feel safe, secure and wanted”.
“It’s a big deal to drop your child off at daycare and leave them in someone else’s hands, even more so with babies,” Mrs Munnings said.
Children are front and centre of Mrs Munnings’ life and when she is not working with babies she is caring for her three beautiful children; Lucas, 10, Henry, six and Matilda, two.
Matilda joins Mummy at daycare during the week where she enjoys all the fun activities and opportunities on offer.
“There is a big focus here on sensory and natural play, lots of tactile experiences for them,” Mrs Munnings said.
“We also have a paddock space so the children are very lucky to have nature right outside our door to explore.”
Top five best childcare educators in Tasmania
1. Brooke Munnings, Lady Gowrie Acton - 14%
2. Natalie Cupit, Kingston Beach Early Learning Centre` - 10%
3. Milly Crombie, Lady Gowrie Integrated Centre - 6%
4. Tonya West, Lady Gowrie Campbell Street - 5%
5. Ella Thow, Alexander Beetle House - 5%
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