Anneque Beveridge: The most rewarding thing is the bond I have with the children

It's National Family Day Care Australia Week.

A time to celebrate the unique and valuable contribution the family day care sector makes for families, children and the community.

The theme for this year is 'Every Child Is A Star' and there are more than 107,000 children in Family Day Care across Australia.

Our Bendigo Family Day Care team wants to celebrate the diversity, knowledge, passion and dedication the FDC educators provide in City of Greater Bendigo and Loddon Shire.

We are lucky to have FDC educators that have been with us for over 30 years and some only three weeks.

To recognise National Family Day Care Week we'd love to introduce you to some of our amazing educators.

We thank each and every one of our educators, both past and present!

Today, let's meet .....

Anneque Beveridge

Anneque is our newest member of the Bendigo FDC Educator team.

From the beginning Anneque has brought laughs, singing, smiles and lots of cuddles to many children.

With years of experience in the early childhood sector, Anneque brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, creativity, and warmth.

It has been a pleasure to support Anneque and her family through the transition of becoming a family day care educator and have become such a valued member of our Bendigo FDC family.

We asked Anneque to reflect on her time with Bendigo FDC:

How long have you been working for Bendigo FDC?

Approximately six weeks and it's been a blast!

I bring with me 30+ years in the early childhood sector beginning when I was only 18 years old (I won't tell you how old I am now though!)

Why did you choose to start an FDC service?

I know everyone says it, but for me it really was for the love of the children.

Now working in a small group setting, compared to the large kinder groups I’m used to, I am now able to enjoy more quality time with each child and I find it so rewarding.

The flexible hours and running my own business has been a great bonus too.

What do you find most rewarding about being a family day care educator?

The most rewarding thing is the bond I have with the children already!

It develops so much quicker than larger educational facilities because of the intimate and small number of children.

It truly feels more like a family home.

Do you have a funny story or saying that you’ve heard from a child in your care?

I have a very inquisitive three-year-old boy in care who loves trucks and diggers. He wears his ‘work boots’ so that he can help me in the garden “just like I help my dad”.

I’ve also had some fabulous chats about the Thermomix one child has at home and the amazing concoctions that are whipped up by Mum.

I even get to experience some of the crazy pretend spice mixes our junior chef whips up for me in the play kitchen – mmmm spicey!

I’m also hearing a lot of “Let it go, let it go” (Frozen) throughout the day at random times with so much gusto and enthusiasm. What a fun group I have

What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming an educator?

It has been so rewarding to see the children learn and grow and develop new friendships.

It’s a great way to earn money and grow my own business. A ‘win win’ situation, a love of children and a love of money – ha ha ha!

Meet more of our wonderful FDC educators

We will introduce another child care educator from the team each day this week to celebrate National Family Day Care Week.

To read the stories of more of our featured FDC educators click here

If you would like to learn more about becoming an FDC educator please contact our FDC team via email or call 5406 1382.

RELATED INFORMATION

Learn more about our Family Day Care program and how we can help you click here

Family Day Care team earns State Government recognition for Achievement Program click here

Bendigo Day Care – take the time to say thank you to Early Childhood Educators click here

Last updated: May 2021.