There’s nothing quite like seeing the world through the eyes of a child, and for four decades the laughter, chatter and busyness of children has filled Doris Rechter’s home.
In that time, she has forged lifelong friendships and seen many children come and go, but now that noise is quietening to a hum as Doris readies for retirement.
For the Bendigo Family Day Care early childhood educator it’s a time of profound change, but also of proud reflection.
“Watching children and guiding them to learn and grow through play and creativity is what has motivated me through my 40 years,” she says. “Caring for children through all different stages of growth and development has been so lovely to be part of.”
Doris first started with Bendigo Family Day Care in 1984. She found the flexibility of being an early childhood educator in her own home was a way to contribute not only to her family but to the community. It also allowed Doris to remain with her own children while they were still very young. The impact of Doris being a working mum in the family home is evident today as she watches her own kids with their families.
“My own children were brought up with all the children I have cared for over the years. Having always been around children growing up, the way they understand and care for their own children, and the way they understand a child’s development is in part due to my work, and that makes me so proud.”
Staying passionate as an educator for four decades was something Doris found easy, the children made it so. They’ve also taught her a thing or two about herself along the way.
"There is nothing better than a child’s honesty, resilience, creativity and energy.
“Children are very eager to learn new things and it’s nice to watch them develop into confident, self-sufficient learners,” she says.
“Caring in particular for children with special needs, learning disabilities and health issues like diabetes has taught me so much through the years too. The skills and information required to care for these children made me grow into a more understanding and passionate person.
“The children and families dealing with these things were, at times, challenging and confronting, but it was also the most memorable because of all the lessons I learnt.”
When you’re in a career for as long as Doris has been some things are inevitable, in this case it’s change, with the early childhood education landscape looking quite different now to when Doris first started.
“Early on in my career, I remember we had weekly playgroups where I would meet up with fellow educators and the children in their care,” she says. “We would all bring a plate of food, play different activities, or teach each other a new skill to include in our day-to-day programs with our children. We would catch up at someone’s house, a playground, park or even a local centre. The children would all play together and it was such a fun, carefree time.
“These days… we had to be very mindful of dietary requirements, allergies etc.
“The focus on keeping up to date on the most current studies, courses, literature and safety standards for educators was also quite different to the early years of my career. Every year there was more to learn so we could provide a more modern approach to educating our children.”
When asked if there was one particularly memorable or funny moment that stands out, it proved an impossible question to answer.
“Kids have the innate ability to come out with the funniest sayings at the perfect time,” she muses. “I can’t think of any one particular story.
“I can say, however, that all the children in my care have brought me so much laughter through their honesty, pure imagination and joy.”
It’s the memories of those moments that Doris will take with her into retirement as souvenirs from a career she has loved and hopes others will consider for themselves.
“The early stages in a child’s life are so crucial to their development and educators are playing a vital role alongside parents,” she says.
“I would love to see educators recognised more for what they are contributing to the growth and development of children.”
If you are interested in becoming an educator with Bendigo Family Day Care fill in our Prospective Educator enquiry form.
