Empowered FDC Educator's Testimonials

• Rachael,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? The Empowered Family Day Care Community is unlike any other community I have been a part of. They are such a positive, supportive, generous and kind group of people who instantly encourage a sense of belonging and respect beginning from their first interactions. I have loved being embraced and supported by such a creative, energetic and wonderful team over my time as an educator alongside them all. The team at Empowered FDCS are an asset to Early Years learning and care. 

  Making the change from being a long day care educator to working as a Family Day Care Educator has been the best choice for both myself and my growing family. With the consistent and knowledgeable support of Empowered FDCS I have been confident in running my own business and providing the quality education and care I have always wanted to provide. I have been able to see my baby girl grow into a confident toddler and take my son to Prep each day whilst still working. I love being in family day care as it gives me the best home-work life balance I’ve only ever dreamed of!  

• Nayana,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? I love that the team are easy to work with and the whole community is very supportive and helpful. They are loving and caring towards the Educators and the children. Working with Empowered is more relaxing and since joining them I am enjoying my role much more.

  They are a very organised scheme. 

• Ireen,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?   I love it because I feel like I belong to a community that has shared beliefs that each child has a right to feel safe, loved and valued.  I also love that I can be myself and that I am encouraged to use and share my strengths.  As an Educator I can teach, be creative and learn.  

  As I strive to become stronger in my personal and professional life.  I am grateful to be surrounded by a community of like minded people who encourage others and are generous with their knowledge so that those who are new can be confident in becoming their best selves.  All this so that we can positively impact our future generations.

• Valeska ,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  I love being part of the Empowered team because all the educators are really supportive of each other. I love being an Empowered FDC Educator because the team organise a lot of events for the educators and the children, making our role as an Educator more engaging and enjoyable.

  We have organised Professional Development & Educator Network sessions each month where we all get to meet up with the EFDCS team and other Educators giving us the opportunity to collaborate and share our ideas and experiences.

  I believe that what EFDCS offer that I haven't seen or received elsewhere is that they are very, very organised and very supportive, and if you have a problem someone will always call you back and assist you as soon as they can.

• Janelle & Craig Toowoomba,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  The Service focus is on "Educators first" not on "Children first" because they recognise that if they focus on encouraging and assisting the Educators then the Educators are able to focus on putting the children first. The Service is involved in many community activities, support charities and events with the focus being on "keeping things local". Empowered is a boutique service where we are all able to get to know each other. All team members and Educators are treated as equals, working together to produce better outcomes for the children, with no hierarchy or "them and us" mentality.

  We, as Educators, feel valued by the Empowered team. We are part of a happy team who are working together and encouraged to offer our thoughts, opinions and inputs and these are taken into consideration and not just given lip service. If any of these "ideas" are to be implemented, they are done so virtually straight-away. Support is available 24/7 with prompt responses. We are encouraged to question anything and EFDCS are willing to explain why things can or can't be done or how they work. The Service supports the Educators to meet regulatory requirements through their very comprehensively written "Compendium" and is always ready to further assist Educators if they have any problems.

• Sharon ,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  I have been a Family Day Care Educator for almost 25 years and in that time I have seen many changes to the industry. Regulations and Standards have been tightened, as they should, as we are providing a vital role in young children's  lives. One disheartening factor that I have witnessed is the development of big companies running even bigger Family Day Care Schemes. I have found that this leads to a loss of the personal touch that I was a part of when I first began in this industry.

  I have been with Empowered FDC since February 2019 and I am once again noticing the benefits of being with a standalone scheme. It is family owned and run and this makes a huge difference to their perspective of the industry and how to look after their Educators. The support and contact when you need it is there and it's that level of personal  interaction and consideration that makes them stand out in my opinion.

• Leanne,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? The communication, support and encouragement from the team members, is why I chose to be part of this amazing FDC Service. Having a FDC Service, who is knowledgeable, appreciates its educators, are committed to sourcing and advise educators of relevant training and professional development opportunities is very important. Consistently reviewing and improving their policies and practices to ensure they are meeting and exceeding regulations and requirements. I love that EFDCS processing time sheets and administering the Australian Government CCS family payments are regular and that they go above and beyond to ensure Educators are supported financially.

  What I love about being an Empowered FDC Educator is having the scheme Empower, not just support their Educators. EFDCS encourage growth, goals, individuality and personal strengths and show respect for the work and practice of their FDC Educators and support and guide them to continually reflect and grow as Early Childhood professionals. Empowered have offered me all of the above and their determination, growth and enthusiastic support, enrich me and my service on my journey in this industry.

• Renae,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  Empowered FDC has a positive team culture. Every Educator and staff member is treated as equals and there is no "I" syndrome. What stands out for me is that the EFDCS team are such advocates for their service.

  What I love about being a FDC Educator is everyone is focused on building genuine relationships with all the children, their families and our own families. Community engagement is important and something Empowered encourage and actively engage in and encourage with Educators and families, which I haven't received elsewhere.

• Angie,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? It is such an honour being part of the Empowered FDCS. Moving schemes was not a decision I too lightly, however choosing Empowered was the best decision I could have made. From the Directors to the Coordinators to fellow educators, everyone is there to support encourage and support each other.  The EFDCS team are always there to answer any questions ( no question is ever to silly) and they assist with PD, fun days, accounts and in so many other areas that are too many to name. All the Coordinators are encouraging and supportive and when on visits , they don’t visit just to see if everything is perfect but actual come to see us, to see how we are all going, if we need help and to interact with the children in care. This is in itself is a major change for me personally and I truly appreciate it.

  My fellow Educators are also a source or encouragement via private Facebook pages and during playgroups. It is so nice to have this support. Even though we all have our own separate businesses, the respect for each other’s work, support, giving of ideas and encouraging words are always there. The Whole Empowered Community are a family, who are there for one another , which makes for an amazing extended working environment.  

• Kellie,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  I love being part of Empowered FDCS because they treat you like family. They are very supportive to myself and my families and if I need anything they are there. I get to go out in the community with my FDC Children and to experience life and being part of the community. I know I have the support from my co-ordinator when needed and have attended several Professional Development courses already since starting with Empowered (June 2019). I feel I can be the Educator I have always wanted to be with Empowered FDCS with support every step of the way.

  I know from personal experience that they believe in me and my FDC and I have been welcomed into this amazing FDC family. Empowered offers more one on one time to Educators when needed and I  have been able to create an amazing educational program for my FDC children, due to the experiences/events available such as; Inter-generational playgroups/ bush-beach kindy/ EFDCS playgroups and so many other opportunties to be involved in.
  
  

• Mandeep,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? I enjoy being a part of Empowered Family Day Care because they provide resources to support the children in their play and learning and offer a resource library to borrow from.

  EFDCS gives me ideas and inspiration in our programs, providing a Natural Play and Kindy Program available to all Educators which help the children develop.  Empowered FDC assists me with compliance and paperwork through our service specific Compendium which helps me to feel less stressed and better able to manage my time in my role as a FDC Educator. 

• Tam & Carl,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  Empowered give us a sense of belonging, assisting us in the running of our FDC service, offering us advice, keeping us updated at all times of changes, creating and upgrading operations of the service when they see that a change needs to be made. Listening and taking on board our concerns, issues and working together to improve our service ad a whole team.   

  As an Educator we love working in a great team that all respect one another and our own unique qualities and service that we offer our community. Communication with one another, social gatherings, being valued, making children smile have fun and enjoy their beautiful childhoods respecting each little one as they are. EFDCS offers lots of support, open communication taking on board any suggestions that we have.

  We don't travel but we still feel involved in EFDCS social gatherings and events as they visit the local park near us at times so that we can attend special events with the children. The team of amazing Educators and the respect they have with one another and the support they provide to others. Being apart of Empowered makes us feel that someone's always there with us on this wonderful journey of working with children.

• Liz ,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? At Empowered Family Day Care Service, we as Educators are always supported. We belong to a supportive environment and I feel grateful to be a part of this community. The visits from our coordination team are tailored to suit each of our individual needs as Educators. We receive the assistance we request and need in a non-judgmental way, which allows me to grow personally and professionally as an Educator. One of the main highlights for me is that every member of the Empowered team knows the children I have in care. They always use the children’s name and make the effort to develop reciprocal relationships with every one of the children. 

  As Educators, we are provided with a range of community outings, professional development and mentoring opportunities such as Bush & Beach Kindy, and supporting sustainability and loose parts.  Having a service that embraces these types of play, supports me in my role as an Educator, ensuring the children’s learning and development are at the forefront of my practices.  

   

• Alana,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? I feel accepted by the EFDCS. I know that I am valued as an Educator & part of the Empowered Community. I’m not just another name on a list. I love the community they have built, everyone of us have different ideas and teaching styles. We are able to share ideas, problems, activities and group outings with one another without competition. It’s so refreshing!

  I feel proud to be a EFDC Educator as I know that I am supported and encouraged in my work. I know that If I have any concerns or if I need assistance EFDCS will be there to help me until I am happy / comfortable with the outcome. It can be daunting sometimes being in such an important role in children’s lives, but I know with EFDCS being there to support me I can achieve all the goals I have set for myself and my service.

  I have been in childcare for 10 years working in centres and with other FDC schemes. Over this time I have never felt so supported as an Educator. They are great at bringing their community together by offering/suggesting different outings and events for us all come together and enjoy with our children. They’re empathetic, truely caring and compassionate about the people within their service. I can’t thank them enough for accepting me into EFDCS. 

• Leeanne ,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? I love being a part of the Empowered Family Day Care team because we are all treated as equals.  We support each other, working together as one with the best interest of our children at the forefront of everything we do.

  I feel supported and valued in my role as an Educator caring, educating and extending upon the needs of our younger generation. Working alongside my families to help their children to reach their full potential is why I love working as a FDC Educator.

  Empowered Family Day Care offers so much more support than any other service, in my opinion based on my experience as an Educator in both Australia and New Zealand. The EFDCS team are very approachable and nothing is ever a problem.

• Jenna ,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? ​When I began my Journey as a Family Day Care Educator, EFDCS provided support and guidance through the entire setting up experience and 2years on, these attributes continue alongside many other qualities they demonstrate to "Empower Educators to Empower Children". EFDCS are highly professional and the EFDCS team and Educator’s are passionate about the Industry and inspire one another immensely.

  Although Educators are self employed and have the responsibility of running their own business, being registered with EFDCS really does make you feel like you are part of a valued Team of successful like minded people who listen and care, not only for us as Educators but for the children, families and community within. I am so grateful to be doing what I do, and I am proud to represent Empowered FDC as one of their Educators.  

• Helen,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  Empowered FDCS applies the valuable documents and philosophy of the Early Years Learning Framework for the children in our care. They also use this beautiful framework within their professional culture with their Educators. They consider us all to be ‘Life, Long Learners’ and are collaborative in their approach to our needs and the needs of children and families within the service.

  The opportunities extended to us as professionals, guide our practice and supports our business to be considered as exceptional Education and Care Providers. Their passion in supporting us to be the best and most professional Early learning advocates to educate and care for very important people in our community which is what I love about being and Empowered Educator. Over all the collaboration and a respected voice in professional conversations and networking opportunities to contribute to the scheme as a team is what EFDCS offer that I haven't received or seen elsewhere.

• Tanya,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? ​I transferred to Empowered in June 2019, it was the best decision I've made in my 9.5 years in Family Daycare. I was losing my passion for the job and contemplating leaving the industry altogether. I was tired of paying out money in levies and getting nothing in return.
  The EFDCS team made the transition simple and smooth. I was made to feel part of the team from day one.

  Empowered offers educators ongoing support and networking opportunities. All the EFDCS members are approachable and supportive. My families have all commented on how great it is to see their children enjoying more opportunities to be involved within the community with bush/beach kindy's, intergenerational and scheme playgroups as well as celebrations and calendar events. This is scheme number 4 for me and I feel I've finally found my perfect match!

• Jodie,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  I like the support that the service gives me, it’s always positive and uplifting. The team are all so approachable and easy to talk to. I love that they share my passion for sustainability, and are always weaving it into personal development and professional development days and the everyday running of my individual FDC business. 

  What I love about being an Empowered FDC Educator is being part of such a highly regarded service, I love the thought that goes into planning events and the constant feeling you are really apart of a big family. 
  
  

• Kristin,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  I really love the support that BJ and Victoria give their Educators. Encouragement and praise is always given when needed by both the Educators and Admin. I know if I ever have an issue or question it will be dealt with promptly and I will always be kept in the loop. It really feels like family!

  I was previously registered with a ‘big scheme’ and always felt on my own and unsupported. From the first time I met the EFDCS team, they felt like a great fit for me! I always feel like I am being heard when I have questions or concerns, and nothing is ever too hard for them! I am really grateful to have met these awesome people and to receive the encouragement I needed to continue growing in my Family Day Care Service.

  EFDCS offer a Community within their Service. We, the Educators, are all in contact with each other via Facebook and Instagram and it brings with it a wonderful sense of belonging. We can offer encouragement, support and wisdom to each other and it is an awesome feeling to be part of such a wonderful group of people.  

• Sandra,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community?  I enjoy being a part of the team because of the teamwork and sense comradery within the EFDCS community from the Coordination team to fellow Educators.

  The support the Coordination team gives is an aspect I value the most. On the odd occasions when I contact the office, they are very helpful and have quick responses. The procedures are well thought out and support me to manage my family day care service.  Together they all make a great dynamic.

• Wendy,

  

  Why do you love being part of the Empowered FDC Community? Being part of an engaging community like Empowered FDC, gives me a sense of belonging. It enables me to have relatable subjects to talk about with plenty of support and lots of positive feedback from passionate people.

Parent's Testimonials

• Amy, Arnold & Amity, Empowered Family

  

  What we love about FDC & our Empowered Educator - Janelle and Craig have cared for our daughter, Amity for the past 4 years and play a significant role in her life guiding and developing her learning within their family day care service. We have always valued the home environment created by Janelle and Craig and their respect to nurture Amity's sense of belonging.

  We recognise that she has formed her identity and confidence from the strong foundations established by Janelle providing consistent education and care for Amity from such a young age. Amity loves the engagement and adventures she has whilst in Janelle's care and we value the investment in a hands on, individualised learning approach that Janelle provides through regular excursions, age-appropriate resources as well as taking the time 1:1 to participate in activities that Amity shows an interest in such as board games, bike riding through large canvases of paint as well as setting up outdoor obstacle course challenges.

  We are extremely grateful to Janelle and Craig for the service they offer and appreciate all they do to provide a safe, welcoming place that we see Amity thrive in. Janelle and Craig provide unconditional encouragement & support nurturing the children in their care by embracing each child's individual strengths and creativity.

• Stephanie C, Empowered Family

  

  I just want to extend our thanks to you and the Empowered team, our transition into care and your service has been such a flawless and positive experience. Your  level of professionalism has been very refreshing. We look forward to having our children in your care and can not thank you enough for all you have done to make our first time in childcare a positive experience for us all. Thankyou.

  December 2019 

• Tash R , Empowered Family

  

  Empowered Family Day Care Service have been absolutely wonderful to deal with. From the management team to the educators, we have been thoroughly impressed.

Children's Voices

• Amity, Empowered Schoolie

  

  I love Nelly & Craigy's because I play games with Craigy and play board games with Nelly! 

  My favourite thing to do outside is jump on the trampoline with the noodles and the balls!

  Amity - Age 5.8yrs

• Liam, Empowered Schoolie

  

  My top 10 of what I love about Janelle & Craig's - I can get food whenever I want,  Craigie is my buddy, Janelle and I share resources for school and in care when we need them, I can have whatever for lunch, I have good friends because I have been there over 10 years and have become very good  friends, Craigie is always in my corner, I can play on devices, I can watch Scooby-Doo movies & They are part of my family!

  Liam - Age 12.2 yrs

• Kai, Empowered Schoolie

  

  What I love about Janelle & Craig's is that its fun and there’s lots of fun toys.  Its just a fun place to be!

  Kai - Age 8.7 yrs

• River , Mums Voice

  

  We can't rave about Ireen enough. She is absolutely wonderful to our son River. She is loving and caring- everything you would want in someone looking after your child. She genuinely cares and adores River, which makes drop off time that much easier. Ireen provides fun and engaging activities in order to encourage River to meet his developmental milestones. She has many years of experience in education and this is evident by the activities she plans and her connection with the kids. She is a Mum herself (which I think is a real bonus!). I could go on and on about how incredible she is. Thank you Ireen for being so wonderful to River. Our family adores you.