ADVERTISING FEATURE
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A qualified South African primary teacher, Karin Hensley has always had a passion for education and helping children, so when she and her husband Steven found a nice, small community child care centre which they could put their own touches on, it was a dream come true.
The husband and wife team now own the Angel Tots Early Learning Centre and, together with centre director Tracey Yeoman, provide a family-focussed service.
Ms Yeoman said the old Gumnuts facility, which has operated for more than two decades, was built on a foundation of strong relationships between staff and families.
“We were keen to maintain the foundation of the centre, keeping the family-feel and being very community focused,” she said. “We don’t want to change that.
Angel Tots is a centre where [children] can feel safe and belong and play happily.
- Tracey Yeoman, director
“Retaining the centre’s core staff has meant that children and families can keep those important connections and maintain relationships.”
Ms Yeoman proudly acknowledges the remarkable staff are of immense value.
“They are a very professional and nurturing team. But it also comes back to that sense of community, because many of the staff have been there for quite a long time, families come in and recognise the same people – and they feel comfortable,” she said.
This advertising feature is sponsored by the following business. Click the link to learn more:
The trio have, however, freshened up the well maintained centre, giving it a new lick of paint and homely touches like new blinds.
Ms Yeoman, who has been working in early childhood education for 28 years and is undertaking her Masters, is very passionate about providing the best of care for children and families.
“A homely feel is important for young children – to help them to feel comfortable. Angel Tots is a centre where they can feel safe and belong and play happily,” she said.
“They develop a strong sense of belonging, meaning they can learn and develop at their own pace.
“Our small learning groups also means the staff have more one-on-one time with the children, and we do have a very high ratio of qualified staff.”
And what has also helped developed a “nice community feel” is the fact that Angel Tots has families where the parents also attended the centre and now bring their children in to receive the same care.
Hoping to build on this base, Ms Yeoman said Angel Tots values family input and involvement. And, in just four weeks at the helm, the team are already looking to become more involved with the community.
“We are looking forward to planning a lot of parental events and community events, so they can be involved in the program,” she said. “We want to be active members of our community, build the connections, involve them in what we do, link with schools and be a resource for families as well.”