With the NSW Government easing restrictions and paving the way for communities to move forward, the Examiner is taking a look at what Port Stephens needs to bounce back, both economically and socially, after the agitation of COVID-19.
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The Port's Road to Recovery series aims to paint a picture of individual industries and social issues, how they have been impacted and what the future looks like for them - as told by those on the ground.
This week the series takes a look at the childcare industry.
The childcare industry was one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with many centre operators and parents grateful for the federal government's early intervention scheme.
But while some centres in Port Stephens shut their doors or scaled down services, the Tanilba Bay-based Tilli Tadpoles remained fully functional. "We made the necessary changes to support families and altered our procedures where necessary," said the centre's manager/supervisor and early childhood leader Leisa Murrill.
"And while some centres would not take in new enrolments, we did. Yes, we had to juggle a few things around but I took the view that in the best interests of children and families we would do our best to keep day-to-day care as normal as possible.
"Some of the changes we implemented included having our staff meet families at the door for entry and departure, ensuring unwell children stayed at home and asking parents to bring in their children's lunches. We also talked to the children about things like good hygiene and we explained why we couldn't take them out for the day to the local pool or zoo."
Tilli Tadpoles, a 40-place centre in Pershing Place catering for children 0-5 years and open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, first opened its doors in February 2015, providing a much needed service on the Tilligerry peninsula. There are three rooms catering for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, with a cook on site providing healthy meals for breakfast, morning and afternoon teas and lunch.
With the centre remaining at near full capacity, the decision was made in late 2019 to open a second centre in Tilligerrry Track [on the same premises where the former Mission Australia centre operated]. This centre will feature two rooms for toddlers and pre-schoolers plus morning and afternoon tea only.
"Our intention was to open in March but the pandemic has delayed that till July. This will be a 38-place centre for one to five year olds and operating weekdays from 8am to 4pm." Educator-in-charge will be Shantelle Ibanez, who has been at Tilli Tadpoles every step of the way, graduating from trainee to diploma level.
Ms Murrill said that both services offer a range of learning and development programs, using the Kinderm8 program, a supplier of tech tools tailored to the need of children in care.
"We also provide school readiness curriculum covering topics such as literature, maths and science. We also have both indoor and outdoor play areas for the children."
Tilli Tadpoles centres can be contacted by phone on 4982 4028 or email tillitadpoles@yahoo. com.au.