Meet a local – Kim Marshall

Becoming a family day care educator seemed like a natural progression in the career of Rainbow Beach identity, Kim Marshall.

Kim moved to Rainbow Beach in 2011 with a child care centre background and saw an opportunity in 2012 to establish her own home-based business with Family Day Care, Gympie Region.

Kim’s passion in working with children certainly shows through her nurturing, respectful interactions, and her care area provides a space for children to have fun and learn.

Kim says that the small ratios of children to educator provide children with more one-on-one time and she loves the fact that she can provide continuity of care as each child grows.

“One child has been in care with me since he was 11 months and he is now four,” says Kim who also reflects that during this time she has established some great relationships with families in our region.

Being an educator has given Kim flexibility to work her own hours and earn an income. “It’s satisfying running your own successful business,” she states. “However the job is not without its challenges. Providing for different age groups can be a bit of a juggle.”

Kim feels she has been well supported by the coordination unit of Family Day Care, Gympie Region who visit her on a regular basis. The coordination unit provided start-up training and continue to offer ongoing professional development to support her in her role. They also help with enrolments and placement of children.

As part of her practice, Kim likes to involve the children in local community events where possible.

She attends the local school pre-prep programme on a regular basis that helps the children socialise in larger groups and different settings, and also prepares older children in their transition to school life.

Kim feels lucky to have a job that she is passionate about and flexible enough to fit her lifestyle. She sees her business as a great way to support families in her local area.

There are many more families on the Cooloola Coast keen to find a day care position for their children. Family Day Care, Gympie Region is currently recruiting educators to meet this growing need.

Please contact Family Day Care on 5482 6099 to find out more.