It's National Family Day Care Australia Week.
A time to celebrate the unique and valuable contribution the family day care sector makes for families, children and the community.
The theme for this year is 'Every Child Is A Star' and there are more than 107,000 children in Family Day Care across Australia.
Our Bendigo Family Day Care team wants to celebrate the diversity, knowledge, passion and dedication the FDC educators provide in City of Greater Bendigo and Loddon Shire.
We are lucky to have FDC educators that have been with us for over 30 years and some only three weeks.
To recognise National Family Day Care Week we'd love to introduce you to some of our amazing educators.
We thank each and every one of our educators, both past and present!
Today, let's meet .....
Jega Benny
Jega is a passionate art enthusiast, science and nature buff.
We all have learnt so much from Jega with the amazing experiences and projects she provides to the children over the years.
Jega is a mum to two fabulous adult children, with a strong faith and family focus.
We asked Jega to reflect on her time with Bendigo Family Day Care:
How long of you been working for Bendigo FDC?
I have been with Bendigo FDC since 2014, the seven years has simply flown by!
Prior to that I was the textiles, art, horticulture (just to name a few) specialist teacher at Creek Street Christian College since 2010 where I could practice and share my skills and passions with large groups, now however I love the intimacy and one-on-one type learning I can do with small groups in family day care.
Why did you choose to start an FDC service?
It was on my wish list since moving to Australia from India over 17 years ago, however, being in a small rental and getting settled in, the opportunity didn’t arrive until I moved to Bendigo and I have never regretted the decision.
What do you find most rewarding about being a family day care educator?
It’s FUN!
You forget all your troubles and worries, as soon as you see the children, everything is forgotten. They all bring such joy and wonder. Their happiness is infectious. I could also be available to enjoy my own family grow up and be there for them whilst running my business.
Jega loves getting children involved in art projects such as these to have fun.
Do you have a funny story or saying that you've heard from a child in your care?
Miss C loved the “Wonkey Donkey” song and story book. She would beg over and over, “Again Jega…Again Jega”. One time I told Miss C’s Dad how much she loved the song and he downloaded it to his phone to play in the car so that they could sing it together. The next time that I saw Miss C and I offered to play the Wonkey Donkey song she suddenly hated the story and cried whenever it was played and said she was scared of the donkey, despite her obsession with it only the days and weeks prior. I never asked Dad “was it his singing that put her off!” I wonder?
What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming an educator?
Being an educator with Bendigo FDC is so rewarding. It's such a gift to be involved so closely with the lives of the children and their families and seeing them grow and leave for school. I have made some wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime.
Thanks for sharing your story Jega.
Meet more of our wonderful FDC educators
To meet more of our FDC educators featured during National Family Day Care Week click here
Please contact our FDC team if you would like to learn more about becoming an FDC educator - email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 5406 1382.
RELATED INFORMATION
Learn more about our Family Day Care program and how we can help you click here
Family Day Care team earns State Government recognition for Achievement Program click here
Bendigo Day Care - take the time to say thank you to Early Childhood Educators click here
Last updated: May 4, 2021