Who is BCC Child Care?
The Balwyn Community Centre Child Care is registered to care for up to 25 children aged between six weeks old to five years. BCC Child Care is part of Balwyn Community Centre and it is where the community and child care connect! Our program is based on the Victorian Department of Education guidelines and we provide Occasional Care within a safe and nurturing environment. For over fifteen years, BCC Child Care has brought local families together. We believe that community spirit and knowing your neighbours is key to safe and happy kids.
We have a team of passionate child care educators who can’t wait to get to know your child! Gayle, Linda and Harshini are long-term employees of BCC Child Care and over the years, have cared for and come to love many local kids. Gayle is our child care coordinator. She oversees the child care program and writes our policies. Linda and Harshini work closely with Gayle to make sure the BCC Childcare Program is consistent and provides a positive experience.
Meet Our Educators
Gayle Clark
Coordinator
Having been in the child care industry for 41 years, my goal has always been the education and development of every child in my care. In saying this, I pride myself in giving the children every opportunity to express their individual personalities and cultural backgrounds. This will foster confidence in their development and in turn, inspire growth.
My career has spanned three different centres with Balwyn Community Centre Child Care being the third. This has given me a good base of experience to build on as we and the children never stop learning. Being a wife and other of two my family time is precious to me so I have always enjoyed a family holiday at the beach. Surf and sand between my toes always re-energises me. My strong passion for family life also extends to the Centre, engaging the children to give them sense of participation and accomplishment. This will only make them more curious for the learning journey ahead.
Linda Allan
Educator
Armed with a Diploma in Children’s Services, I spent the first 15 years of my career working in early parenting – first at the O’Connell Family Centre and then in the Mother Baby Unit at Mitcham Private Hospital. However, the demands of being a mum of three great kids meant a change of career and in 2005 I joined the team at Balwyn and have been here ever since!! Working with a small team over such a long period of time is a testament to the fact that I love what I do and look forward to seeing the children and sharing new experiences each day. I am proud when people say that I must have “helped to raise half of Surrey Hills!”.
Harshini
Educator
I migrated to Australia with my family in 2002. My previous profession, when I lived in Sri Lanka was an accountant, but I always dreamed of being a teacher. I received the amazing opportunity to work at BCC Child Care from 2003 as an early childhood educator. I found my passion there and went on to complete a Diploma in Children’s Services.
I love being able to teach the younger generation during, what I believe, is the most crucial period of their lives.
What Makes Us Different
Our staff are what set Balwyn Community Centre Child Care apart! All of our staff are qualified and hold a Diploma in Children’s Services. Gayle, Linda and Shini have many years’ experience working with babies, toddlers and young children. Together they work to create a safe and nurturing environment that your child will love! They take pride in their position as a carer and take the time to get to know each child one-on-one.
The nature of service at BCC Child Care can be quite different compared to larger child care centres. Your child may benefit from being in a smaller group and a more personalised child care environment. We have a multi-age room which means that siblings can attend child care together. We’re very proud at Balwyn Community Centre to have a small, tight-knit team who have each worked with us for a number of years. Parents report that they feel personally connected to Gayle, Linda and Shini and trust that their children are in good hands when they leave.
Balwyn Community Centre Child Care is where the community and care connect! BCC Child Care is based at Balwyn Community Centre located on Whitehorse Road at the border of Surrey Hills. Balwyn Community Centre is a central hub that welcomes people, young and old, from all different areas of the community. Classes, workshops, special interest groups and events are held at Balwyn Community Centre. Taking on the spirit of the community, BCC Child Care takes pride in bringing local families together.
We believe it is so important that children grow up feeling connected to their community. BCC Child Care Centre is located centrally and close to primary schools in the area. When you choose your local community child care centre it is likely you will meet families that live close by. You can form close friendships with other parents, and your children with theirs, that last through the years. We understand the importance of knowing your neighbours and love that through child care, we can bring the community together.
Our Facilities
Throughout 2019 we received an upgrade to our facilities. BCC Child Care, along with Balwyn Community Centre was extended and renovated to become a state-of-the-art facility for the leisure and wellbeing of the community. Our child care facility meets the highest standards for hygiene and cleanliness and our staff work hard to maintain a clean, safe and childproof environment. Children are kept safe and secure with childproof gates, a large foyer entrance and security doors. If you would like to view our child care facility you are welcome to book a tour.
Some features of BCC Child Care Centre include:
- Large multipurpose room
- Playroom equipped with interactive and educational toys
- Safe and secure tables, chairs and cots
- Sleep room with cots
- Bathroom facilities with private, separate cubicles
- Spacious outdoor area with safety-tested adventure playground, sandpit and race track
- Outdoor shade cloth to protect outdoor area