Federation Children

06/10/2026

🌟Team Tuesday🌟
Introducing our Newtown Kindergarten Assistant Hayley 💁‍♀️👸

I have been working at Federation Children for two years. I previously worked as an Enrolled Nurse, but I have always had a strong passion for working with children and wanted to pursue a dream I have had since I was younger.

I believe children learn best through play, exploration and meaningful experiences that allow them to learn at their own pace. My approach to childcare supports the development of confident, curious and capable learners through play, sensory exploration, meaningful relationships and connections with the world around them.

This year, I have had the opportunity to work in the Dugong Room, supporting and preparing the children for their transition to school. This experience has strengthened my passion for kindergarten, and I can definitely see the kindergarten rooms as a place where I would love to continue my childcare journey. I have learnt so much from the children throughout my time in the room, and I value the way they continue to challenge, inspire and teach me every day

29/09/2026

🌟Team Tuesday🌟
Introducing our Newtown Office Manager Michaela 💁‍♀️👸

I have been part of the Federation Children family for the past four years, and my passion for the childcare industry began from a very young age. I always knew I wanted to work with children and be part of their learning and development journey.
My career started with work experience at a kindergarten, followed by working casually in the industry while I studied. I then worked my way up to becoming a Centre Director, where I gained so much valuable experience and learnt just how rewarding it is to be part of a child’s early years. There is nothing I love more than watching children grow, learn and bloom into such incredible little people.

Today in my role as Office Manager at Federation Children, I absolutely love helping families settle their pride and joy into a new service. Supporting families through this important transition and helping them feel comfortable, welcomed and confident is something I find incredibly rewarding.

I genuinely love coming to work every day and feel very fortunate to work alongside such a wonderful team of knowledgeable, caring and genuine educators.

Outside of work, I have a small family of my own. I have been married to my husband for 26 years, and together we have our beautiful daughter, Eden. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, going for walks, catching up over coffee and, most importantly, spending quality time with my family

29/09/2026

🌟Team Tuesday🌟
Introducing our Geelong West Office Manager Maryanne 💁‍♀️👸

I have recently joined the team at Geelong West as the Office Manager. I have always worked with children and in the community. Formally I have worked as a Primary Teacher, both in Australia and overseas. More recently I returned to study my Diploma of Nursing, which coincided with my best accomplishment yet, the birth of my son.

Nurturing curious minds through creativity and exploration of our environment enriched my teaching practice and has continued into motherhood. When I’m not at work I love spending sunny days in the garden, lazy walks without a destination or a good book.

I feel so fortunate to have been welcomed into the Federation Family with such warmth and look forward to immersing myself into the community

22/09/2026

🌟Team Tuesday🌟
Introducing our Newtown Tree Kangaroo Team Leader Rutendo 💁‍♀️👸

I have been part of the Federation Children family for the past two years, and the Tree Kangaroo room has become a very special part of my journey. I truly enjoy being part of the children’s everyday experiences as they learn, explore and discover the world around them. It is incredibly rewarding to watch their confidence develop, celebrate their little achievements and see their unique personalities shine through each day.

I love to nurture children through kindness, encouragement and plenty of fun and laughter. I believe that creating a happy and welcoming environment helps children feel comfortable to be themselves, try new things and enjoy learning. Building genuine relationships with the children and getting to know their individual personalities, interests and needs is something that is very important to me.

One of my greatest joys is seeing the children reach new milestones, develop their independence and proudly show us what they can do. I value respect, inclusion, kindness and creating a strong sense of belonging for every child and family.

I feel honoured to be part of the Federation Children team and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our wonderful educators, children and families.

Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my husband and our two beautiful children, making memories and enjoying family time together

21/09/2026

🌟Team Tuesday🌟
Introducing our Geelong West Kindergarten Assistant Chelsea 💁‍♀️👸

I have been working in child care and working with Federation Children since 2019 and have been at the Geelong West service for the last 4 years.

During my time at Federation Children I have worked across all of the rooms and age groups, but I have found the 4 year old Kinder room to be where my true passion lies. Being able to help prepare children for school and watching how much the children change throughout the year and see how confident and independent the children become by the end of the year makes me so happy and proud of what the children have accomplished.

I strongly believe in child led learning and providing children the opportunity to learn, explore and discover on their own and giving children the space to make attempts and take risks by themselves with little support from educators. Being there to scaffold children’s learning and coming together with the children to discuss and answer their burning questions through intentional research is one of my favourite things to do with the children.

In my free time I like to lounge in bed with a good book, my favourite music playing and my 2 cats curled up at my feet 💕

18/09/2026

Today we said goodbye to Tineke as she finished up at Federation Children after an incredible 4 years with our team. 💙✨

Thank you Tineke for the care, dedication, kindness and commitment you have shared with the children, families and educators over the years. You have been such a valued part of our Federation Children community and your contribution has truly been appreciated 💙

Now it’s time for some much needed rest, recovery and time to recharge. We hope you take the time to slow down, look after yourself and enjoy whatever comes next. 🌸

16/09/2026

⛴️ Sorrento here we come! ⛴️

A great day travelling across Port Phillip Bay with Searoad Ferries enjoying the coastal views and fresh sea air along the way.

Once in Sorrento we explored Sorrento Historic Park taking in the beautiful surroundings and stunning views 🏖

A beautiful day out exploring Sorrento! ☀️

15/09/2026

🌟Team Tuesday🌟
Introducing our Geelong West Tree Kangaroo Educator Belinda 💁‍♀️👸

I have been with Federation Children for almost a month now as an assistant in the Tree Kangaroo room.

I have worked in the childcare industry for over 30 years working in various childcare settings and even ran my own family daycare in my home many years ago. I have two adult children, 24 and 28 years old and currently live in Melbourne while looking for a home in Geelong.

I enjoy forming trusting relationships with the children and watching them learn and grow and reaching their individual potential.

I love being in the toddler age group and am so grateful for the educators, families and children for making me feel welcome.

I am looking forward to the many fun memories to be made with the Federation Children community.

14/09/2026

🌟Team Tuesday🌟
Introducing our Newtown Pygmy Possum Team Leader and Child Safety Officer Kim 💁‍♀️👸
I have worked at Federation Children for two and a half years and being the team leader of the Pygmy Possum room is extremely special. It is an honour to become the safe space for many of the children’s first experience away from their loved ones in a new environment. It is incredibly rewarding to help them adjust and feel safe being in care by building a trusting and secure relationship with the children and their families.

I love watching as the children grow and develop their confidence and seeing their unique personalities blossom. It is incredibly important to me that every child feels that they are seen and heard, valued and capable learners.

I strongly believe in play based, child led learning where children are able to follow their own interests and create their own learning journey with guidance and support from the educators.

As the Child Safety Officer, I am also very passionate about advocating for the safety, rights and wellbeing of the children and am constantly seeking to learn and develop my knowledge to ensure this is strongly embedded into daily practice.

Outside of work I love spending time with my husband, our two adult sons and my beautiful dog Archie. I am passionate about volunteering and volunteer for Down Syndrome Victoria in a weekly fitness and social program and twice a month volunteer at an animal rescue sanctuary named Edgar’s Mission where I run tours. I also love to sing at my weekly choir practice

11/09/2026