Young Explorers Family Day Care

30/09/2026

Sometimes my role is simply to be present. 📖

While I sit nearby with my book, the children are completely immersed in their own play — choosing what they want to do, following their ideas, solving their own little problems and moving between experiences at their own pace.

I’m here when they need me. They can come over for help, conversation, comfort or to share something they’ve discovered, but otherwise, I give them the space to simply play.

This is such an important part of my approach to slow pedagogy. I don’t need to lead every experience or fill every moment. Sometimes stepping back, observing and trusting children to lead their own play is exactly what they need.

And while they play, I’m doing a little learning of my own. I picked up Fuelled Up Life by Sammi Jaeger at the conference I recently attended, and I’m finally getting a chance to sit down and read it. A little professional and personal reflection while still being present and available to the children feels like a pretty lovely way to spend the morning.

They know I’m here. They know I’m available. And they know their play belongs to them.

29/09/2026

Feeding the chickens at playgroup 🐔

Today at Nicky’s house, the children enjoyed spending some time with the chickens and helping to feed them. There’s always so much excitement when the chickens come wandering over to see what’s on offer!

These simple, hands-on experiences give the children opportunities to build confidence around animals, practise gentle care and learn about the everyday needs of the animals around us.

Just another lovely little moment from our playgroup mornings together.

24/09/2026

A little look at the learning behind Young Explorers 🌿

I’ve always believed that as an educator, my own learning should never really stop. Over the years, I’ve continued to build on my knowledge through qualifications, training and professional development across early childhood education, play, nutrition, wellbeing, safety and more.

For me, it’s not about collecting certificates — it’s about continuing to learn, reflect and grow so I can provide the best possible care, experiences and environment for the children I care for.

There’s always more to learn, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

22/09/2026

A lovely morning at playgroup 💛

Today we headed to Kellie’s for playgroup, spending the morning catching up with our friends, exploring, playing and simply enjoying being together.

These regular playgroup days are such a special part of our week, giving the children opportunities to strengthen friendships, build confidence in different environments and connect with our wider Family Day Care community.
Another beautiful morning of play, connection and happy little moments.

21/09/2026

📚 New books have arrived!

There’s something so exciting about a fresh stack of books waiting to be explored. Our bookshelf has had a little update with some beautiful new children’s books, ready for story times, rest time reading and those spontaneous moments when someone simply wants to curl up with a book.

I can’t wait to discover which ones become our new favourites… although I’m sure there’ll be at least one I’ll soon know completely off by heart.

21/09/2026

Happy Monday! ☀️

Starting a fresh week with positive energy, a grateful heart and a reminder to look for the good in the little things.

Here’s to a week filled with happy moments, new adventures, plenty of laughter and good energy all around.

New week. Fresh start. Let’s make it a beautiful one.

17/09/2026

A slow morning at HOTA Parklands 🌿☀️

Today we found ourselves a beautiful little beach area all to ourselves and settled in for a slow, relaxed morning of play.

The children dug in the sand with their diggers, spades and utensils, I filled bowls with water and they created their own little waterfalls. There was plenty of big-body play too, with running, climbing and jumping from the rock wall into the soft sand.

No rush, no big plans — just plenty of time and space for the children to follow their own ideas, experiment and enjoy being outdoors together.

We finished our morning with a beautiful picnic before heading home. One of those simple mornings that reminds me why I love getting out into our community so much.

16/09/2026

Nearly 20 years into this career… and I’m still learning.

After spending the weekend at the Dream, Lead, Play Conference, I came home with so many little thoughts, conversations and ideas running through my head.

And that’s what this week’s full episode of The FDC Diaries is all about.

For me, professional development isn’t about collecting certificates or coming home and completely changing everything I do.

Sometimes it teaches you something new. Sometimes it challenges you. Sometimes it confirms what you already believe. And sometimes one little comment makes you look at your own practice with completely fresh eyes.

Nearly 20 years in, I’m still learning, still reflecting and still changing.

And I really hope I never stop.

🎥 The full episode is now live on YouTube — https://youtu.be/9Sh2ul1VS5c

And for my fellow educators, I’d love to know: what’s something you’ve learnt through professional development that has really stayed with you?

Nearly 20 years into my career as an early childhood educator… and ...

16/09/2026

Professional development isn’t just about getting another certificate.

For me, the best PD is the kind that makes me think.

Sometimes I learn something completely new. Sometimes something challenges the way I’ve always done things. And sometimes I hear someone say something and think…

“YES. That’s exactly how I feel.”

I don’t think we need to walk away from every professional development session ready to completely change our practice.

Sometimes one idea, one conversation or even one sentence is enough to make us stop, reflect and look at what we already do a little differently.

Nearly 20 years into this career, that’s what I value most.

Not being told exactly what kind of educator I should be — but being encouraged to keep thinking about the educator I already am.

16/09/2026

🌻 Planting a little sunshine today

Today we spent some time in the garden planting our very own sunflowers. The children helped prepare the soil, plant the seeds and give them plenty of water to help them on their way.

Gardening is such a simple, hands-on way for children to connect with nature while learning about what plants need to grow, developing responsibility and discovering that some things take a little time and patience.

Now we get to care for them together and watch for those first little green shoots to appear. Hopefully soon we’ll have some beautiful sunflowers brightening up our garden!