Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten
Owners & Operators

Relevant Experience:

Melissa has strong ties to the local community having lived in the community for 30 years, Melissa has three adult daughters who attended both primary school and high school in Mill Park.
Melissa studied at RMIT, double degree in Primary Education and Kindergarten Teaching, Post Graduate Diploma in Education, Teacher Validation of Exemplary Teacher rating through Vetasess
Melissa has worked as a Kindergarten Teacher / Manager for the past 28 years in local community kindergartens. Melissa has a wealth of experience as a Centre Manager, efficient management of service, worked with committee of management, mentored & managed staff and the day to day running of the service in line with government funding and legislation. Programed planned education and care programing.
Melissa has experience as a Children’s services Advisor for DET, managed the City of Banyule childcare centres and kindergartens. Supported directors / owners to meet National regulations & best practices and learning outcomes for children

Role at Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten

To be the Approved Provider, (DET Approved) and Manager
Work closely with Catherine in her role as Business Development Manager / HR Manager and Office manager
Supporting and play a role with Bianca as pedagogical leader and mentor to the team of early childhood educators
Meeter and greeter and go to person for parents, families and other professionals working with children and families
Support educators to become proficient with The Abecedarian 3 A approach Australia
Role model warm & responsive educator / child engagement
Build strong links with local community, schools, councils, other early childhood services

Catherine has lived in the Mill Park / South Morang area for the past 30 years, attending both primary and secondary school in Mill Park.
Catherine has strong ties to the local community with friends and family living close by.
Prior to Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten Catherine has worked in the Fashion and Textile industry as a Senior Product Development Manager for over 18 years. Developing products and brand strategies for Brands such as Bonds, Tontine, Jockey and Holeproof across Australia and New Zealand
Inclusive development and growth and distribution of these major brands, brand management, strategic planning, change management, cross functional team leadership and performance management

Role at Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten:

Due to Catherine’s wealth of experience with strategic marketing and product development Catherine will be undertaking the business strategy and looking for areas of growth, marketing plans, accounting and general management of the business
Working in the business on a daily basis managing the accounts payable, accounts receivable, human resources as well as managing the office for the centre
Catherine will be working closely with Melissa & Bianca to support their roles at the kindergarten
Catherine will support and play a role with Bianca as pedagogical leader and mentor to the team of early childhood educators
Meeter and greeter and go to person for parents, families and other professionals working with children and families

Bianca has been working in the early childhood field for 8 years as a Manager, educator, mentor and educational leader.
Bianca has strong ties to the community, growing up in the community and lives in Rivergum estate.
Bianca has a wealth of experience working in the early childhood field as Centre Director of a 120 place childcare centre in the northern suburbs
Bianca has highly developed communication skills, efficient management of service, and works in partnerships with management
Works in consultation with the DET to develop and write the policy and procedure manual.
Bianca is very knowledgeable with current Legislation and Regulations
Well-developed time management skills and has the ability to conduct administration tasks / computer skills with the daily operation of the service in a timely fashion.
Bianca communicates effectively with other team members to ensure effective communication of information such as specials needs of children, directions from parents, challenging issues or situations or risks.

Role at Collard's Childcare & Kindergarten:

Educational Leader
Mentor & manage staff in partnership with Melissa & Catherine
Meet and greet families and parents & other professional who are working with children/families
Participate in the day to day running of the service in line with government funding and legislation
Support educators to become proficient with The Abecedarian 3 A approach Australia
Support staff as they learn to use Story Park our Program and planning program
Role model warm & responsive educator / child engagement
Mentor educators to develop and plan developmentally age appropriate education and care program
Be part of the team with Melissa & Catherine to conduct employee professional development & performance reviews / probationary periods & annual staff appraisals
Mentor & supervises staff, managing rosters & planning excursions
Support the development and implementation of the quality improvement plan, so it is embedded in my daily practice
Plan family participation events
Plan a calendar of inspiring educational events for children and families
Research current Early Childhood theory & practice & work in partnership with Melissa to plan discussion topic for educators