Megan Hill

Centre Manager - Community Kids Pakenham

“I believe in creating an inclusive environment for all children and families.”

I began my career in early childhood education and care in 2009 and started working at Community Kids Pakenham in 2012. I hold a Diploma in in Early Childhood Education and Care.

I entered the Early Childhood Education and Care industry as an unqualified assistant in 2009 to be an advocate for children’s rights, to give them opportunities to learn, grow and explore in a safe and inclusive environment. I believe in creating an inclusive environment for all children and families, a space where children are celebrated for who they are as individuals and are promoted to be competent human beings.

I am a strong advocate for building positive relationships with families and children, as well as holding a strong belief in intergenerational learning. Through this I have developed various collaborations with local retirement villages and nature parks as well as providing children with opportunities to converse with all age groups within the service and also local communities outside of the centre, this has always taught me so much about diversity and inclusion. ;

The benefits of having your child enrolled in our Early childhood education and care setting is allowing them access to educated early childhood  professionals that are dedicated to assisting them with their learning and development. They are able to extend on each child’s interests to include them in their learning outcomes, as well as promote social environments. We participate in regular music and movement lessons which encourages the children to practice cultural competency and respect. We also include mindfulness into our programs, educating children on the importance of self-regulation, breathing, meditation and mental health.

We have a team of long-serving educators, many who have been with us for 6 years or more with one of our beloved educators being at the centre for 18 years. We pride ourselves on having a positive team culture, we take on board feedback, professionally challenge each other as well as provide support to ensure the service is always operating at a positive level.

We adhere to all standards set to protect children. We are committed to providing a trusted and safe environment where children can thrive. As a centre manager, I will ensure that I do everything I can to ensure each child feels included and respected during their time at the service.

We offer consistent communication from the very beginning of the enrolment process, as well as adhere to our open-door policy and encourage families to come to the centre. Our educators are involved in your enrolment process and will chat to you about their teaching style, as well as what you are looking to get out of the centre or any support you require (challenging behaviours, fussy eaters and more!).

We pride ourselves on our communication with our families. We send out a family memo each week to ensure families have the most relevant and up to date information regarding our centre and the local community, as well as hold regular information sessions and celebrations to include all families within the service.

We ask questions about what the family feels they need support with from the very beginning. For new families this may be including an extended orientation process to ensure the child and family are well settled before the formal start date or assisting families to complete enrolment forms using the centre’s facilities.