Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Formal child care plays a significant role in our communities by providing the quality of care and education that is crucial for our children's development. In Wangaratta Goodstart Early Learning Centre Manager, Tracey McAliece, and education leader, Bec Smith, provide outstanding care. On October 13, they gave me a tour of their centre and showed me how they are giving children and families the best support possible.

The kids were happy and very engaged in many different activities. Bec explained how it so important for children under five to learn through play. The environment is diverse and caters to all tastes—whether it is a giant sandpit, a dinghy, climbing equipment or water play.

Fifteen staff, including Di, Winona, Marlee and Lisa, provide nurturing care. They also told me that 95 per cent of the people who work in this childcare centre having a Diploma in Children's Services or higher. This gives the 97 families enrolled at the centre great peace of mind about the level of care their children are receiving—not to mention food. Food is really important, and Marion does a magnificent job in the kitchen, making healthy food—tuna pizzas are the favourite, she tells me, and fruit platters are always a hit. Staff member Di summed it up well: 'It's about providing meaningful experiences to support the individual needs of every child.' From what I saw during my visit—