Jillian Critchley rewarded for her passion when it comes to working with children

Jillian Critchley has been named as a finalist in the 2023 Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) Excellence in Family Day Care Awards, an accolade which rewards her passion for working with children. 

For Mrs Critchley, running a Family Day Care (FDC) is more than just a business, it’s a passion that helps her to offer education and care for children and families in the community. 

Mrs Critchley worked in the ECEC sector for 20 years in a variety of roles and settings, including long day care centres and before and after school care, before settling on FDC. 

“I put the ‘family’ in family day care. It’s the connections and partnerships that we make between children and families,” she told local news source St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. 

“I only have four children a day – they know what’s happening in my life and I know what’s happening in theirs. There’s a bond, and an ability to meet individual needs, which is so much easier.”

FDCA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Paterson applauded her achievements.

“Jillian’s unique and nurturing approach to early years education and her dedication to children and families is the reason why so many choose family day care,” he said. “Educators are the lifeblood of our sector.”

The award winners will be announced on October 17. Learn more about the awards here.