Bianca Shephard
Loxton,SA
Summary
With 7 years of hands-on experience in early childhood education, I am deeply passionate about empowering young minds and fostering their development. My dedication to this field was recognised in 2021 when I was honoured as Trainee of the Year and selected for membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society. Committed to continuous learning, I have actively pursued various training opportunities and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences, which has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of development and behaviour. Currently, I am furthering my expertise by studying honours, allowing me to deepen my knowledge and skills. I am eager to apply my extensive experience, ongoing dedication to professional growth, and interdisciplinary knowledge to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and contribute to the success and well-being of the organisations I serve.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Children’s Contact Service Worker
Relationships Australia South Australia
Berri, SA
05.2024 - Current
- Produced clear, concise and accurate observational notes for use in court and legal settings
- Observed and recorded interactions, ensuring notes are unbiased and non-judgmental
- Effectively communicated with children, parents and other parties, fostering a safe and supportive environment
- Strictly adhered to confidentiality protocols, ensuring all information is securely managed and stored, taking part in regular security trainings
- Prioritised the safety and well-being of children during visits, recognising and responding to potential risks
- Implemented and enforced service policies and agreements, ensuring compliance with legal and organisational standards
- Worked closely with supervisors, taking on constructive feedback and working in a collaborative environment.
Diploma Qualified Early Childhood Educator
Loxton District Children's Centre (LDCC)
Loxton, SA
03.2016 - Current
- Proficient in documentation tasks including observation, planning, portfolio compilation, and program development
- Volunteered time to work in conjunction with the director/s to develop initiatives assisting in staff recruitment and retention and fostering mental health as an active member of the services staffing and remuneration sub-committee
- Enforced rigorous hygiene practices: toy sanitization, handwashing, food handling, and child-related care
- Monitored child development, collaborating with leaders, staff and parents/caregivers to address concerns
- Designed purposeful environments aligned with Early Years Learning Framework principles
- Actively contributed to policy development, review, and WHS standards adherence
- Identified incidents/illness signs, documented, communicated, and followed health guidelines
- Cultivated respectful relationships, fostering belonging and agency for staff, children, and families
- Prioritised supervision for child safety, maintaining appropriate ratios
- Actively contributed feedback during staff meetings and engaged in reflective practice to enhance the workplace environment and contribute to the QIP
- Collaborated with colleagues to create and implement strategies benefiting children from diverse backgrounds, those with trauma, and additional needs
- Committed to inclusiveness through training in areas like autism and cortical vision impairment, further enhancing professional expertise
- Participated in meetings with allied health services to ensure cohesive child-centered programs and consistent information
- Actively participated in local fundraisers, extending support beyond the workplace.
Education
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) -
Central Queensland University
Online07.2025
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (minor in advanced psychology and criminology) -
Swinburne
Online01.2024
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care -
TAFE SA
Berri, SA02.2020
Skills
- Adult & Child CPR and First Aid
- Behavioural Modeling
- Emotion Coaching
- Comprehensive writing and documentation
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Computer proficiency
- Task management
Certification
- Accidental Counsellor Training, Australian Institute of Social Relations, 08/2024
- Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health First Aid Australia, 06/2024
- DoFoodSafetly (food handling certificate), Government of South Australia - Women's and Children's Health Network, 08/2023
- Gastrostomy Nutrition and Medication Administration, Government of South Australia - Women's and Children's Health Network, 02/2023 - 02/2024
- Basic Fire Training Course, Riverland Fire & Safety, 06/2021
- Safe Environments for Children and Young People: Through Their Eyes, Human Services, 05/2024
- Reconciliation in childrens education and care: Taking thr first steps, Early Childhood Australia, 05/2024
- Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care Training, Government of South Australia, 08/2024
- Being the champion for children who are impacted by trauma and adversity, Early Childhood Australia, 12/2022
- Trauma Responsive Practice - Education Online Trauma Training Program, Australian Childhood Foundation, 01/2023
- Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI) demonstration of specific strategies and resources to support a student in the childcare setting, Kilparrin, 02/2021
- Understanding Sensory Processing, Novita, 02/2018
- Delving deeper into Reggio Emilia workshop, Gowrie South Australia, 11/2017
- Managing challenging exchanges: Responding professionally, Early Childhood Australia, 09/2023
- Duty of Care: Work health and safety in education, Unknown, 09/2023
- An insight into Autism Spectrum Disorder in the early years (2-part series), Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
- Creating a community of support for children and families experiencing vulnerability, Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
- Fostering trusting relationships to support children with anxiety, Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
- Supporting children’s self-regulation: 3-5 years, Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
- Emotion Coaching: A Transformational Tool, Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
Accomplishments
- Trainee of the Year – 2021
- Member of the Golden Key International Honour’s Society
Address
- Loxton, SA, 5333, 5333
References
- Sarah Traeger, Educational Leader at LDCC, 0400 282 204, sarah-traeger@hotmail.com
- Ainslie Biggins, Assistant Director / Line Manager, 8584 6501, 0457 666 690, assistantdirector2@loxtonchildrenscentre.com.au
- April Watson, Director of LDCC, 8584 6501, 0421 975 573, director@loxtonchildrenscentre.com.au
Timeline
Children’s Contact Service Worker
Relationships Australia South Australia
05.2024 - Current
Diploma Qualified Early Childhood Educator
Loxton District Children's Centre (LDCC)
03.2016 - Current
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) -
Central Queensland University
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (minor in advanced psychology and criminology) -
Swinburne
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care -
TAFE SA
- Accidental Counsellor Training, Australian Institute of Social Relations, 08/2024
- Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health First Aid Australia, 06/2024
- DoFoodSafetly (food handling certificate), Government of South Australia - Women's and Children's Health Network, 08/2023
- Gastrostomy Nutrition and Medication Administration, Government of South Australia - Women's and Children's Health Network, 02/2023 - 02/2024
- Basic Fire Training Course, Riverland Fire & Safety, 06/2021
- Safe Environments for Children and Young People: Through Their Eyes, Human Services, 05/2024
- Reconciliation in childrens education and care: Taking thr first steps, Early Childhood Australia, 05/2024
- Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care Training, Government of South Australia, 08/2024
- Being the champion for children who are impacted by trauma and adversity, Early Childhood Australia, 12/2022
- Trauma Responsive Practice - Education Online Trauma Training Program, Australian Childhood Foundation, 01/2023
- Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI) demonstration of specific strategies and resources to support a student in the childcare setting, Kilparrin, 02/2021
- Understanding Sensory Processing, Novita, 02/2018
- Delving deeper into Reggio Emilia workshop, Gowrie South Australia, 11/2017
- Managing challenging exchanges: Responding professionally, Early Childhood Australia, 09/2023
- Duty of Care: Work health and safety in education, Unknown, 09/2023
- An insight into Autism Spectrum Disorder in the early years (2-part series), Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
- Creating a community of support for children and families experiencing vulnerability, Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
- Fostering trusting relationships to support children with anxiety, Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
- Supporting children’s self-regulation: 3-5 years, Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
- Emotion Coaching: A Transformational Tool, Early Childhood Australia, 08/2023
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