Donna Matthews
STOCKTON,NSW
Summary
Dedicated professional with a strong background in early years learning. Expertise in developing impactful learning environments and delivering staff training, committed to improving educational experiences for children and families.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child and Family Practitioner
Goodstart Early Learning
Newcastle , NSW
11.2021 - Current
- Implement evidence-informed capacity building approaches to enhance outcomes for children and families within the early learning and care setting.
- Work alongside Centre Directors, Educators and other key stakeholders to observe, identify and support the progression of children’s learning, development and well-being.
- As a key member of the care team around the child, communicate and engage regularly with families to support the inclusion and participation of their child.
- Build linkages with local services, and streamline referral pathways into and out of the center.
- Attend and participate in Center Team meetings, and contribute to the development of a strong, cohesive team.
- Maintain close liaison and attend regular supervision with the National Manager – Child and Family Service or Child and Family, Team Leader
- Deliver professional development, and contribute to reports, briefings, and resources as required.
- Ensure that all administrative requirements are met and maintained in accordance with Goodstart Early Learning policies and procedures.
Oncology Social Worker Student
Calvary Mater Hospital
Newcastle, Australia
07.2021 - 11.2021
- 500 Hour University placement
Assistant Centre Director
Montessori Academy Child Care Centre
Newcastle, Australia
11.2020 - 11.2021
- Nominated Responsible Person.
- Educational Leader of the Center and Center’s Wellbeing Officer.
- Prepare the service to undergo the National Quality Standard Assessment and Rating process.
- Train and support staff in understanding the Early Years Learning Framework and Montessori Curriculum.
- Train and support staff in documenting children's learning and development.
- Create Individual Educational Programs.
- Conduct yearly staff appraisals.
- Performance management and disciplinary meetings.
- Create weekly rosters on Easy Employer.
- Conduct center tours.
- Maintain the service budget.
- Ensuring all new staff are inducted to the premises.
Student Social Worker
Catholic Healthcare
Newcastle, Australia
10.2020 - 02.2021
- My duties involved being a member of a Research team that explored spirituality within the older person.
- 500 hours University placement
Early Childhood Educator
Henry Street Community Pre-School
Merewether, Australia
09.2016 - 11.2020
- Nominated Responsible Person when the Director is absent.
Early Childhood Educator
Cooks Hill Community Pre-school
Newcastle, Australia
01.2013 - 01.2016
Administrative Service Officer Grade 5
Department of Defence
, Australia
01.1984 - 01.2006
- Repairable Items Finance and Team Manager
Education
M.D. - Social Work
UNE
Armidale, NSW10-2021
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care - birth-5 years
Glendale TAFE
Newcastle, NSW01.2019
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care -
01.2015
High School Certificate - Victoria
Sea-Lake High School
Victoria01.1984
Skills
- Child development and early learning
- Individualized education programs
- Family engagement strategies
- Staff training and development
- Regulatory compliance
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Emotional intelligence
- Evidence-based practices
- Problem-solving
- Team collaboration
- Trauma-informed practices
- Staff training
- Family engagement
- Early years learning framework
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Relationship building
References
Claire Carniato, Child and Family Practitioner NSW Team Leader, Goodstart Early Learning, 0439873744, Sean Shotter, Shotters Lawyers, Level 4/45 Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW, 2300, 0411152290
Hobbies and Interests
- I enjoy all outdoor activities such as swimming, surf skiing, tennis and gardening
- I also enjoy travelling, meeting new people and learning about different cultures
Professional Development Training
- Koori Curriculum
- Circle of Security
- Behavior Management for Children with Additional Needs
- Reflective Practices
- What’s behind Inclusion & Why do we do it?
- Person Centered Behaviour Support
- National Quality Framework
- Child Protection Refresher Training
- Critical thinking and Reflective Practices
- Exploring and understanding Professional Personal and Cultural Connections in the ECS
Qualifications And Education
- 2020-2021, Enrolled Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying), UNE, 10/01/21
- 2021, Certificate of Accreditation: Older Person Mental Health First Aider
- 2021, First Aid/CPR, 01/20/21
- 2016-2019, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (birth-5 years), Glendale TAFE
- 2019, Certificate IV TAE40116, TAE Institute Cardiff, Police Check - Additional Identifier VZEHWI
- 2015, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, CHVC50113, Working with Children Number – WWC0031738E expires 07/19/23
- 1984, High School Certificate (Victoria), Sea-Lake High School, Victoria
- 1984, Drivers License NSW Class C, No 12878337
Certification
- E- Course: Building resilient schools and homes- Conscious Discipline 15 Jan 2023
- E- Course: Responding to Rage and Anger- Conscious Discipline 07 April 2023
- Learning Language and loving it Facilitators course- Hanen 15 September 2024
- Marte Meo Practitioner training- September 2023
Timeline
Child and Family Practitioner
Goodstart Early Learning
11.2021 - Current
Oncology Social Worker Student
Calvary Mater Hospital
07.2021 - 11.2021
Assistant Centre Director
Montessori Academy Child Care Centre
11.2020 - 11.2021
Student Social Worker
Catholic Healthcare
10.2020 - 02.2021
Early Childhood Educator
Henry Street Community Pre-School
09.2016 - 11.2020
Early Childhood Educator
Cooks Hill Community Pre-school
01.2013 - 01.2016
Administrative Service Officer Grade 5
Department of Defence
01.1984 - 01.2006
M.D. - Social Work
UNE
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care - birth-5 years
Glendale TAFE
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care -
High School Certificate - Victoria
Sea-Lake High School
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