Michelle Cullen

I am a passionate and motivated Early Childhood professional with demonstrated experience and knowledge of Regulatory legislation and compliance across a diverse range of services for children. I have a strong commitment to ensuring families have access to high quality inclusive Early Childhood services where children thrive. I believe that transparency and accountability through a dynamic assessment process is imperative for services to demonstrate competency and engage in continuous improvement to strive for excellence.

• Preschool Teacher, Keithcot Farm Children's Centre, 01/2021, 12/2022, Work collaboratively within a diverse, multidisciplinary team environment to deliver a quality preschool program and environment as outlined in the National Quality Standards, Law and frameworks., Plan and implement a dynamic, inclusive, differentiated and interactive learning program for all children to foster their love of learning and well-being using key frameworks, policies and procedures., Continuously monitor and improve the environment, program and practices to ensure the safety, health and well-being of children and families through observation, professional development and engagement with new policies/procedures as outlined by the Education and Standards Board., Build successful relationships with children and key stakeholders to create a positive learning and working culture and support key goals and outcomes across the service., Observe, assess, and record children's individual learning, development and progress to report and provide feedback for families and management., Utilise a range of communication skills and strategies in order to foster effective interactions with children and families and to ensure team cohesion., Employ organisational skills such as time management, attention to detail, setting goals, decision-making, identifying and prioritising time critical tasks to ensure productivity and efficiency within the learning environment and in undertaking administrative tasks., Participate as a Governing Council member to contribute to the strategic and operational goals of the Centre to ensure safety and quality as outlined by the NQS and National Law., Maintain professionalism through accountability, integrity, striving for excellence, and demonstrating respect in my interactions with children and all stakeholders.
• Temporary Relief Teacher, Public and Private Preschool Sectors, 01/2020, 12/2020, Flexibility in adapting and responding promptly to diverse settings, ways of working, timetables, staff and site culture., Ability to utilise a range interpersonal skills in order to manage the expectations and responsibilities of each service.
• Family Day Care Co-ordinator/ Induction Training, Department for Education, 09/2018, 12/2020, Supporting a consistent register of FDC Educators from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds in their practice, principles, interactions, ethics, professional development and compliance and understanding of ACECQA, NQS, and National Law., Write and present workshops for FDC Educators regarding current research and developments in the education and care of children including; Regulations, documentation, programming and child development., Work in a team environment to contribute to the service Quality Improvement Plan., Support Educators in their home environment when being assessed by the Education and Standards Board., Review and implement policies and procedures relating to scheme's quality and compliance., Conduct assessments and observe children in care, their well-being and the appropriateness of programs and environments and write reports after each home visit outlining areas of excellence and areas for improvement., Assist management in investigations and breaches of compliance through immediate intervention, investigation, implementing action plans, whilst maintaining confidentiality., Conduct initial FDC applicant suitability and a premises assessment to ensure it meets NQS and National Law requirements., Ensure applicants have an understanding of and the capacity to implement all documentation for children's learning, provide an age appropriate play-based learning environment based on the EYLF, are able to work to NQS requirements and provide a safe and positive environment for children.
• Director, Stirling Community Early Learning Centre, 11/2015, 09/2018, 54 place service for children aged 3 months to school-age., Ensure and oversee, on a daily basis that the Centre meets all NQS, Law and Policy requirements, including but not limited to; Standards/elements of health and safety, learning environments, nutrition and food preparation, physical safety and well-being of children, families and staff., Oversee staff, centre and children's health plans, certificates, records and audits are current and accurate. Arrange rostering to enable staff to attend training updates and professional development opportunities., Develop programs across the Centre that enhance children's learning and development. Develop risk assessments and benefits based on research around value added programs such as bush and beach kindy., Write, execute and embed policies and procedures using the most up to date research, that ensure the well-being of children, families and staff including; developmentally appropriate curriculum and resources based on the EYLF and other best practice frameworks., Maintain an environment that is inclusive, and respectful of child, family and staff cultures, values and differences., Organise and lead monthly Governing Council meetings and meetings with other stakeholders as required to ensure accountability and uphold the vision and goals of the Centre taking into account the NQS and Law, Policies and procedures., Represent the Centre in the community and act as a liaison with other agencies and market the strengths of the Centre within the community to maintain a positive reputation and attract enrolments., Establish successful and professional relationships and partnerships with children, families, staff and stakeholders using a range of communication strategies and being responsive to their needs and interests. Maintain an 'open-door' policy to provide an approachable, friendly service and culture within the Centre., Develop and maintain the Centre's annual budget and strategic planning in conjunction with all stakeholders., Managing staff to ensure morale is positive and vibrant and ensuring staff feel valued. Raising and resolving issues in a collaborative, problem-solving approach using clear, direct but positive communication. Involving staff in the writing and discussion of policies and ways to continuously improve the service as individuals and as a team using the NQF and other relevant data.
• Early Childhood Teacher, Hong Lok Yuen International School Hong Kong, Preschool and Year 2, 09/1992, 09/1996
• Director / Teacher, East Sale Kindergarten, Victoria, 03/1992, 12/1992
• Early Childhood Teacher: Various relief teaching and OSHC positions, Department for Education and Private Childcare Centres, 01/1990, 01/1992