What is your name?
Alona Dabuan. People call me Alona.
How long have you been working in the early years?
I have a background in primary school teaching for 20 years before entering the childcare industry. I was a primary school teacher for 14 years and became a principal for 6 years. I then entered the childcare industry 4 years ago where I worked on the floor as a Room Leader and left to work as a Trainer and Assessor training students in Certificate III & Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
What is your favourite part of working at the centre?
Getting to know the families and receiving hugs from the children at drop off and pick up time.
What qualifications do you hold?
- Bachelor in Education
- Masters of Arts in Education majoring in Educational Planning & Management
- Doctor of Arts in Education
- Diploma in Children’s Services.
- Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
What are you most passionate about?
Children’s safety and education.
What are you most proud of at your centre?
The learning environments we’ve created for our children while ensuring that it is safe and hygienic at all times.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
What inspired you to become an educator?
My love of teaching and working with children.
What values are most important to you in your team members?
Teamwork, we’re only as good as our weakest member.
What is your philosophy about educating children?
I would like to ensure that with my guidance and support, every child reaches their full potential.
What makes your team/centre special?
Our enormous outdoor play area with mature trees for shade as our centre is situated on a 6000 square metre site. We also have a team that is passionate about early childhood education.
What was your dream occupation as a child?
A nurse.
What do you do in your free time?
I love watching movies and spending time with my family.
What would you like to tell parents considering your centre?
Please come and experience what our service has to offer first hand through our free Orientation Days. You will notice that all our children are happy and contented in their environments and that all our Educators are attentive to their needs.