Moreland Community Child Care Co-operative has a mix of Early Childhood professionals with different training and qualifications who can bring a variety of experiences, backgrounds, languages and knowledge to the children.Staff are caring, thoughtful and respectful to children, parents and co-workers, and work together to maintain a high standard of care.

Staff with specific childcare qualifications (‘Qualified staff’) have successfully completed a minimum of a two year diploma full-time, or part-time equivalent, post-secondary approved childhood qualification studies.Each room employs at least one qualified staff member.The required ratio of qualified staff to children is defined in theChildren’s Services Regulations 1998.

Staff are involved in ongoing professional development through in-service training offered by a variety of organisations. They are also supported should they wish to undertake further education to contribute to the co-operative and develop their own careers and aspirations.Tertiary students may undertake supervised placements at the centres.

Relief staff with appropriate qualifications and training are employed to cover regular staff absences such as lunch-breaks, planning time and rostered days off.To minimize disruption and maintain familiar faces around the children, relief staff are employed on a regular basis and, where operational requirements permit, are employed as permanent part-time staff of the Co-operative.Other relief staff are employed on an emergency basis, such as filling-in for a staff member who is away sick.Wherever possible, the same pool of casual relievers is called on at these times.

Caregivers aim to provide a supportive environment that:

• welcomes and informs parents of their child’s day and development
• acknowledges the central role of parents and families in children’s development
• encourages parental involvement and support in all aspects of the service
• provides relevant information, advice and support to families
• recognises confidentiality in formal or informal discussions