Centre Director / Authorised Supervisor: Melissa Silverman

Currently Completing Bachelor of Early Childhood Education - Current qualifications include:
2007 Diploma in Children's Services; 2005 Certificate 3 in Children's Services; First Aid Certificate; Certificate in Putting the Early Years Learning Framework into Practice; Certificate in Supporting Children's Services on Issues Related to Behaviour; Certificate in Early Childhood Road Safety Education; Certificate in Menu planning and Food Handling; Occupational Health and Safety

Hi, I'm Melissa,
I first started in the early childhood industry six years ago working for an agency as a casual assistant while completing my Certificate 3 and Diploma of Children's Services at TAFE. Through this I was able to experience a range of different centres, teams and families, all of which have helped me shape my early childhood beliefs and practices.

On receiving my Diploma in 2008 I took a position as a room leader in a local centre. Under the guidance of a great director I was able to develop my leadership skills and learn the importance of team work in order to best meet the needs and ever-changing interests of the children in my care. I also decided to continue my studies enrolling part time at Macquarie University to do a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.

In January of 2010 I joined the team at Sandcastles Chatswood as the room leader of the Starfish room. I have enjoyed getting to know all the children and their families over the past year and I'm ready and excited to take on the new challenge of Director and Authorised Supervisor of the centre.

I feel I have the skills and abilities to meet the needs of the families who choose to send their children to the centre as well as lead, inspire and encourage our team of dedicated staff to continue providing the highest quality of care. I have an 'open door' policy and encourage the participation of every parent in their child's experiences at Sandcastles. I welcome any feedback, new ideas or talents that parents wish contribute in order to improve the care and learning we provide. I'm always available if ever assistance is needed.

The Sandcastles Chatswood Team
We recognise staff as our greatest asset and we employ those with a range of qualifications, skills and experience. We make every effort to recruit and retain the best possible early childhood staff to care for and educate your child and we employ thorough recruitment procedures to ensure all staff have the appropriate skills and experience for the position they hold.

Staff are provided with training opportunities throughout their employment to enhance their skills and keep up to date with current knowledge of best practice in early childhood. We carry out regular staff appraisals to gain an understanding of the skills, knowledge and attitude of individual staff members. We aim to support the professional development of each staff member and create opportunities for them to develop their proficiency.

Our staff work in partnership with families to provide a service that meets the needs of the children, parents and the teaching team. Children learn from staff behaviour and consequently staff are expected to be positive role models. Staff members model a variety of behaviours which include communication skills, acceptance of health and hygiene practices and other appropriate behaviour. At our centre carers are nurtured and their skills are challenged. We respect staff members' initiative, innovation and attention to quality as well as their commitment to the children and families.

Working with Children Checks
We carry out reference checks on all staff employed at the centre to gain an understanding of the competence, reliability and attitude of the candidates. To comply with the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 and the Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998, a Working with Children check is done on all full, part-time and casual employees as well as ongoing visitors who will be working with children.