Jayne's Family Day Care -Kids in Care

30/03/2026

Today, the children gathered to celebrate our annual Easter Morning Tea, a special experience that will be revisited across the week so each child has the opportunity to participate. Reid (5), Elly (4), Billie (2), and Artie (2) were invited to sit together at a beautifully prepared table, complete with crockery cups, saucers, and a teapot filled with chocolate milk.

The children showed great enthusiasm as they engaged in this role-play dining experience. They carefully poured their drinks from the teapot into their cups, demonstrating increasing coordination and control. Reid and Elly confidently assisted themselves and others, while Billie and Artie explored the process with curiosity, closely observing and imitating the older children.

There was a strong sense of connection and engagement around the table. The children participated in meaningful conversations, discussing the Easter treats, commenting on what they liked, and using imaginative language as they “hosted” their morning tea. Laughter and shared enjoyment were evident as they tasted cupcakes, chocolate eggs, and other special foods.

The use of real crockery encouraged a calm and respectful atmosphere. The children showed care in handling the items, developing an understanding of responsibility and trust within their environment.

27/02/2026

Feeling incredibly honoured and grateful to receive recognition for 25 years of dedicated service in Family Day Care.💞🌼

A huge thank you to Family Day Care Australia for acknowledging this milestone and for continuing to advocate for and support educators across the country. It truly means so much to be recognised for doing something I love every single day.

To Five Star Family Day Care Scheme, thank you for your unwavering support, guidance and ongoing dedication to both educators and families. I am so grateful to be part of such a professional and caring community. Your encouragement over the years has helped me grow, learn and continue providing the very best care to the beautiful children and families I work with.

Twenty-five years of cuddles, learning, laughter, milestones, friendships and memories I will treasure forever. I feel blessed to have built a career around nurturing little hearts and helping children grow into confident, capable individuals.

Here’s to many more years doing what I love. 💞🌼💐

Thank you to all the families past and present who have trusted me with your most precious gifts — your children. I am forever grateful. 💞🌼🌸

26/02/2026

25/02/2026

25/02/2026

✨ The Magic & Benefits of Potion Play ✨

Our potion station has quickly become one of the most loved spaces in our learning environment — and for good reason! Potion play is so much more than just mixing and pouring… it’s rich in learning, imagination and discovery.

🧪 Encourages Imaginative Play
Children step into a world of magic, storytelling and creativity. They become wizards, scientists, chefs and explorers — creating potions for kindness, bravery, sleep, happiness or even dragon power!

🧠 Supports Cognitive Development
Measuring, scooping, pouring and mixing builds early maths skills such as counting, volume awareness and problem-solving. Children experiment with cause and effect — “What happens if I add more?”

✋ Develops Fine Motor Skills
Using droppers, spoons, funnels and small containers strengthens hand muscles and coordination — essential foundations for writing and self-help skills.

💬 Builds Language & Social Skills
Potion play inspires rich conversations. Children explain their recipes, negotiate roles, share materials and expand their vocabulary with descriptive words.

🌿 Encourages Sensory Exploration
The textures, scents and colours create a calming yet engaging sensory experience that supports emotional regulation and mindfulness.

💛 Fosters Confidence & Independence
There is no right or wrong in potion making. Children feel empowered to explore freely, make decisions and take pride in their creations.

In our space, “My kitchen is filled with care” isn’t just a sign — it’s our philosophy. Through magical moments like potion play, we are nurturing curious minds, creative thinkers and confident little learners every single day. ✨🪄

17/02/2026

🌟 Vacancies Available Now – Kids in Care Family Day Care 🌟

Are you looking for a warm, nurturing and home-based early learning environment for your little one?

Kids in Care currently has limited vacancies available:
✨ 1 position – Tuesday
✨ 2 positions – Thursday

At Kids in Care, Jayne provide high-quality education and care within a safe, loving home environment where children feel valued, supported and inspired to learn through play. Each day is filled with meaningful experiences that support children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

I am proudly contracted with Maitland Five Star Family Day Care, ensuring high standards of care, ongoing professional support and a commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

✔️ Small group setting
✔️ Individualised learning experiences
✔️ School readiness focus
✔️ Safe, secure and welcoming home environment
✔️ Strong partnerships with families

If you are seeking a caring, experienced educator who treats every child like family, I would love to hear from you.

📩 Please message me for more information or to arrange a visit.

Spaces are limited and won’t last long!

— Kids in Care 💛

11/02/2026

Observation – Valentine’s Day Craft Experience

Today our learning space was filled with excitement, creativity and lots of love as we enjoyed a special Valentine’s Day craft experience together. Bobby, Elly and Reid (all 4 years old) and Billie enthusiastically participated in creating meaningful handmade gifts for their parents and families.

The children gathered around the craft table with a clear sense of purpose. They carefully explored a variety of materials including paints, brushes, markers and coloured paper. Each child was invited to create a personalised long heart magnet and a beautiful heart handprint card. Billie proudly pressed her hands into the paint to create “love heart handprints,” smiling with delight as she saw her prints appear on the page.

Throughout the activity, the children demonstrated wonderful concentration and independence. Bobby thoughtfully chose his colours and proudly wrote his name, showing developing pre-writing skills and confidence. Elly carefully painted her magnet, taking her time to mix colours and decorate it just the way she wanted. Reid showed persistence and fine motor control as he held his brush steadily and focused on adding special details for his family.

There were many lovely conversations about who their gifts were for and how much their families would love them. The children encouraged one another, shared materials, and waited patiently for their turn, showing kindness and cooperation.

This experience supported creativity, fine motor development, language skills and social connection. Most importantly, it gave the children an opportunity to express their love and pride through meaningful, heartfelt creations.

What a joyful and heartwarming day full of smiles, painty hands and very proud little artists!

11/02/2026

Playgroup Observation – Elly (4 years), Reid (4 years), Billie (2 years) and Artie (2 years)

Today’s playgroup session was filled with laughter, creativity and meaningful social connections as the children engaged in a variety of experiences with their day care friends. Elly and Reid, both aged four, confidently participated in all aspects of the day, demonstrating growing independence and enthusiasm. Billie and Artie, aged two, happily explored alongside their older peers, supported by the warm and nurturing environment.

During the arts and craft experience, the children were provided with a range of colourful materials including feathers, pom-poms, glue and drawing tools. Elly carefully arranged her materials and proudly created her own unique masterpiece, showing strong fine motor skills and creativity. Reid worked with concentration and excitement, experimenting with textures and colours as he designed his artwork. Billie and Artie explored the sensory elements of the activity, feeling the different materials and proudly making marks on their paper. This activity encouraged self-expression, hand-eye coordination and early literacy and numeracy skills.

Outdoor play brought even more excitement as the children took turns on the slide. Elly and Reid showed confidence and physical coordination as they climbed the steps and zoomed down with big smiles. Billie and Artie watched closely and followed the lead of their older friends, building their gross motor skills and sense of achievement. The children cheered each other on, demonstrating kindness, patience and a strong sense of belonging within the group.

The parachute game was a highlight of the day, encouraging teamwork and cooperation. All four children eagerly joined in, holding the colourful parachute and working together to lift it up and down. Elly and Reid listened carefully to instructions and helped guide the younger children, while Billie and Artie giggled with delight at the movement and shared experience. This group activity fostered social skills, turn-taking and a wonderful sense of community.

At lunchtime, the children sat together happily, enjoying their meals in a relaxed social setting. Conversations, smiles and shared moments showed the strong friendships that have formed between them. Elly and Reid modelled positive mealtime routines, while Billie and Artie practiced independence and self-help skills.

Throughout the day, all four children displayed confidence, curiosity and joy in their play. It was heart-warming to see them engaging with their friends, exploring new experiences and building important developmental skills in such a supportive and fun environment.

What a wonderful day of learning, friendship and happy memories!

05/02/2026

A Day at the Park ……
Today Elly (4 years) and Artie (2 years) enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the local park to make the most of the beautiful sunny weather. Both children arrived excited and eager to explore their surroundings.

Elly confidently moved through the playground equipment, demonstrating strong gross motor skills and coordination. She climbed ladders, balanced along stepping pods, and used the slide with independence and enthusiasm. Elly showed great body awareness as she carefully positioned her feet and hands while climbing. She was observed encouraging Artie, waiting for him at the bottom of the slide and cheering, “You can do it!”

Artie explored the environment at his own pace. He practised climbing smaller structures, experimented with cause and effect activities such as the colourful bead panels, and delighted in pushing and pulling the interactive musical equipment. Artie displayed growing confidence as he attempted new challenges, particularly when climbing with support and swinging independently.

Throughout the morning the children engaged in cooperative play. They took turns on the swing, played together at the musical table, and shared a picnic lunch. During lunchtime both children demonstrated developing self-help skills as they opened their own lunchboxes, fed themselves, and engaged in relaxed conversation.

The outdoor environment provided many opportunities for language development. Elly used descriptive language to talk about what she was doing – “I’m climbing to the top!” – while Artie used gestures and simple words to communicate his needs and excitement.

Both children showed joy, laughter, and a strong sense of wellbeing as they ran, explored, and enjoyed the fresh air together.

Learning Links
Outcome 1: Children developed a sense of belonging and confidence while exploring the park environment together.

Outcome 2: Elly and Artie connected with their community and natural surroundings.

Outcome 3: Physical wellbeing and gross motor skills were strengthened through climbing, balancing, swinging and running.

Outcome 4: Curiosity, problem solving and persistence were evident as both children attempted new equipment.

Outcome 5: Language and social skills were enhanced through shared play and conversations.

19/01/2026

So We Continue today with potions with Reid , Billie , Elly and Artie. All the kids in care can’t get enough in making these magic potions adding and stirring and pouring and imagining. 

🌟 Learning Benefits of Potion Mixing Play

Potion making with glitter, food colouring, small decorative items and petite corked bottles provided rich, hands-on learning opportunities for Reid , Billie , Elly and Artie, supporting development across multiple areas.

🖐 Fine Motor Development
The children used droppers, spoons, funnels and small bottles, strengthening hand muscles and improving coordination. Great work Reid and Elly with having little help opening and closing cork lids, pouring, scooping and stirring supported precision and control—especially beneficial for developing pre-writing skills in the older children and grasp development for Billie & Artie.

🧠 Cognitive & Problem-Solving Skills
Through experimenting with colours, textures and quantities, the children explored cause and effect—what happens when colours mix, when more glitter is added, or when ingredients are combined differently. This encouraged prediction, trial and error, and flexible thinking.

🎨 Creativity & Imagination
Potion play invited open-ended creativity. The children used their imaginations to invent magical mixtures, stories and purposes for their potions, transforming simple materials into meaningful play. This type of imaginative play supports abstract thinking and self-expression.

🗣 Language & Communication
As they worked, Reid and Elly engaged in conversations with Billie and Artie listening —naming colours, describing textures, sharing ideas and explaining their potions. New vocabulary such as mix, pour, sparkle, glitter, magic, and recipe was naturally introduced and reinforced.

👫 Social Skills & Collaboration
The experience encouraged turn-taking, sharing materials and observing each other’s ideas. Reid and Elly often modelled actions that Billie, Artie eagerly watched and attempted, fostering peer learning and positive social interactions.

🌈 Sensory Exploration
The vibrant colours, shimmering glitter and varied textures provided rich sensory input. Artie particularly benefited from tactile exploration, while the older children refined their sensory awareness through more intentional mixing and experimenting.

📘 Early Science Concepts
The children were introduced to foundational science ideas such as mixing, dissolving, changes in appearance and simple chemistry concepts—all through play-based exploration.

⸻

✨ Overall, this potion-making activity supported holistic development, blending creativity, science, sensory play and social learning in a joyful, engaging way that met each child at their developmental level.

15/01/2026

🌟 Learning Benefits of Potion Mixing Play

Potion making with glitter, food colouring, small decorative items and petite corked bottles provided rich, hands-on learning opportunities for Mr. B, Elly and Artie, supporting development across multiple areas.

🖐 Fine Motor Development
The children used droppers, spoons, funnels and small bottles, strengthening hand muscles and improving coordination. Opening and closing cork lids, pouring, scooping and stirring supported precision and control—especially beneficial for developing pre-writing skills in the older children and grasp development for Artie.

🧠 Cognitive & Problem-Solving Skills
Through experimenting with colours, textures and quantities, the children explored cause and effect—what happens when colours mix, when more glitter is added, or when ingredients are combined differently. This encouraged prediction, trial and error, and flexible thinking.

🎨 Creativity & Imagination
Potion play invited open-ended creativity. The children used their imaginations to invent magical mixtures, stories and purposes for their potions, transforming simple materials into meaningful play. This type of imaginative play supports abstract thinking and self-expression.

🗣 Language & Communication
As they worked, the children engaged in conversations—naming colours, describing textures, sharing ideas and explaining their potions. New vocabulary such as mix, pour, sparkle, glitter, magic, and recipe was naturally introduced and reinforced.

👫 Social Skills & Collaboration
The experience encouraged turn-taking, sharing materials and observing each other’s ideas. Mr. B and Elly often modelled actions that Artie eagerly watched and attempted, fostering peer learning and positive social interactions.

🌈 Sensory Exploration
The vibrant colours, shimmering glitter and varied textures provided rich sensory input. Artie particularly benefited from tactile exploration, while the older children refined their sensory awareness through more intentional mixing and experimenting.

📘 Early Science Concepts
The children were introduced to foundational science ideas such as mixing, dissolving, changes in appearance and simple chemistry concepts—all through play-based exploration.

⸻

✨ Overall, this potion-making activity supported holistic development, blending creativity, science, sensory play and social learning in a joyful, engaging way that met each child at their developmental level.

07/01/2026

We have 3 out of 5 child in care this year who are turning 5 and will be off to big school next year ….

As your child approaches the big school years, you may begin to hear the term “school readiness” more often. It’s natural to wonder what this really means and how your child is being supported as they prepare for the exciting transition to school.

What is School Readiness?
School readiness is not about children being able to read, write or complete worksheets before starting school. Instead, it refers to a child’s overall development and confidence across several key areas. A school-ready child is one who feels secure, capable and curious about learning, and who has the skills to participate successfully in a school environment.

School readiness includes:
Social and emotional development – building friendships, managing emotions, showing resilience and developing independence

Communication and language – listening, expressing ideas, asking questions and following instructions

Physical development – gross motor skills (running, jumping, climbing) and fine motor skills (drawing, cutting, manipulating small objects)

Cognitive development – problem solving, memory, curiosity and early thinking skills
Self-help and independence – caring for belongings, toileting, dressing, eating and following daily routines

How We Support School Readiness in Family Day Care (Ages 4–5)
In our daycare program, school readiness is thoughtfully embedded into everyday play and routines. Children learn best through meaningful experiences, exploration and relationships, and we intentionally design our program to support this.

Some of the ways we support your child include:
Play-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving

Group times that support listening, turn-taking, confidence and participation
Intentional routines that mirror school-like expectations, such as transitioning between activities and following simple instructions

Opportunities for independence, including packing away, caring for personal items and making choices
Social skill development, where children practice cooperation, negotiation and empathy

Early literacy and numeracy exposure through stories, songs, games and conversations — without pressure

We also focus on helping children develop a strong sense of self, confidence and belonging. These foundations are just as important as academic skills when starting school.

Working Together with Families
Every child develops at their own pace, and school readiness looks different for every child. Our role is to meet each child where they are and gently support them forward. We value strong partnerships with families and encourage open communication as we work together to support your child’s learning journey.

If you ever have questions about your child’s development or school readiness, please feel free to speak with us. We are here to support both you and your child during this important stage.

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s early learning journey.

Warm regards,
Jayne Kalatzis