Goodstart Dubbo Wheelers Lane have created a sanctuary that goes beyond traditional education and growth for children. Rooted in accessibility, approachability, and transparent communication, the dedicated team passionately cultivates strong relationships to ensure families and educators feel valued and heard. Goodstart Wheelers Lane passionately believe in fostering an environment where ideas and concerns are not just acknowledged but acted upon.
The recent floods in Dubbo had a major impact on Goodstart Wheelers Lane, disrupting the newly established rooms and resources and causing a major disturbance in routines and led to 4 months of closure for the centre. However, in the face of these challenges, Goodstart Wheelers Lane united and emphasised the critical role of communication in navigating through this difficult period. Through regular check-ins and strong networking, they prioritised the well-being of everyone involved, using effective strategies such as Storypark posts and individual calls to notify families about the closure and offer alternative care options.
Erin Martin, Wheelers Lane Centre Director, emphasises the value of “building relationships with each child and their family,” a principle she has held throughout her 13 years in the industry, to create thriving environments.
Throughout the transition to other centres during the 4 months of centre closure, consistent communication with the children and families helped them understand the situation and adapt to the changes smoothly. Even after the centres closure, the Wheelers Lane continued to maintain open lines of communication through phone calls, Storypark, and emails. Families expressed their appreciation and provided support during this challenging time, highlighting the positive impact of effective communication. The floods highlighted the importance of clear and timely communication in crisis management and community building. Goodstart Dubbo's commitment to open communication proved to be instrumental in successfully navigating the floods and its aftermath.
“We knew it was a situation we could not control, so we just had to embrace what was happening, stay positive and support each other through out it. We regularly checked in with each other (Educators) and kept our Wheelers Lane networking strong through messages and catching up outside of work. We found out what vacancies the other Goodstart centres had in town and offered care to each individual family. An educator from each room was divided between the two other centres to be with the children from their rooms.”
Amongst their journey throughout the floods, Goodstart Wheelers Lane, also focuses on:
- Collaborating family feedback to tailor the program to each child and family's needs.
- Feeling valued and appreciated as educators, creating a respectful and appreciative environment.
- Personalising special occasions to highlight the importance of children, their families, and their values.
- Extending children's interests through engagement with local firefighters, promoting fire safety and community connections.
Wheelers Lane Childcare stands as a shining example of a centre that goes beyond traditional expectations. By valuing open communication, personalisation, and community engagement, it fosters a haven of trust and growth for children and families alike.