The most important assets at Margaret Ives are our caring, experienced and enthusiastic staff team. We have a high educator-to-child ratio and qualified educators in each room. We are committed to professional and personal staff development - we believe it is integral to providing a high quality service.
Our policies and practice reflect a commitment to the safety and protection of children and to providing a child-safe environment. All educators and staff undergo a Child Related Screening every 3 years. Many of our staff have been at the Centre for more than 10 years.
Our Director, Joanne Waterhouse, joined Margaret Ives in 2016 after moving to Australia from England. She has worked with children for over 20 years, including 15 years as Director at a community based childcare centre in one of the most disadvantaged areas in Britain. Joanne holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree in Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Teacher Status. During her time working as a Director in England she mentored Early Years Educators from other local childcare centres, supported centres in preparing for inspection and developed and delivered training programmes to educators and staff working in the early year’s sector.
Our Assistant Director, Sarah Rendell, has more than 20 years’ experience working with young children and families. She currently works throughout the Centre and also has some administrative duties. She is committed to building strong working relationships with the children, their families and the Centre Staff.
In the Jacaranda and Bottlebrush room, our educators have extensive qualifications and experience working with young children; primary caregiving, attachment and infant mental health.
In the Preschool we employ three early childhood teachers and three early childhood educators with a range of qualifications and experience.
Our Educational Leader, Hayley Sidelik, has been working in Early Education since 2004. She is commited to continuous development and has completed a Bachelor of Early Years Education, a Diploma of Children's Services, Certificate IV of Training and Assessment, and a Certificate of Infant Mental Health. As the Educational Leader, Hayley’s role is to lead the development and implementation of education programs in the service, which includes the creation of the curriculum, establishing clear goals and expectations for teaching and learning, and the development of the implicational program and planning cycles. She is also responsible for positively influencing educators' work with children and families, and mentoring, guiding and supporting Educators in the ongoing cycle of planning and reflecting to drive quality, continuous improvement and excellence in pedagogy and practice.
Our Administrator, Ellen Papadothomakos, has worked at Margaret Ives since 2022. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Management, and a Certificate III in Finance. Ellen is our first point of contact for more information about the Centre.
Our Cook, Crisy, has over 40 years’ experience in cooking for children and the elderly. We invite you to view our sample menu. Margaret Ives follows food safety standards as set by the Department of Health.
We have a team of regular relief staff, some of whom have been contributing to our Centre for many years which helps provide continuity for the children.
Comprehensive orientation procedures for all new staff, including relief staff, ensure consistent practice and continuity for children and families.