Valerie Farmer

Owner/Approved Provider

Valerie Farmer opened Care-A-Lot in 1994.  She has a Nursing background and a Diploma in Children’s Services.

She has raised three children with her husband Larry, and has had all her grandchildren attend Care-A-Lot.  As the Approved Provider, Val is at the service daily and takes a very hands on approach in the day to day management of Care-A-Lot.  Val is well known in the wider community for her longevity in the early childhood sector and providing a high quality service.

“It is my goal to provide an environment where:

• We offer a professional service that ensures the needs of the children are a priority
• We work in respectful collaboration with families and the community
• Care-A-Lot is an inclusive, welcoming and nurturing environment
• Although a smaller environment, we at all times ensure that our program is diverse and stimulating.
• Our Educators are chosen for their enthusiasm and commitment and are given the tools to continue their professional development and further their skills and knowledge.

Grace Farmer

Director

Hi, my name is Grace Farmer and I am the centre director of Care-A-Lot Chilfey I hold a Bachelor of Education, I have over 15 years’ of experience in the early childhood profession and I am passionate about Care-A-Lot Chifley being a place of warmth, safety and happiness for our children, families and educators.

I believe that each child is unique and learns in their own way, therefore we encourage them to build on their own interests and strengths through scaffolding, mentoring and facilitating their learning and development. I believe that our centre truly captivates this, and we ignite the endless possibilities of learning by embracing challenges and rejoicing in accomplishments through our various spaces, open-ended resources and our vibrant atmosphere.  

As the Centre Director, I strive to be a leader and advocate for high quality care and education of all children by providing a stimulating and nurturing environment. I am fortunate to work with a dedicated team who share my passion for seeing children as capable and competent and love helping children reach their potential.

We invite you to come visit our centre and hope to share this educational learning journey with you and your child.

Our Team of Educators

We pride ourselves on the high quality teaching of our educators.  They are a diverse group ranging in age and culture as well as experience.  From 1 year to 30 years, our educators are all qualified with Certificate III, Diploma, Early Childhood Degree and currently studying their Early Childhood Degree.

We encourage and support continual professional development to extend knowledge and skills and ensure our educators are in the forefront of the early childhood industry.  They are talented and motivated and all have something special to offer that is unique to them.

Children and families are always welcomed by familiar staff as we have little staff turn over.

We encourage communication

A sense of belonging is fostered for children, families and our educators.

We encourage open communication at all times and parents and carers are invited to do this however it suits them eg through Kinderloop, email, phone, during drop off or pickup or organising a meeting.  We are here to help and support you and your child and our door is always open.