There are 10 years between Theresa's two sons, but her job meant that didn't matter

What can often happen with a large age gap between kids is you basically end up with the ‘only child effect’ – twice.

Not so for Theresa Robert’s youngest son, Noah. There might be 10 years between him and Nathan, but he effectively grew up with plenty of siblings.

“He was three months old when I started in family day care in 2004, and he thrived,” she says.

“Having other children in care and Noah there as part of our everyday activity was fantastic. And even when Nathan, my eldest, came home from school, he’d also take part in cooking activities and talk with us as a group.”

For eight years, Theresa ran a family daycare business out of her Chisholm home, essentially a fully licenced daycare with all the same rigorous safety and education trappings as other, more formal daycares, but on a smaller, more intimate scale.

“Every day, educators can have up to seven children, including their own, and it’s beautiful,” Theresa says.

“You become an extended part of the family, and really get to know the children, and experience their first discoveries and be part of their development – seeing them walk for the first time. It’s just amazing.”

Families register their interest with Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) and are matched up with at least two educators in their local area. Times are then arranged for the family to meet the educators, look around their homes and “see if they’re the right fit”.

“We’re all over the ACT right now. Jacka would be our furthest away, and we also have educators in the Queanbeyan/Googong area.”

Now as a coordinator for FDCA, and with her children aged 30 and 20, Theresa has won a national award for her work.

Later this month, on 23 November, she’ll attend the 2024 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards Gala Dinner in Parramatta after taking out the ‘Perpetual Star Award’ in FDCA’s annual awards series.

This is reserved for coordinators who have “shown dedication” for 15 years or more and made an “outstanding contribution” to the sector.

“We are thrilled to recognise Theresa’s career, achievements and positive impact that she has had on children, families, educators and the local community,” FDCA CEO Andrew Paterson said.

“Our Perpetual Star Award winners showcase the incredible wisdom and dedication within family day care across Australia.”

Theresa grew up in “a kind of messy childhood” but always “felt more at ease around children”.

“You know, if you’re a natural at something, you’re drawn towards it – that was this,” she says.

After 14 years working with Commonwealth Bank, the opportunity came along when she was able to study for her Certificate III and diploma in early childhood education while working from home.

She says family day care has been there as an option for decades, but its popularity really picked up over COVID.

“I guess it was the lower number of illnesses when you’re not exposed to large numbers of children, but mostly, it’s the relationships and the small ratio you’re able to have. Sometimes it’s not a right fit for children to be in a large space with different educators all the time.”

Theresa is honoured by the award as someone who “puts everything I have into it”.

“I’m very passionate about it and very authentic in my approach because I know that ultimately, the support we provide to educators now gets passed down to the children.”