Continuous Improvement in Childcare for Children & Communities: An interview with Shantai Jackson

C&K Thornlands Childcare Centre has been providing quality early childhood education and care for children in the community for a little over five years now. Pulling into the centre and entering reception, you would think the centre had just opened it’s doors: the inviting rooms for children feel warm and ready for creativity and the large outdoor area has plenty of space and settings for children to explore.

Centre Director, Shantai Jackson, joined the team at C&K Thornlands 18 months ago with a clear vision in mind: to create an environment where children, families and educators thrive together. In the short time Shantai has been at the centre, she’s achieved so much but for her and her team, it doesn’t stop there. On a journey of continuous improvement and impact for children, driven by a dedicated and caring leader, C&K Thornlands is set to make waves in the sector.

C&K: What inspired you to pursue a career in childcare, and how did you come to be the Centre Director here?

Shantai: I’ve always been passionate about creating environments where children feel valued and supported in their learning. Joining C&K Thornlands as Centre Director was an opportunity to lead with purpose, especially during its transformative journey. When I arrived, the centre was ready for change, and I was inspired to bring my skills in leadership and early childhood education to build a strong, cohesive team and elevate the quality of care.

C&K: What is your vision for this childcare centre, and how do you plan to shape its future?

Shantai: My vision is to create an environment where children, families, and educators thrive together. By focusing on team development, collaboration, and family engagement, we aim to be a centre known for high-quality education and care. Our plans include upskilling the team, fostering leadership, and continuously improving our programs to align with the National Quality Standards (NQS) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

C&K: How do you ensure the centre provides the highest quality care and education for the children?

Shantai: By focusing on professional development, regular team meetings, and reflective practices, we ensure our programs are inclusive, engaging, and tailored to children’s needs. Compliance with the NQS is a priority, supported by frequent audits and self-assessments, which promote accountability and a culture of excellence.

C&K: How does the centre engage with and support the local community?

Shantai: We work closely with families, maintaining open lines of communication to build trust and partnerships. Our professional development initiatives, such as collaborating with The Outsiders Play, also enhance our ability to connect children with their local environment and community.

C&K: How do you ensure that families feel supported and heard while their children are in care at the centre?

Shantai: We proactively reach out to families regarding incidents and updates and involve them in their child's learning journey. By creating open communication channels and listening to their feedback, we foster a strong sense of partnership and trust.

C&K: How do you ensure that children’s emotional, social, and developmental needs are met in the centre’s programs?

Shantai: We use the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) as our guide, embedding practices that nurture curiosity, exploration, and a strong sense of identity. Our educators are trained to provide trauma-informed care, ensuring that every child feels safe, understood, and supported.

C&K: What sets this childcare centre apart in terms of the learning experiences and care it provides?

Shantai: Our focus on building a permanent team and providing specialised training in trauma care and outdoor play sets us apart. We emphasise collaboration and reflective practices to create innovative, high-quality programs that meet the unique needs of every child.

C&K: What are your goals for the centre in the coming year, and what are you most excited about?

Shantai: Our goals include further enhancing leadership within the team, continuing professional development initiatives, and strengthening family and community engagement. I’m most excited about seeing our educator’s step into leadership roles and watching the positive impact this has on children and families.