Former childcare operators comment on the changes in the industry

MARK and Helen Lewis, residents of Alexandra for the past 14 years, formerly owned and operated a childcare business in Ormond, Melbourne, and were keen to speak about what had changed in childcare and about the care that every child needs.

Ormond Early Learning and Childcare quickly grew into business which was much sought-after by parents for the impact on the children and they needed to expand the size of the operation by buying the property next door.

This enabled the children to be separated into age groups.

One of the local primary school principals even told them that they could always spot children who had attended the Ormond business without being told, as the children were bright and aware due to the stimuli provided at the facility.

They held high standards, always ensuring that the children had good food. It was their belief that food was not a place where money should be saved.

They always had one or two special activities each week, including petting zoos, violin, piano and a comedian. They were critical of current childcare facilities using television as a child-minder.

Mark said that the philosophy and intention were the most vital elements in childcare, over and above making money. Another important factor was that they had both a staff and parent expectation list, to ensure that everything was appropriate and that there…