2016 has been a year of growth and achievement for Zest Care. We recently capped off 2016 with two ‘Educarers of the Year’ award functions to recognise the passion and commitment of our dedicated team in both the Illawarra and Parramatta offices. The winners received an $850 Red Balloon voucher, whilst second prize was a $350 Red Balloon voucher.
The role of Educarer is integral in supporting children and their families to reach their goals. Zest Care’s team of passionate Educarers have a special focus on the Early Childhood and Youth sector, with experience in supporting children and families with a range of needs. Our team of talented staff has demonstrated over the years an understanding that each child is unique, with their own needs, interests and personality.
The awards recognise the challenges Educarers can face in working alone in the family home. It can be isolating to not have direct contact with other colleagues and the ability to share knowledge and experiences. These events were important to bring staff together and celebrate their achievements.
The winners demonstrated the outstanding attributes that Zest Care look for in Educarers. To deliver excellence, staff need to be responsive, positive, passionate, communicative, objective and reliable.
Further to these characteristics, exceptional performance was assessed on the ability to document and achieve desired outcomes for the children and their families.
2016 Sydney Educarer of the Year Awards – 2nd December, Holiday Inn, Parramatta
Educarer of the Year 2016 Winner (Sydney) – Helen Nassis
Helen has worked with Zest Care for six years and has helped numerous children and families during her tenure, inspiring with her committed approach:
“Helen has been with us for 6 months and is the most thoughtful, caring and engaging educator we have ever met. She organises games and activities for the children every day, has a variety of resources on hand, monitors and records the children’s development regularly and assists us with everything child-related around the house. We can see that Helen is genuinely enjoying working with our children. Thanks to her, our triplets have learnt and achieved so many milestones. Helen also encourages and supports us in establishing a routine for all three children for which we are very grateful. Altogether, we are convinced that there is no one else who deserves this award more.” – Nomination from Helen’s Care Family.
Educarer Award 2016 Runner Up (Sydney) – Beena Patel
Beena joined Zest Care in February 2016 and has made a great contribution this year with her dedicated approach:
“Beena is always punctual, diligent and works tirelessly to care for our one year old and she is very deserving of this award” – Nomination from Beena’s Care Family.
2016 Illawarra Educarer of the Year Awards – 27th November, Humber Bar, Wollongong.
Educarer of the Year 2016 Winner (Illawarra) – Adele Stephens
Adele has been with Zest Care almost five years and has consistently demonstrated an ability to nurture and support the children and families in her care:
“Being new to In Home Child Care we were very apprehensive regarding having a stranger in our home. Within minutes our minds were placed at ease. Adele brings her positive, happy attitude to work each day, she shares her knowledge in such a way that is subtle and caring. We have been so pleased to have her support during our difficult time. Any family would be lucky to have her”. – Nomination from Adele’s Care Family.
Educarer Award 2016 Runner Up (Illawarra) – Linda Ashdown
Linda joined Zest Care three years ago and has supported many children and families with her reliable professionalism and positive attitude:
“Linda has proven herself to be reliable, responsible and caring with my children. We find her consistent and caring personality is exactly what our children need. We have been so fortunate to have her as our ongoing Educarer. She brings positivity into our home in a caring way”. – Nomination from Linda’s Care Family.
Zest Care would like to congratulate all the winners of these special awards and thank them for their commitment. We are looking forward to another year of supporting people to start the life they want – today.