Child care professionals share a commitment to improving society by creating dynamic and nurturing care environments for Australia's youngest learners. This month we feature an interview with Justeene McKnight.

What is your name?

My name is Justeene McKnight and I am 30.

Which centre do you work in? How many staff and children are in the centre?

I work at Amarina Early Learning Centre which is part of Campbelltown City Council. We have 10 staff and 46 children who attend the service over the week with a maximum of 29 per day.

What is your professional background and career experience?

I have worked with Campbelltown Council for 11 years in a range of roles including relief assistant, before and after school care assistant, senior assistant, vacation care supervisor, child care aide and nominated supervisor in both long day care and occasional care. I hold a Diploma in Community Services Centre Based Care and am currently enrolled in the Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management.

What attracted you to a career in child care?

I wanted to be able to help and support children and families and make a positive difference in their lives.

What does a 'normal' day look like for you?

A 'normal' day includes spending time in the room supporting and mentoring educators, while developing relationships with children and families. It includes completing office related tasks and attending meetings with professional partnerships. I also complete orientations with families looking at commencing care.

A 'normal' day also involves being a strong leader for both staff and families, this entails role modeling, assisting, supporting and encouraging both staff and families, reflecting on each situation and a commitment to continuous improvement. It also includes strategic planning to achieve future goals and setting new goals as they arise. Reflecting and reviewing the Quality Improvement Plan assists with strategic planning.

What makes your centre unique?

One unique aspect of our service is that we have a professional partnership with the Benevolent Society to implement the Partnerships in Early Childhood program and a Child and Family Centre connected with the service to connect with and support families within the local community.

Our environment includes natural materials and sustainability is embedded within the program. We have furniture such as a dining table, wooden shelves, plants, salt lamps and soft lighting to give the service a home like feel.

What are some of the advantages of working in the child care sector?

There are so many advantages to working in this industry. The way a child's face lights up when you walk into the room, the way they run across the room to give you a cuddle, when they look at you for help and assistance, the way a parent looks relieved when you help and support them, when staff share a really special moment with you and most of all at the end of the day when everyone leaves the service talking about all the fun they had.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the child care sector?

Gaining knowledge of and implementing the current changes. Recruitment of appropriate qualifications is also becoming quite a big challenge.

How has your centre changed to deal with these challenges?

We have held a number of professional development sessions for all educators to attend to ensure knowledge of the new changes. We also have a strategic plan in place to work towards upcoming changes.

How does the industry need to change to adapt to these challenges?

Each service will need to plan how they are going to meet the new regulations both now and into the future.

What advice would you offer someone thinking about a career or looking for a promotion in child care?

Think about your personal philosophy and what you would like out of your career. Find a service which will support and enhance your philosophy and goals. Complete formal qualifications and have a professional development plan for your future.

Our service recently went through the Assessment and Rating process. I felt like this was an opportunity to showcase our service and our philosophy. Throughout the process we had opportunities to explain why we do what we do each and every day. It was a calm, smooth process and an enjoyable one.

Also everyone should be proud of what you do each and every day. Always remember that you change and have a positive impact in both children's and their families lives each and every day.