At Big Fat Smile we recognise that investing in our teams’ overall well-being and job satisfaction is crucial to fulfilling our vision of ‘enriching the lives and minds of children and families in their community’. We know that it takes more than just a competitive salary to keep our team engaged and happy at work. As such a variety of benefits and perks are available for our team to enjoy.
1. 60% staff discount on Early Childhood and Out of School Hours Care Services
Sending your little one to an Early Learning and Care or Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) service is contributing to the cost-of-living squeeze. Despite accessing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), a recent analysis from the Mitchell Institute shows that 31% of all families accessing Early Learning and Care services are spending more on care for their children than on groceries[1]. At Big Fat Smile, we are advocates for families and children, and we recognise that affordable Early Learning and Care and OSHC services are key to helping families thrive. As such, we offer a 60% discount on Early Learning and Care and Out of School Hours Care services to our full-time and part-time team members. This discount is in addition to your CCS, making a real impact to your household budget.
2. Professional Learning and Pedagogy Resources
As an Educator at Big Fat Smile, you will have access to online learning modules on a range of topics such as reconciliation, educational framework, inclusion and more. Furthermore, with the aim of assisting with critical reflection, continuous improvement and practice change, our very own Pedagogical Thinker in Residence, Dr Michele Peden, has developed Big Fat Smile’s Educational Framework which is being embedded in our daily practices. We are proud to say that all our centres are ‘Exceeding’ or ‘Meeting’ the National Quality Standards.
3. Study Assistance
Looking to gain additional qualifications? We provide assistance for you to undertake approved qualification courses and accredited training programs. Whether you want to go from a Diploma to an Early Childhood Teacher degree, or study towards another relevant qualification, we are here to support you. Our Study Assistance options include reimbursement of fees or part of fees, time during work hours to attend the course, study leave or use of the organisation’s equipment for study purposes, helping you achieve your career goals.
4. Up to 6 hours programming time off the floor
The underpinning Awards provide those employees with programming responsibilities with two hours non-contact time per week[2],[3].At Big Fat Smile, we recognise that to truly implement and deliver an quality programme that caters for each child’s needs and interests, more time off the floor is needed. As such, we are proud to say that our Educators can access up to three times as much time off the floor each week. We find that increased time for programming has a positive impact on both service delivery and educator well-being.
5. Paid parental leave
Paid parental leave has positive impacts on breastfeeding, child health outcomes and women’s economic outcomes[4],[5]. It also fosters a more equal division of unpaid care and paid work, improving family work-life balance. Big Fat Smile is committed to supporting new families by offering 6 weeks parental leave at full pay on top your government entitlement, for both men and women at birth and adoption of a child[6].
6. Access to total wellbeing platform
You will have access to a total wellbeing platform that has many great resources about mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing to help you be your best. There is lots of easily digestible videos and articles right through to podcasts, online toolkits, infographics, and professional learning and you can customise the content based on what’s important to you. There are also exclusive perks and savings from hundreds of brands, from luxury to everyday essentials, with exclusive discounts for you.
Supporting families, children and our teams are at the forefront of what we do at Big Fat Smile. If you would like to know more about our current openings and how you can help us ‘enrich the lives and minds of children and families in their communities’, whilst being supported in your role, please visit our jobs page or email [email protected] today.
[1] Mitchell Institute. (2021). Counting the cost to families: Assessing childcare affordability in Australia. Mitchell Institute.
[2] Children’s Services Award 2010
[3] Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020
[4] Heymann, J., Sprague, A.R., Nandi, A. et al. (2017). Paid parental leave and family wellbeing in the sustainable development area. Public Health Reviews. 38, 21. https://publichealthreviews.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40985-017-0067-2#citeas
[5] Broadway, B., Kalb, G., Kuehnle, D. et al. (2015). The Effect on Paid Parental Leave on Child Health in Australia. Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series. 9, 15.
