There’s nothing quite like the sound of children’s laughter ringing through the halls. As early childhood educators, we’re lucky enough to experience those joyful moments every single day. Of course, the job comes with its fair share of chaos (never-ending arts and crafts messes, anyone?!), but when you truly love what you do, these moments create the best memories.
Talking with the team at Manooka Valley Community Preschool, it’s clear that they all genuinely enjoy each other’s company. They’re an incredibly close-knit, supportive crew. “We are not just colleagues, we are friends, supporting one another through life and each day at the service,” Tamara, the master organiser and second-in-command explains. It’s this strong sense of camaraderie that creates such an upbeat, playful, and oh-so-fun atmosphere for the children… and the team members!
As Leah, the nurturing soul of the nursery room describes it,
“The vibe here is definitely fun and energetic. Each staff member brings their own unique talents and interests, which really helps engage the children and build beautiful relationships. I think the fact that we all work together so well and everyone is willing to pull together and help really attributes to our environment.”
Designing imaginative, inspiring ways for children to learn
Part of what makes the centre so special is the incredible learning environments they’ve thoughtfully cultivated with the children and built through projects and fundraising. There’s an actual bunny habitat, chicken coop, award-winning gardens, and a maker-space style loose parts play area and sensory room. “We transformed an unused space into this whimsical garden area that’s home to our animals, and a working garden that has won awards from the local council,” Julie, the spirited Centre Director beams.
“The eggs that are collected from our chickens are given to families to take home, and in return, we collect donations to buy chickens for struggling communities through World Vision.”
These hands-on elements don’t just spark joyful play and learning – they also nurture the next generation’s appreciation for nature and sustainable living. As Julie puts it, “We’re really intentional about promoting sustainability and weaving it throughout our curriculum.”
The many cultural celebrations at Manooka have become beloved annual events that embrace diversity and inclusion. Leah loves participating in Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colours. “Seeing the pure joy on the childrens’ faces as they toss those bright colours is just priceless. The celebrations allow staff to proudly share their cultures. It really brings us together as a team,” she explains.
Tamara shares that:
“The experiences and celebrations we have at Manooka create an environment that is just enjoyable to be around. Celebrating the many cultures that make up our service community just makes our little world a better place. Cultural celebrations like Diwali, Tihar, and St Patrick’s Day just make all our families and staff immerse themselves in culture with such enjoyment. These are the best days and the best memories.”
Creating happy, healthy relationships with families and beyond
Another huge priority for the team is making meaningful connections with the local community, and boy, there are so many examples of how they do this, we’ll need to write another article on this one! Julie shared so many heartwarming stories, from letterbox dropping handmade cards to neighbours on Valentine’s day, brightening the days of nursing home residents with artwork, to now bringing smiles to their faces with in-person visits. Their commitment to supporting important places like Westmead Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, and causes like Camp Quality, cancer foundations, foster care, and more, is truly commendable. From collecting toys, raffles, and art auctions, to organising quirky fundraisers, it’s clear they’re a community of joy-bringers and difference-makers!
At the end of the day, what makes working at Big Fat Smile so rewarding is the tangible positive impact on children and families. As Julie shares, “It’s an absolute joy to create meaningful memories with the children and our team every single day.” For Leah, it’s the heartfelt gestures of appreciation that reinforce that she is making a real impact: “To get a lovely email, card, or coffee voucher just because really makes your day and brings a smile to your face.”
Leah says that all these moments of joy:
“help us all come together as a team and build on the relationships we have, along with the team culture. When one of us wins, we all win and vice versa. Manooka is really like a family and we love to share in each other’s successes and celebrate alongside our team.”
A job to smile about
When asked about their experiences compared to other workplaces, Tamara shared, “I have worked in many different organisations, small services, large for-profit services, and privately-owned services. Big Fat Smile is the only company I have worked for where I do not just feel like a number, I feel like a person.” Leah added, “I have never found a sense of belonging in another organisation like I have at Big Fat Smile.” Their words paint a picture of belonging and warmth, showing that at Big Fat Smile, it’s more than just a job—it’s a place where you matter.
If this all sounds like your dream workplace—one filled with endless laughter, celebration, and that warm-and-fuzzy sense of fulfillment—then consider joining the Big Fat Smile team. As Julie advises potential candidates, “We want educators who are searching for their forever work home, a nurturing place they never want to leave.” With a positive, uplifting culture like this, we’re sure that you’ll be smiling too when you make more of a difference at Big Fat Smile.
We’re always on the lookout for upcoming Trainees and experienced Early Childhood Educators, Teachers and Centre Directors for our day care and term only preschools in the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Goulburn and Sydney areas.
Search our current jobs here, or learn more about the benefits of working at Big Fat Smile here.
