Nona Pimm was a teacher in the Philippines; but upon migrating to Australia nine years ago, she found out that she would need to take a bridging course so she could teach. Due to the fact that she was not a permanent resident at that time and studying to teach would cost too much, she decided to check out her local TAFE for a course that would still enable her to pursue her passion for education. That is when she discovered Early Childhood Education and Care, a Certificate III course that she finished in a few months' time.
Her course then led her to find a job in a childcare centre, where she worked as a room leader for four years.
However, like most working mothers, Ms Pimm found that balancing work and family proved difficult and exhausting. She wanted to spend more time with her only child, Celina, but she also wanted to pursue a career. Luckily, Ms Pimm found the perfect balance of work and home when she decided to put up her own family day care centre.
"I want to have the balance of work and family, kasi in family day care, you are more flexible. Kumabaga, parte na siya ng family mo. I involve my family. They are a part of my family day care."
Ms Pimm says that her 7-year old daughter, who now attends school, is very much involved in her family day care business. Ready to help her mother set up play and learning areas for the children, Ms Pimm shares that Celina has become a source of support to the other kids and is now considered as a "big sister" by the other children.
Ms Pimm, who happens to be Family Day Care Australia's 2018 Educator Regional awardee for Albury Wodonga & Murray, shares that starting up a family day care can be challenging. There are certifications that need to be garnered, and courses and training seminars that need to be taken. Homes must meet the safety requirements of Family Day Care Australia. She also makes mention that family day cares are regulated and governed by the same legislation as childcare centres.
Nona, her daughter Celina (in aqua jumper), and other children. Source: Nona Pimm
However, despite all the paperwork and management that one needs to do to run a family day care, Ms Pimm emphasises what is most important - love and care.
“Yung way ng pagpapalaki ko sa aking daughter – yung love, yung care, yung early childhood education…yun din ang binibigay ko sa mga children na nasa care ko,” she shares.
Ms Pimm has this advice for mothers who want to find work-home balance by running a family day care: "This is rewarding. Just have fun, and make memories with the children."
For more information regarding how you can put up your own family day care, visit .
Nona won Family Day Care Australia's 2018 Educator Regional for Albury Wodonga & Murray. Source: Nona Pimm
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