My name is Donna Finegan, and I am currently employed as an Administration Officer at Healesville Sanctuary.
I am genuinely passionate about caring for children and when I retire in a few years I want to do it more often, so I thought starting now with casual babysitting in evenings or weekends and see where it leads me in the future. For the past two years, I have been a respite foster carer for a wonderful seven-year-old boy through the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA). This role has provided me with valuable experience supporting a child's wellbeing, development, and daily routines while also helping full-time foster carers maintain their important caregiving responsibilities.
Through VACCA, I have completed extensive carer training and continue to participate in ongoing education and support programs. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, and the importance of providing children with a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.
As a mother of two children, now aged 33 and 38, I have many years of practical parenting experience. Raising my children has given me a strong understanding of the patience, consistency, and encouragement children need to thrive and become confident, capable adults.
I enjoy engaging children in meaningful activities such as:
β’ Reading stories
β’ Arts and crafts, drawing, painting, and colouring
β’ Playing games
β’ Outdoor adventures and nature-based activities
β’ Walks and visits to parks
I strongly believe that spending time in nature is essential for children's physical, emotional, and social development, particularly in today's increasingly screen-focused world.
I hold a current:
β’ Working with Children Check
β’ National Police Check
β’ First Aid Certificate
While my professional childcare experience has primarily been through respite foster care, I would be pleased to provide references from VACCA and personal referees upon request. I can also provide details of the training courses I have completed through VACCA.
I am committed to continuing my professional development and am interested in undertaking a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in the future.
At 64 years of age, I am active, energetic, reliable, and enthusiastic about supporting children and families. I would welcome the opportunity to bring my life experience, compassion, and strong work ethic to a nanny or childcare role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your family and childcare needs.