Leading by example: Rochelle's journey through OSHC

Name: Rochelle Trout
Service name and location: OSHClub & Helping Hands services across Western Australia
Role: Regional Director, WA
Years with JAG: 13 years

Describe your journey with OSHC and Junior Adventures Group (JAG)

My journey started in January 2013 with Helping Hands Network when I was recruited through a sponsorship for a Coordinator role. Moving from a teaching profession to childcare was an adjustment, however my passion was always to work with children. With my first shift, I engaged with the children in a physical activity. At the end of my session, I reflected on how happy the children were and how it brought me joy. Somehow this made me feel so rewarded. A part that was missing during my teaching career.

What does a great day at your job look like?

As a Regional Director, I start my day by checking in with my team to ensure that they are in a good mindset to start their day. Visiting schools to discuss progress and receive positive feedback. Having a scheduled meeting with teams regarding expectations. Supporting teams at Service where they are engaging in activities and participate. Completing final tasks of the day and checking in with my team to ensure they end their day well.

How do you help children feel safe, seen and supported in your service?

Setting up of environment that includes all children’s ideas and needs and always reviewing, upgrading or changing. Active engagement of Educators with children throughout a session to ensure each child is always kept safe and well supported. Having positive conversations with children, listening and understanding their needs and then implement their requests. Feedback to families at the end of the day.

How do you support your team and help create a positive culture at your service?

Building positive relationships with my team is a priority. I have regular 1:1 meeting with my team and complete daily check ins to understand their mindset and how to support them throughout their day. I also complete supporting visits with the managers in my team, to role model constructive conversations with educators and families to build trust and understanding. I have honest and respectful conversations regarding expectations and personal and team growth in a healthy manner. Teaching my team leadership skills by ensuring autonomy, taking ownership and accountability. Always setting reachable expectations. Celebrating wins small and large.

Do you have a story to share about the impact our service has?

Since JAG introduced the 'Adventure Program', a lot of positive changes occurred in services. One of the services embraced the Adventure Program and it was well received by the children. The service entered all competitions e.g. “Pasta Palooza” and took the children on a pasta journey and celebrated it with their families. They were one of the 3 national winners for Pasta Palooza. Through continuously embedding the Adventure Program so consistently, this service became the WA State Winners for 2024.

What do you think families or the community might not realise about the work you do?

Families understand that we are keeping children safe, however may not realise how a play-based program is implemented and the skillsets their children are developing through play.

Can you share a moment or memory that made you feel proud to do this work?

When I was a Coordinator, a parent asked for support in encouraging healthy eating habits. At first, the child was hesitant, so we introduced creative ideas like restaurant-style dining and letting children design their own healthy menus. As a team we introduced great ideas such as restaurant dining, dining etiquette, children introduced their own healthy menus and was added to the weekly menu and we posted our recipes to families through newsletters, booklets for families to take home. Due to this approach, the child’s eating habits became healthy. The parent informed me, because how we have supported her child and used the information we provided, they have now changed their eating habits, joined the gym and enrolled for sporting activities. The result was so positive and evident, and I was so thankful and proud that I could make a difference in someone’s life forever.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since working at JAG?

As a person I always set high expectations for myself to achieve all my goals and tackle each hurdle until I achieved success. When starting as a Coordinator with HHN, I transferred my high expectations to the Service and team I managed at the time successfully, which was part of the achievements of the service at the time, however when I broadened my horizon and started to work with peer individuals, I’ve learned that success is measured in many different ways, and adapting to each situation is key to achieving positive outcomes.

Pictured below: Rochelle, alongside 'Wheelchairs for Kids' volunteers

Would you like to work with us?

If you’re interested in working in the outside school hours care industry, we’d love to hear from you.

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