A big family has been the key to success for a Deloraine childcare worker who has won a Skills Tasmania vocational award.

Gypsy Rose Blackberry grew up with four sisters (two sets of twins), two brothers and a step brother, so even before she did fabulously well at her TasTAFE Diploma of Early Childhood she knew a lot about kids.

‘I love working with children. They’re open and honest, they have no filter,’ Gypsy Rose said. 

‘Each one has their own charm and personality, and watching them grow from baby to preschooler is amazing because they change so much.’

Since she did a prac at Deloraine’s Toddle Inn for her TAFE course, Gypsy Rose has worked there as a child educator for four days a week.

‘It’s been great to do this while I figure out my next direction,’ she said. ‘I’m thinking I may do a Bachelor of Education degree.’

‘I really enjoy building relationships with children and their families to give them the best start in life. Birth to five years is the most influential time in anyone’s life.

‘At Toddle Inn, children’s learning is individualised. We work with children and their families to extend what they can do.’

Gypsy Rose’s award was sponsored by Deloraine Rotary. She was nominated by her TAFE teacher, Rachel Woods, who recognised Gypsy Rose’s sustained excellent work through her studies.

Gypsy Rose says her biggest supporters are her parents. Her double twin sisters are now aged 15 and 11. ‘I took on the responsibility of being big sister, and when I went to college I thought, ‘Why not do something I’m already good at and keep going with it?’’