Our Team

Senior Management Team

Sam Johnson

Owner / Director

We are Ian and Sam Johnson; the owners and approved providers of Childs Play ELC

Child’s Play is a family-run childcare, operated by Samantha & Ian Johnson. Samantha was a teacher in the UK and in Australia, with a specialism in special needs (14 years) and Ian was an accountant (20 years),. Sam and Ian have been a couple since 1999 and married in 2006, and have 2 daughters – Millie born in 2007 and Alexa born in 2011. Sam and Ian Combined their skill set we were able to create and develop Childs Play Early Learning centres. We opened our first service in October 2014, and have gradually over time expanded the brand. Sam and Ian have been assessed and rated by the department of education multiple times and have achieved the ‘exceeding’ in all 7 areas in there Tarneit service. Sam has won the International Women’s day award – business category for her work in the early childhood and childcare sector in 2021

Currently we own and operate 3 purpose-built facilities 2 in Tarneit and 1 in Torquay which are licensed to have over 130 children each per day. These are equipped with age-appropriate learning resources and have inviting and interesting play spaces to support children’s development. We plan to open and operate more services in these areas and expand the group without losing the family aspect and relationships we have developed over time. In the next 2 years, Sam and Ian are building 2 further services. Wyndham Vale is scheduled late 2023/early 2024 and we have another service in Tarneit opening up in mid-2024.

We currently employ over 180 staff and work with a number of suppliers that are all local to the area. We are very proud and value our employees and understand that they are our most important assets, their love, loyalty and dedication and commitment to give the highest quality care is of the utmost importance to us.

What is something you love?

We love spending time with our 2 girls, and they were the reason we got into this sector. We are migrants from the UK and had to rely heavily on childcare and saw this as an extension to our family and the difference you could make at such a crucial time in children’s lives. We are incredibly family-orientated people … this extends into our culture as we genuinely care and support everyone who is part of our community – family.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Like family, it is a home away from home. Ran by a family and feels like family. When we started we reflected and decided we wanted to make a difference to other families that may not have family just like us, and give them support. We are guided by our philosophy; “Every child matters”; we feel honoured that people choose us to look after their children and be part of this incredible time when so much growth and development take place. Every single child is important and matters to us and we want to ensure that they are supported, guided, nurtured and are able to achieve their full potential in our services with trusted and highly educated and caring educators. Parents can rely on us to make a difference and create relationships built on trust and communication.

Ian Johnson

Owner / Director

We are Ian and Sam Johnson; the owners and approved providers of Childs Play ELC

Child’s Play is a family-run childcare, operated by Samantha & Ian Johnson. Samantha was a teacher in the UK and in Australia, with a specialism in special needs (14 years) and Ian was an accountant (20 years),. Sam and Ian have been a couple since 1999 and married in 2006, and have 2 daughters – Millie born in 2007 and Alexa born in 2011. Sam and Ian Combined their skill set we were able to create and develop Childs Play Early Learning centres. We opened our first service in October 2014, and have gradually over time expanded the brand. Sam and Ian have been assessed and rated by the department of education multiple times and have achieved the ‘exceeding’ in all 7 areas in there Tarneit service. Sam has won the International Women’s day award – business category for her work in the early childhood and childcare sector in 2021

Currently we own and operate 3 purpose-built facilities 2 in Tarneit and 1 in Torquay which are licensed to have over 130 children each per day. These are equipped with age-appropriate learning resources and have inviting and interesting play spaces to support children’s development. We plan to open and operate more services in these areas and expand the group without losing the family aspect and relationships we have developed over time. In the next 2 years, Sam and Ian are building 2 further services. Wyndham Vale is scheduled late 2023/early 2024 and we have another service in Tarneit opening up in mid-2024.

We currently employ over 180 staff and work with a number of suppliers that are all local to the area. We are very proud and value our employees and understand that they are our most important assets, their love, loyalty and dedication and commitment to give the highest quality care is of the utmost importance to us.

What is something you love?

We love spending time with our 2 girls, and they were the reason we got into this sector. We are migrants from the UK and had to rely heavily on childcare and saw this as an extension to our family and the difference you could make at such a crucial time in children’s lives. We are incredibly family-orientated people … this extends into our culture as we genuinely care and support everyone who is part of our community – family.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Like family, it is a home away from home. Ran by a family and feels like family. When we started we reflected and decided we wanted to make a difference to other families that may not have family just like us, and give them support. We are guided by our philosophy; “Every child matters”; we feel honoured that people choose us to look after their children and be part of this incredible time when so much growth and development take place. Every single child is important and matters to us and we want to ensure that they are supported, guided, nurtured and are able to achieve their full potential in our services with trusted and highly educated and caring educators. Parents can rely on us to make a difference and create relationships built on trust and communication.

Lucy Holmes

Group Compliance Officer

Lucy Holmes embarked on her journey in early childhood education in 2006 possessing the NNEB (UK), and Diploma of children services (Australia). With a rich background in leadership roles, including Director, Operations, and Compliance, Lucy has consistently worked within the Victoria and Tasmanian early childhood sector, and along the way completed a Training and Assessment Certificate (TAE4).

Her extensive experience spans operations management for multi-site centres within the corporate sector of early childhood, establishing shared visions for the health and safety of children and community, along with creating strong relationships with the Department of Education and Training.

Child’s Play has embraced paperless solutions across all areas within the business. This comprehensive approach brings numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact and improved compliance reporting formations. This successful process has been embraced by the regulatory authorities, as evidence in efficiency, transparency and sustainability is evident. It’s a positive development for all stakeholders involved within the education sector. Compliance can be effectively managed remotely and securely, regardless of location. On-site solutions also provide a comprehensive approach to ensuring adherence to regulations and standards are collaboratively discussed with relevant team members.

Being able to support and inspire staff members across all levels, in relation to compliance and conformity, allows Lucy to maintain a culture of growth, learning, and consistency, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference, whilst adhering to regulatory requirements which are compliance driven.

What is something I love?

Absolutely love watching Basketball along with supporting our local teams.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Collaboration within all the centres is embedded and evident, there is a family feeling, along with a sense of belonging and support from all who work at Child’s Play. The team spirit is so apparent, with a “can do” attitude throughout the whole company.

Tarneit

Tarneit West

Monalika

Educational Leader Tarneit West

Torquay

Wyndham Vale

Kelly Brown

Educational Leader Wyndham vale

Point Cook

Dandenong

Terralee Halbert

Centre Director Dandenong South

Rebecca Watson

Assistant Director Dandenong South

Meet our Assistant Director at Dandenong South Centre

Hi! My name is Rebecca Watson

I’ve been working in early childhood education since 2014, beginning in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), before transitioning into Early Learning Centres (ELC) where I have been for the past six years. This experience has given me a unique perspective on the different stages of a child’s growth and learning. As Assistant Director, I’m passionate about supporting my team and ensuring we continue to deliver the highest standards of care and education for every child.

What hobbies do you have?

Since childhood, I’ve always had a love for reading and continue to do so – whether it’s a captivating novel or diving into books on child development, I’m constantly eager to learn something new.

Why do you work in early childhood education?

I work in early childhood education because I’m truly passionate about the impact that early experiences have on a child’s growth and learning. I believe that the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning starts in these crucial early years, and I love being part of that journey. I’m committed to fostering a nurturing space where children feel safe, valued, and excited to explore new things every day.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Child’s Play ELC is supportive and inclusive for all families, with a strong commitment to ensuring each child thrives. It is a place where children feel engaged, playful, full of joy and where curiosity is celebrated.

What are you most excited about working at Child’s Play Dandenong South?

Having grown up in Dandenong, I’ve always felt a strong connection to this community, and it’s incredibly rewarding to now contribute at Child’s Play Dandenong. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with children, and being able to do that in the community that shaped me makes it all the more special.

Neelufah Khan

Educational Leader Dandenong South

Hi! My name is Neelufah Khan.

Originally from the beautiful islands of Fiji, I made the move to Australia in 2014 after getting married. Since then, my family and I have made Australia our home, and we’ve been blessed with two lovely children.

Professionally, I’ve had the joy of working in childcare for the past 7 years. This journey has not only allowed me to grow as an individual but also given me the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families. I’m passionate about providing high-quality care and education, and I’m committed to ongoing learning and development in my field.

What hobbies do you have?

In my free time, I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes. I’m passionate about travelling and exploring new places. I also enjoy volunteering in community activities – I believe in giving back to the community. I love making a positive impact and meeting like-minded people.

Why do you work in early childhood education?

Working in early childhood education brings me immense joy and fulfillment. I love watching children grow and learn. And making a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families which can be incredibly rewarding.

Being able to play a role in shaping their early years and making a positive difference in their lives, as well as the lives of their families, is an incredible privilege. Seeing the impact that high-quality care and education can have on a child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development is truly rewarding.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Our childcare centre is a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment that provides quality care education for children from 6months to 6years. Our philosophy is that ‘Every child Matters’.

What are you most excited about working at Child’s Play Dandenong South?

I can’t wait to meet the children and families at Dandenong South and to build safe and secure relationships in an environment where everyone feels valued, included and welcomed! I am very excited to work in collaboration with you all to ensure that our service is reflective of our community and meets the needs of all children, families and educators at Dandenong South Child’s Play ELC!