There are so many inspiring educator and teachers working in early childhood. Take the time to read their stories.
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Shanyce
Shanyce has always loved children—that's at the heart of why she works in early childhood.
'I used to volunteer to visit day care centres, because I love spending time with children,' she says.
'You are always having fun, helping children and giving them a safe place to learn and have fun, too.'
After starting her work experience at 15, she undertook a year-long traineeship and has completed her Certificate III while working. Now, at 23, she is studying for her Diploma in Early Childhood.
'I love working with the babies and 2-year-olds, and helping them to understand that they belong to this world. We are creating memorable moments that they will build on for their futures.'
Shanyce says that working in her centre brings her into contact with the whole community.
'When visitors come into the centre it's really special. I love catching up with other educators and sharing things and celebrating together, like on Early Childhood Educators Day. It's like we're one mob—a family.'—Shanyce
Ella
Ella's first job after high school, at an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), sparked a passion for helping children develop and grow.
'I have always loved the idea of working with children, particularly primary school-aged children. I realised I was shaping the future of children's lives when a young child told me that I make them feel safe and happy.'
While Ella was studying her Bachelors, her job in OSHC allowed her to work flexibly, while gaining a practical understanding of children and their developmental needs. She now aims to finish her Masters in Clinical Psychology, and would like to work with children and adolescents.
'I've discovered working with young children is fun, especially as they begin to develop more independence and autonomy. My studies in psychology have further sparked my passion for children's development and wellbeing.'
She recommends that anyone starting out in early childhood makes an effort to build relationships with children and families.
'Spend time getting to know children and their interests. There are always opportunities to learn and grow as an educator. No 2 days are the same!'—Ella
Danielle
Danielle is driven to help children in her area get the best possible start in their educational journey.
'My elders are my role models. They guided me, and showed me how important it is to give back to the community. My aunt teaches kindy, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps.'
Danielle worked while studying, ultimately gaining her Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies). Having worked in early childhood for more than 20 years, she says that every day is still a new adventure.
'I love spending days with my children and finding fun ways to help them grow and develop. I particularly love teaching 3- to 5-year-olds.'
Danielle knows that giving each child the individualised care and encouragement they need is essential to setting their educational journey on the right path.
'I realised I was shaping the future through a conversation with a parent who said, “No-one else would take our son on, and now he's growing so much.” They were so thankful for the support I gave them after struggles in other services'
'This is a rewarding job where I am privileged to build lifelong relationships with children and families—while having fun adventures every day.'—Danielle
Karen
Karen has a message for anyone considering changing careers: 'It's never too late to start your career in early childhood.'
'If you are passionate about supporting young children to learn, then definitely start your career in early childhood.'
She says the magic of her role is most obvious when she witnesses a child have a 'light-bulb moment'.
'When a child that has had trouble mastering a task is able to do it, you can see how we are making a difference in their lives.'
Karen has completed her Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), and a Master of Inclusive and Special Education. She is passionate about pursuing further professional development, and says she is always learning.
'The children in pre-prep are inquisitive and eager to learn, and they are always teaching you something, too! You never know what each day will bring.'—Karen
Tahleah and Lara
Tahleah and Lara are balancing work and study, putting what they learn straight into practice.
'I started my certificate III at school and now I am doing my diploma through an apprenticeship while working.'—Tahleah
'I have work life balance. I can work here, which I love, I can study my degree (early childhood teaching) to move forward and I can have my weekends at the surf club.'—Lara
Vivian
Vivian has worked in various settings and found her niche in her own
family day care business.
'I have worked for almost 20 years … started as a primary school teacher and then into an early childhood service. Now I am a family day care educator … with my own home-based business.'—Vivian
Todd
Todd started his career in the toddler room and is now the director in the same community-based
long day care service.
'I've never had a bad day because of kids. They don't judge, they don't hold on to things. They are so good like that … there's never a dull moment.'—Todd
Michelle
Michelle is an early childhood teacher delivering the
State Delivered Kindergarten program on Thursday Island.
'I just absolutely love what I do—I don't think it's a job, I think it's just a great honour, a great privilege to get to work with amazing children.'—Michelle
Trish
Progress your career like Trish, who started in a
playgroup, became an educator and then upskilled to an early childhood teacher. She has also been the educational leader and director, all in the same service.
Kaela
Be a leader in
outside school hours care like Kaela, who is a coordinator and educational leader in her service. Kaela now mentors and supports educators, and shares her experience with 5,000 others through her outside school hours care Facebook page.
Debbie
'If the footprint that you leave behind on this earth is that you have influenced the learning journey of one child and made a difference to the adult that they will become, then that is an amazing legacy to leave behind.'—Debbie, early childhood professional