"Working with young children and supporting families to be able to return to work is such an amazing, rewarding experience. Every day is different and never boring!”, explains Alicia from Bluebird Early Education Moe as to why someone should consider a career in the early childhood and education sector.
Alicia was one of our well-deserved Thank You Educators winners and we spoke with her about her experiences as an educator and what inspired her to get started in this profession. Alicia explains that she’d always wanted to be a teacher when she was younger but worked in a different career for 20 years before taking the leap and commencing a new pathway as an Educator.
Below is our full interview with Alicia. Read on for more inspiration and understanding of the value childcare educators have in our community:
Can you tell us about your background and experience in childcare? How did you get started in this profession?
I began my Early Childhood Journey in 2014, I wanted to do something with my life that had more meaning and allowed me to explore new challenges. I took myself down to the local Tafe college and enrolled in the Diploma, I started full time study and obtained a position as a Lead Educator.
What motivated you to become a childcare educator? Are there any specific childhood experiences or influences that led you to choose this career path?
I always wanted to be a teacher when I was young but due to my family circumstances, I was encouraged to get a job when I finished school so after 20 years in one profession and after having my own 3 children, I began to explore other opportunities. I thoroughly enjoyed studying the Diploma in Early Education Care and Development.
Working in a childcare centre and being fresh and enthusiastic, I was very keen to learn more and explore all the opportunities I could. I then began studying an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management while in my lead educator role.
Learning about children and the importance of Childcare was very important to me. The opportunities that we were providing both children and families was so rewarding, going to work everyday was enjoyable and no day was the same.
I worked with my Service Director and the leadership team in implementing many other service programs. Such as loose parts, sustainability programs and many policy reviews.
My first Centre Director was a huge inspiration and support in my journey, encouraging me to continue with study and pursue many other roles in leadership.
I am currently in a leadership role, a Centre Manager of Bluebird Early Education Moe, and also studying full time the Bachelor of Early Education.
What age groups of children have you worked with, and what have you enjoyed about working with these specific age groups?
I have been a lead educator of three main age groups over my time: 12 months to 2 years, 3 years and 4 years. All age groups have been amazing.
The most rewarding part of an educator’s role is making relationships, the friendships that are established are amazing and so rewarding. From these relationships working with the families to set goals for the children and explore fun and engaging experiences that support and promote the children’s learning, is a great achievement.
What do you believe are the most important qualities or skills that a childcare educator should possess?
Caring, empathetic. Open to whatever the day may bring, a good open communicator that can work with the team and families for the purpose of the child.
How do you continue to learn and develop those skills in your own journey as an educator?
Attend professional developments as they occur, hold parent-teacher meetings, as well as monthly staff collaborations that allow the team to discuss and work through challenges as well as success stories.
Can you share some of your favourite activities or projects that have had a significant impact on the children's learning and development?
Project based activities that connect to the community. Where possible we involve families to come in and share their skills as well as other community members.
One of my favourite examples of this was when I was leading a three-year-old space, one of my parents was a paramedic. We invited her in and from there we had a home corner hospital that evolved into a pet hospital and then it evolved into a post office. Watching the children and supporting their ideas with home corner scenarios is really fun, as there are so many amazing learning opportunities and possibilities to involve the community.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a childcare educator for you? Are there any memorable success stories or moments in your career that you would like to share?
I absolutely adore the relationships that I make with the children and the families. Knowing that I have been accepted into the team as a vital part of the child’s early education, watching the children start as young babies in our nursery then leaving ready for school 3 or 4 years later, is very rewarding and I never get tired of this aspect of being an early years educator.
Most recently I have led my team to go through the Assessment and Rating process, this is always a great opportunity to see where we are and set new goals. Our team was successful in this process, and we look forward to creating new goals with more successes.
Finally, what message or words of encouragement do you have for aspiring childcare educators who are considering entering this profession?
I would say do it! Working with young children and supporting families to be able to return to work is such an amazing, rewarding experience. Every day is different and never boring!
Starting off as an educator is just the beginning, there are so many opportunities to further study and take on many other roles within a childcare service also. Anyone that is considering it should definitely start that journey.
