Meet Caylen - Service Manager Sparrow Early Learning Bray Park

I am proud to be the Service Manager here at Sparrow Bray Park. I have been in the early childhood education and care industry for over a decade, beginning my journey as a Certificate III float before working as an assistant, Diploma-qualified Lead Educator, 2IC, and now as a Service Manager.

I joined Sparrow in 2020 at our Yarrabilba service and made the move to Bray Park in July 2021. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about creating a warm and welcoming “home away from home” for both children and families. Building strong, trusting connections with families and carers is something I value deeply, and I am always here to support you in any way I can.

I believe in leading by example and supporting my team to uplift one another, so together we can provide the very best care, practices, and environments for the children entrusted to us.

I look forward to getting to know you and your family as we share this journey together.

“The Sparrow Way combines proven international early learning methods to create a unique and purposefully contemporary practice designed for today’s society. Guided by the principles of Reggio Emilia childcare and underpinned by The Early Years Framework for Australia, we embrace children’s inherent abilities to learn and develop, creating an environment for them to find solutions through exploration, discovery and invention, marveling in everything around them. The Sparrow Way is our method of working with children based on these beliefs and principles.” 

- The Sparrow Early Education Team

The Sparrow curriculum is thoughtfully planned by our educators and shaped by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Being guided by the EYLF and National Quality Standards (NQS) ensures we offer high quality learning programs that are responsive to children’s ideas, interests, strengths and abilities.

Programs are play-based, child-driven and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach with a strong emphasis on nature and outdoor learning experiences.  Educators carefully design environments that stimulate curiosity and provide opportunities for hands-on learning experiences that are reflective of real life.

Play is viewed as a powerful tool for children to explore, discover and make meaning of the world around them. Activities are largely open-ended, providing a wide variety of natural resources and materials which stimulate imagination and foster creativity, problem-solving and meaningful interactions with friends and educators. 

Children are encouraged to express themselves through various mediums, such as art, music and dramatic play, allowing them to develop a deep sense of autonomy, confidence and joy in their learning journey.

The Sparrow team values the role of families as children’s most important teachers and our educators foster positive and collaborative relationships with families. Parents are encouraged to contribute their ideas for programming, learning activities and the overall operation of the service. 

Our inclusive open-door policy welcomes parents to visit our service, engage in discussions with educators and participate in children's learning. Our educators maintain open and continuous communication with families, ensuring a strong connection between the children's home learning environment and their educational experiences at the centre. During pick-up and drop-off times, educators are readily available to engage with families and gladly share insights into the children's progress, well-being and participation. 

The use of the Storypark communication app provides daily updates, photos, and videos, fostering regular connections between educators and families. Parents also receive frequent communication through emails, newsletters, displays, notices, information evenings, special events, and Facebook.

• Planned and delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers
• Government Accredited
• School Readiness focus
• Transition to School program including school visits & transition reports

Sparrow Early Learning centres provide high quality kindergarten/preschool programs led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers. While the curriculum remains play-based, these programs follow a more structured approach to teaching and learning experiences to prepare children for transitioning into a primary school environment. There is a careful balance maintained between child-led and teacher-led learning activities.

Our Early Childhood Teachers cater to the individual needs of each child and in collaboration with parents, ensure that children are adequately equipped with the skills and experience required for a smooth transition to “big school”. Ongoing assessment of children’s progress and development is carefully documented and communicated with families and transition statements can be shared with future schools to facilitate a smooth transition to school. 

Attending kindergarten/preschool at their familiar Sparrow Early Learning centre makes the transition from the long day care setting less intimidating and children can continue their early learning journey in a safe and familiar environment, surrounded by friends and familiar educators. It also means families can enjoy the flexibility of extended care hours and continued care during school holiday periods. All meals and snacks are provided, adding to the convenience for busy families.