Why is it important for every child to receive a high-quality early childhood education?

Higher quality education is how we, as educators, advocate for children in the critical years of their development. It is incredibly important that children have the opportunity to build familiarity in a classroom environment whilst building a confident and empowering introduction to their learning journey. As we create the stepping stones from kindergarten to school, we are shaping an equitable populace of engaged learners who are well on their way to developing core academic skills.

What inspires you to be a teacher?

My inspiration for teaching is connected to my desire and capacity for sharing and shaping learning within community. I am passionate about contributing to the development of children in their early years, as well as connecting and contributing to their families and wider communities, believing that social connectedness is key.

The first years of life see children’s brains undergo tremendous growth and research informs us that early brain development is critical in facilitating the development, learning, wellbeing and physical and mental health of children. A high quality early childhood education is key to providing opportunities for improving children’s outcomes, before, during and after school.

My hope is that, by demonstrating effective leadership within this context, I will provide advocacy, and create change and awareness of the importance and necessity for a high quality early childhood education.

What changes do you aim to bring to early childhood education?

My current focus revolves around two primary objectives: 1) Introduce a preschool curriculum that significantly improves children’s readiness for school across social-emotional, academic, and physical domains. 2) Advocating for improved work conditions for early childhood teachers, recognising the crucial role they play in shaping the foundation of a child’s education.

What inspires you to be a teacher?

What inspires me to be an early childhood teacher is the lifelong positive impact that early learning and experiences can have on a child’s overall development. Being able to work closely with a child and witness firsthand their joy and curiosity develop as they grow fuels my passion in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that caters to each child’s individual needs and interests.

What educational values do you hope to instil in young children? I believe enabling good habits and a love of learning from a young age can set up your child for success in life. The gift of childhood is a blessing and it is a great joy to see children develop holistically, reaching their potential and make a difference in life.

TBA