Can you tell us how you started your career?

I started by running some sports clinics in a School Holiday Program, then as an extra support educator during excursions for that School Holiday Program. After I had been doing that for a few holiday program, I started working as a casual at an After School Care and School Holiday Program whilst I was completing college.

After college I took a year off from studying and worked in an Early Education and Care service and then continued doing this while I studied part time. I moved into full time study and worked as a nanny, and worked in other professions, but then came back to coordinating then Directing Before and After School Care programs.

What do you love most about working in early childhood education?

I love seeing the growth in the children and seeing the impact that respectful, meaningful relationships can have. I love that I learn so much from the children, families and educators at our service. I also love that no day is the same and that no matter what kind of day I have, there is always something that makes me smile or laugh during.

What is your advice for women thinking about a career in early childhood education?

Make sure you look after yourself – this is a profession where you spend so much time supporting other people that it is so important that you don’t put yourself last!

Always be ready to learn and reflect on what you are doing – we are always improving and learning and everyone has something to teach us.

Can you tell us how you started your career?

I migrated from India to Australia with my family. I had experience working in the Government office as an auditor and wanted to try something new in my career.

When I had the opportunity to work in one of Community Services 1’s centres, I studied the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while working as an assistant. I then completed my diploma while working and became a team leader. From there, I worked as an Assistant Director and currently work as a Director at Forrest Centre.

What do you love most about working in early childhood education?

I am passionate about working with children, and it’s very satisfying when you make difference in their lives. I take pride in making children feel settled in learning environments by establishing positive relationships with not only them, but with their families as well. I believe these relationships are the key if you want to help them form a sense of belonging and thrive to learn new skills.

What is your advice for women thinking about a career in early childhood education?

My advice is if you really want to work in this field you must have patience, passion and positive attitude.

Anything else you may like to share?

Our CS#1 is the best organisation where we feel valued and supported. I have been working with CS#1 for the past 13 years and we do have many staff who have been working like me.

Can you tell us how you started your career?

I started my career working with Randstand in 2014. I used to go to different centres every day and it was a good experience for me to work with different families, colleagues and Directors.

As soon as I got job with CS#1 I became more and more confident and I got opportunities to develop my skills, self-confidence and intelligence to be successful even in the most challenging situations.

What do you love most about working in early childhood education?

Working with children provides me with the opportunity to develop a new purpose each day. I think helping children and their families is the most rewarding job. I enjoy seeing their beautiful young faces fill with excitement when they learn something new or solve a difficult task.

What is your advice for women thinking about a career in early childhood education?

Working with the children is a good opportunity to teach them social skills, build their confidence, teach self-regulation skills and social and emotional skills. As a woman, I love to encourage other women to come forward with new experiences to make a real difference in our community and with the next generation.

Anything else you may like to share?

I would love to study in the future to gain more experience and knowledge.

The opportunity to learn and grow keeps me motivated and energised to keep educating and teaching children in their early years.