Today we celebrate Early Childhood Educators’ Day, a time to recognise the important work early childhood educators do to support children’s wellbeing, learning and development.
For many early childhood educators, the commitment to supporting children’s development starts early.
Navdeep Kaur cemented her love for the profession during her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care placement.
‘I realised how much I enjoyed working with children and supporting their growth. I felt a strong sense of purpose knowing that I was part of the team around each child,’ she said.
Navdeep’s passion has grown over her 3 years working as an educator.
‘The most rewarding part is watching children grow and develop — seeing them go from the baby room to kindergarten, becoming confident and independent,’ she said.
Financial support provided by the Victorian Government’s Certificate III Upskill Support Program helped her reach her goal of becoming a Diploma-qualified educator.
‘It lifted the financial burden so I could focus on my studies while undertaking my diploma. I knew I could take time off work without worrying about costs, which helped me progress in my career,’ she said.
Memorable moments
For Navdeep, every day brings a new opportunity to positively impact a child’s life.
One moment that stands out for her is working with a young girl with autism.
‘I started teaching her a poem and she learned it very quickly. This encouraged me to teach her more, and actions to go with them,’ Navdeep said.
‘Over time, she mastered them and started to always come to me for comfort. Building that trust and connection with her is something I will always remember.’
Lifelong learning journey
Audrey Lockwood (pictured), an early childhood educator at Gowrie Victoria in Carlton North, was inspired to enter the profession during her high school years, when she undertook a vocational education and training subject in early childhood education as part of her studies.
‘During my placement, I was amazed by the skill and expertise of the educators in the room,’ Audrey said.
This sparked her passion for the profession and interest in further study. After completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2022, Audrey received financial support from the Victorian Government to undertake the diploma, which she completed in March this year.
‘The best part of being an educator is seeing those small steps in a child's development that lead to big leaps. One week, a child can’t catch a ball, and the next, they can. Those moments make all the difference,’ Audrey said.
Despite the demands that come with the job, Audrey offers valuable advice for those considering a career in early childhood education.
‘It’s such a rewarding career offering lots of opportunity for growth. You may have tough days, but the impact you make on children’s lives is invaluable. It’s a lifelong learning journey,’ she said.
Share stories of your educators
If you have a story you’d like to share about an early childhood educator at your service and the impact of their work, reach out to our communications team by email: ec.portfolio.communications@education.vic.gov.au
Find out more
For more information about scholarships and incentives to study and work in early childhood education, refer to: Financial support to study and work in early childhood education.
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