Meet Sophie
About me
Name: Sophie Russell
Job: Early childhood educator / Educational leader at Pooh Bear’s House Early Learning Centre
VET: Certificate III in Early Childhood; Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
Location: Croydon
Choose what feels best for you
My story
What do you do?
Early childhood educators support young children to learn and develop, and unlock their imagination through play, before they go to school.
As the educational leader in the centre, I work with all of the early childhood educators to make sure we are inspiring young children's minds and fostering their learning and development.
What was your VET journey?
I loved school and completed an early childhood traineeship after VCE. I loved it so much that I did a Diploma straight afterwards, and I couldn’t be happier working with children every day.
What advice would you give to students who are considering a vocational pathway?
Research, research, research. Choose what feels best for you; don’t be influenced by anyone else.
What challenges did you face along the way?
I put a lot of pressure on myself to work hard and do really well. I absolutely love my job and I’m now in a leadership position which is so unexpected because I’m still so young.
That’s one of the great benefits of vocational pathways, you can get into the workplace and prove yourself straight away.
Work hours?
8:30am-6pm Tuesday to Friday
Inside or outside?
Both indoors and outdoors with the kids, and I also spend a lot of time in the office doing business activities.
Solo or teamwork?
Both – I love working with the team as an Educational Leader, and I also complete a lot of paperwork on my own.
Perks?
The children, they are incredible!
People don't know?
There is a lot of paperwork – planning, documentation, lesson planning and professional development.
Average salary?
$1,200 per week for an experienced early childhood educator.
Updated