How did you hear about the Fraser Foundation?

I heard about The Fraser Foundation through Swinburne Online when I was looking into studying the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching.

How does it feel to be the recipient of a Fraser Foundation?

I was elated to receive the news of being a recipient. It not only released a weight from my shoulders on a financial point but it also gave me confidence in my worth as an early childhood educator. It is an honour to have my passion for the sector recognised.

What interests you most about being an ECT and what is the best and most challenging parts of working with young children?

I see children as the next generation of the world in which we we live. Each child is unique and deserves to be nurtured in a kind, caring and loving environment. When children are provided with quality education and care they can thrive to the best of their abilities. As an ECT I will be able to provide this quality environment for the children and inspire other educators to do the same. I always see challenges as an opportunity to learn. Each child brings with them a family culture, an individual personality and a wonder and interest to learn. When caring for upwards of 15 children on any given day, meeting the needs of these individual children can be a challenge. Building positive relationships with each of the children and their families helps me in this area.  

What part of Western Australia are you in? Would you stay in that area once you become an ECT?

I currently work in regional WA. However when I first started my journey as an early childhood educator I worked remotely in NSW for a Mobile Toy Library. We visited station properties, remote towns and indigenous communities providing playgroup settings for the families and children of these communities. Initially I will stay in regional WA, however will be exploring the opportunities out there to fulfil my dream of working remotely.

How do you incorporate families when you educate children?

Working with families is extremely important for a child’s education as I consider them to be the primary caregivers. The orientation process at my centre is extensive. I am personally in contact with the families from the initial enquiry made about the Pre Kindy program I run. Often multiple emails go back and forth prior to the formal orientation morning. Once the program commences I make time to meet with all families, this maybe informal chats or more in depth if the need arises.  All families are welcome to do parent helper. Stay for longer periods of time in the classroom at drop off. We invite families to celebrate Families Week with a morning tea in the classroom where the children can share all their learning. Having worked this program for the past 13 years I have had multiple siblings attend, creating a family atmosphere. I feel privileged that the families entrust me to care and educate their children.

What centre do you work in?

I work at the Riverlinks Child Care and Community Centre in Australind, WA

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

I would like to extend my thanks to all those within The Fraser Foundation. You are helping me to achieve a lifelong goal of becoming an early childhood teacher. I will be forever grateful for your support to myself, but the early childhood education and care sector as a whole. For anyone else out there thinking of studying, I say go for it, reach for the stars and make a difference in a child’s life.