When did you start working in the Early Childhood Education Industry?
I have wanted to work with children for as long as I can remember, so pursuing a career in the Early Childhood Education Industry was
something I aspired to from a very early age. This aspiration became a reality when I completed my Diploma at TAFE.
I have been working in the Early Childhood Education since 2010, when I began my career as the Infant’s Room Leader at a child care
centre in Harris Park. I stayed at this centre for four years, which allowed me to build many wonderful relationships with the community, and also strengthened my personal educational philosophy, and teaching pedagogy.
I joined Montessori Academy in early 2014, which is when I fell in love with the Montessori classroom style, and the Parramatta community.
What initially attracted you to the Montessori Philosophy?
After four years of working in a play-based child care centre, I was looking to expand my knowledge of early childhood teaching methods.
A close friend who worked at a Montessori centre, and was always telling me about the amazing learning experiences her students completed using the unique Montessori educational materials.
My interest was piqued, so I began researching online. I was amazed at what I read about the teaching philosophy, the studies that confirmed the benefits of Montessori education, and the videos that actively showed children working independently for extended periods of time.
When I joined Montessori Academy, I fell in love with how the curriculum works around the children; molding to fit their strengths, abilities, and developmental stage. My favourite aspect of the philosophy is grace and courtesy, which encourages children to build social skills, and understand their relationship to the people and world around them.
What is your favourite age group to teach and why?
I have always enjoyed working in the Toddler Room. We often dismiss toddler-aged children by calling them the ‘terrible-twos,’ and
expecting less than perfect behavior. However, I’ve discovered if you approach this age group with an open mind and a caring heart, you’ll find that they’re actually just little explorers who are ready to discover everything in the world around them.
When you get to spend two years caring for them as their educator, you’ll watch them slowly blossom as they develop relationships, new skills, and wonderful memories.
What has been your greatest achievement or accomplishment at work to date?
Entrada Montessori Academy just received an Exceeding rating from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. This
positions our centre amongst the highest rated early education services in Australia.
As the Centre Manager, I had the privilege to guide and assist my team throughout the assessment and rating process. I am happy to
say that the relationships between our students and staff have never been better, and I am so proud of all the Entrada educators, and their role in ensuring our campus and curriculum is a natural extension of each child’s home and family.
Our team are incredibly proud of our Exceeding Rating, which reinforces our commitment to delivering an exceptional early learning
experience for our students and families.
Finally, what do you wish for your students?
Every year I want to see each Entrada student enjoy the full benefits of the Montessori curriculum. The Montessori Philosophy gives every child the independence, practical life skills, and understanding of their environment and their place within it, amongst many other wonderful benefits, as a foundation for their educational career.
For our graduating preschool students, I want them to reach their learning potential, and to be prepared for the next step of their educational journey; Primary School.