"It is such a rewarding feeling to know that you are impacting these children’s lives in such a positive, uplifting way”, explains Caity from Educating Kids CBD Townsville when asked what some of the best parts of being a childcare educator are.
Caity was one of our well-deserved Thank You Educators winners and we spoke with her about her experiences as an educator and what inspired her to get started in the early childhood education and care sector. Caity says that becoming a mum at an early age was one of the main reasons she decided to pursue a career as an educator; to make her daughter proud but to also fulfill her love of supporting children to overcome challenges.
Below is our full interview with Caity. Read on for more inspiration and understanding of the value childcare educators have in our community:
Can you tell us about your background and experience in childcare? How did you get started in this profession?
After leaving school, I had no idea about what I would do as a career. I then thought about trying childcare. My love for children has always shown in my life. I have always been a protector and guided those who are younger than me. I have always loved watching and helping children to overcome challenges. That is when I realised that I really wanted to be a part of this industry.
Being there and helping children in their achievements, development and growth is what makes work an easy, happy and rewarding place to be for me. After starting in the childcare industry, I knew that it was the right fit for me. I have always loved going to work, enjoyed my job and the role I have been involved in during my time as an educator.
What motivated you to become a childcare educator? Are there any specific childhood experiences or influences that led you to choose this career path?
Becoming a mum at just 19 had really influenced my decisions on being a childcare educator. After leaving school and becoming a young mum with no sense of what my career path would be, I wanted my little girl to look up to me one day as a proud daughter who has seen how hard her Mum works and all the efforts I will go to be able to help any child.
Also my daughter looking up to me for always being a safe space for any child to be able to come to me with open arms. After deciding to work in childcare and knowing that I am doing it all for the children and treating all children how I would want my little girl to be treated - I know she will be proud.
What age groups of children have you worked with, and what have you enjoyed about working with these specific age groups?
I have worked with all age groups. However, my most experienced age groups are 2-3 & 3-4 year olds. I absolutely love seeing the growth within these age groups. Teaching them the most valuable things and being there and watching the children’s achievements. Whether it be helping and watching them improve and develop their language skills, self-help skills & cognitive skills.
All age groups are amazing. Although, to be a part of these two age groups is very special to me as the children are starting to understand a lot more of what is said to them and how to respond.
What do you believe are the most important qualities or skills that a childcare educator should possess? How do you continue to learn and develop those skills in your own journey as an educator?
I believe the most important qualities or skills to have as an educator are communication skills, patience, creativity, being empathic and having nurturing and caring skills. Having confidence, adaptability, understanding, and being enthusiastic in all areas will help you work towards and strive in the childcare industry.
Self-reflection within yourself and with those you work with. Always being open-minded to others’ ideas and ways of doing things. Regularly critically reflecting is key. Keeping up with all policy and procedures that are in place and updated to help you to gain more knowledge and understanding of your role.
Can you share some of your favorite activities or projects that have had a significant impact on the children's learning and development?
My favourite activities to do with the children are singing, dancing & making music - seeing the joy, laughter and happiness on the children’s faces when you do these things with them. Singing, dancing and making music is a way to foster physical skills, helps to improve memory, it can benefit cognitive development and helps include culture.
Also painting, drawing, sensory play involving things like playdough and clay encourages the children to bring out their creative abilities and see where their imagination takes them. It’s a great way to see where they are at developmentally and how to help them improve in any area. It’s a good way to work on improving motor skills, hand-eye coordination can help to improve social skills along with literacy and numeracy skills.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a childcare educator for you? Are there any memorable success stories or moments in your career that you would like to share?
Watching the children grow and building relationships with families… Some occasions being there from when a baby first starts care when they are 6 months old - just learning how to sit up right and now they are 2-3, 3-4 year olds running around, talking, telling you stories, being aware of their emotions. You really feel like you have helped them as much as you can, you've done your best to teach them, guide them, you've been there in moments and days when they are emotional - to pick them back up and comfort them.
When you walk in to start your day and each child runs up screaming your name in excitement that you are there, is truly a really rewarding feeling. Building a trusting relationship with their parents and having families, knowing you have done something right when they feel a sense of belonging around you, ask you for advice or confide in you and following the parents decision makings. Respecting that all values and beliefs may be different for each family.
Finally, what message or words of encouragement do you have for aspiring childcare educators who are considering entering this profession?
Some days may feel hard and some days may feel like a challenge but at the end of every week if your heart's in it, it is such a rewarding feeling to know that you are impacting these children’s lives in such a positive, uplifting way. Knowing that a good education system can really make a child’s life so much better and to be a part of it is truly amazing. Show up every day, be enthusiastic and have a positive mind set and you will have an amazing experience.
