"As hard and as challenging as it can be, you won’t find something as rewarding as watching children grow and develop”, explains Hannah from Banksia Kids, as to one of the main reasons why she loves her job as an early childhood educator.
Hannah 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 this profession. For as long as Hannah can remember, she has always loved caring for children; it’s one of her true passions.
Below is our full interview with Hannah. 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?
For as long as I can remember I have loved caring for children, it has been a passion of mine forever. I have taken on any opportunity to care and support children younger than me. My mind has always swayed between various careers in which I might take part but I always knew childcare was what I could do forever.
My passion and drive to help children develop and succeed is never ending and I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have been presented with. Becoming an educator, developing relationships with children and families has been the most rewarding experience of my life and I am so thankful for those who guided me through this journey.
What motivated you to become a childcare educator? Are there any specific childhood experiences or influences that led you to choose this career path?
I knew from a young age I wanted to work with children in some way, I didn't know how or what but that is what I needed to be doing. Being given the opportunity to become an educator at such a young age, to learn and grow throughout the job is such a reward. This role is so much more than I could've ever expected and I am so proud of things I have achieved. The children I have watched grow over the past 2 years have provided me with so much love and joy, caring and supporting them is the best job.
What age groups of children have you worked with, and what have you enjoyed about working with these specific age groups?
Throughout my current role I have worked with children aged from 6 months - 5 years. However, my most experienced age group is 3-5 years. Assisting with this age of development is so rewarding for me, engaging with each individual child and learning about them as their own person. Their engagement amongst themselves is ever changing and growing, requiring guidance and love to support their constant changes. Being a part of their change and experiences at such a poignant age is so special to me.
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?
Of course patience, empathy, care and communication are very important when working with children, I don't believe any of this would be possible without those vital skills. I have grown within myself throughout this job, building confidence, further understanding and creativity when it comes to what I do for the children. I am able to reflect upon my own skills and the way I work, allowing me to adapt for the better.
Not only is it important to build strong bonds with the children but also with the staff and parents as well, allowing for adequate collaboration within the centre. Continuing to research ideas for children, learning more about your role and actively seeking more knowledge helps me build confidence and a stronger ability in what I do.
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 activity to do with the children is reading and discussing. Reading to the children as you watch them listen closely and scan the page for any new information they can find. Building on their visual literacy skills by discussing what they see and hear, collaborating ideas allows them to build stronger bonds amongst each other and with their educators. I love providing the children with new information and helping develop further imagination. Role playing books is another way of showing their understanding of what they have read, allowing them to get creative and explore their own minds.
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?
I love watching each child develop in their one way, seeing the uniqueness of each child is amazing to witness. Being able to see the children ready to head off to school is one of the happiest and saddest moments. Knowing I will no longer have them in my care can be difficult to grapple with but seeing them head into school with so much confidence and excitement, whilst knowing I was lucky enough to assist them with making that transition a little easier, is an incredible feeling that I can't even fathom.
Finally, what message or words of encouragement do you have for aspiring childcare educators who are considering entering this profession?
If you're ever questioning whether or not you should, just go for it. As hard and as challenging as it can be, you won’t find something as rewarding as watching children grow and develop. You will witness so much growth and transition from a number of different children and families. Knowing you are having an impact on each child's life, assisting them in any way you can.
