Lauren Harris - Thumbelina Daycare

Every month we profile an outstanding early childhood educator, to showcase the extraordinary commitment and energy of Australia's early childhood workforce. This month we are proud to introduce you to Lauren Harris who works at Thumbelina Daycare, in Edgecliff NSW.

What is your full name and which service do you work in?

My name is Lauren Harris, however, Amelie calls me LoLo, Zara calls me Miss Laweeeen and Banjo calls me Lollet. I am 25 years old and I work in Thumbelina Edgecliff where there are 65 children and 11 staff members.

What is your professional background and career experience?

After high school I chose to study early education and child care at college. I studied my first year in Oban Scotland and my second year in Glasgow. I achieved a B in my first year and an A in my second year…my best achievements ever!

Within both courses I did work experience, one was in a primary school class with 4-5 year old children and the other one was in a nursery with children aged 3-5. I was given great reports from my key workers whom I worked alongside while studying and working in this sector.

What attracted you to a career in the early childhood sector?

I love children! I like to make trusting relationships with children and seeing them grow and achieve within their developments is very rewarding. I also enjoy having such good relationships with parents and always want to make sure they are happy with the care and education we provide their children.

What does a 'normal' day look like for you?

It varies with our days! Some days we will divide the children into two groups if it is a large group for that day and other days we stay together. There is never usually a "normal" day!

What makes your service unique?

Our service is unique because it is a smaller centre to others, and I feel we have close relationships with each other as staff and have great relationships with all children. There is also a variety of different cultures throughout our centre including Nepalese, American, Scottish, English, and Australian.

What are some of the advantages of working in early childhood education and care?

The children are amazing! They make you smile and laugh. Some of the things that children do or say make me laugh and recognizing and getting to know their own little personalities is so special.

Working as part of such a close team is great because the team dynamic is strong and we genuinely want to help each other out so everyone is happy!

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the sector?

How early childhood education is viewed by other people not in that sector.

How has your service changed to deal with these challenges?

Through verbal and written communication and explaining routines and programmes to families. Through conducting orientations and tours educators explain the programmes provided for their children, why we do this and how it benefits their child's development.

How does the early childhood industry need to change to adapt to these challenges?

I think the industry has to value childhood educators as a whole by assisting in changing the public perception of childhood educators.

What advice would you offer someone thinking about a career or looking for a promotion in early childhood education and care?

I would say…Whatever is going to make you happy then go for it! Be prepared and organized and always try to stay on top of things! Remember:

"The best way to get things done is to begin"

"Teaching is a work of heart"

"Be happy in what you do"