Hi, I'm Steph, and I have the privilege of serving as a Centre Manager for G8 Education at Kindy Patch, Salisbury Heights.
Beyond my daily responsibilities, I also wear the hat of a First Steps trainer. This role allows me to step out into the broader G8 community, support new Centre Managers, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Today, I want to share my journey and insights as a First Steps trainer, and how this role has enriched my professional life and the lives of those I work with.
My career at G8 Education began as an assistant educator and over the years, I have followed the traditional career path moving all the way up to a Centre Manager position and more recently taking on the additional role of a First Steps Trainer. Taking on the role of a First Steps Trainer allows me to extend my impact beyond my own Centre as I step into other Centre's and support new Centre Managers within their first six months. As a First Steps trainer I am provided guidance and support from our Support Office team and undertake training such as a specialised Train-The-Trainer course, to equip me with the skills needed to provide the best learning and induction experience for our new Centre Managers.
For new Centre Managers, stepping into a new service can be daunting. I try to help make this transition as smooth as possible, by providing them with the necessary support and resources. We help them settle in quickly and feel like they are part of something great. One of the most fulfilling moments is seeing a new manager grow in confidence and competence. Knowing that I played a part in their journey is incredibly rewarding.
The induction process is a critical phase where we work closely with the Area Manager to ensure that new centre managers feel comfortable and supported. We start by collaborating on the induction plan, which includes everything from understanding the day-to-day operations to getting acquainted with their team. We often support new managers during their first team meeting, this initial interaction is crucial as it helps them build rapport with their team and sets the stage for a positive working environment. We also provide them with a comprehensive workbook that serves as a guide to help them navigate their new role effectively.
Being a First Steps trainer has significantly enhanced my relationships within the G8 community, networking is a vital part of our role, it’s great to have a community of people I can collaborate and share ideas with, especially when organizing centre events, welcoming new children at the start of the year, or planning graduations, this has been a huge benefit of taking on the First Steps Trainer role.
The ongoing mentoring is another key component of the role, and this expands beyond just the Centre Manager, we often have team members from other services come in to help with mentoring and coaching and vice versa. This exchange of ideas and practices is invaluable. It allows us to see different environments and gain new perspectives; by sharing our experiences and learning from each other, we can implement best practices that benefits everyone involved.
Being a First Steps trainer at G8 Education is more than just a job; it's a journey of growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement. By supporting new Centre Managers, building strong relationships, and fostering a culture of mentorship, we create a thriving community where everyone can succeed.
