From School Leaver to Lead Educator: My Career Journey in Early Childhood Education
My name’s Aimee, and I’m currently a Lead Educator in the Junior Kindy Room at Kool Kids in Queensland. I’ve been working in the childcare industry for three and a half years now, and I left school at 16 to pursue this career.
It wasn’t something I had fully mapped out at the time, but I knew children were my passion and what I wanted to do. Looking back, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Leaving school to pursue my passion
When I was at school, I wasn’t exactly sure what career path I wanted to take. But I did know I wanted to work with children, and that’s what led me to leave school and start my career in early childhood education.
I grew up in a big family - l’m one of 10, so I was always around children. Looking after younger siblings, nieces, nephews, and family friends was something that came naturally to me - I loved being that person who could make children feel safe, cared for, and happy.
That’s what l’ve built my career around. I still love walking into work every day and seeing the children’s smiles. Knowing that I’ve helped create a space where they feel safe and happy. It’s such a rewarding job, and I would honestly recommend it to anyone.
Growing from Assistant to Lead Educator
When I first joined G8 Education, I joined as an Assistant Educator while studying my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. After about six months, I stepped up into a Lead Educator role, which has been an amazing opportunity to grow and gain more experience.
Before moving into the role, I worked closely with our Educational Leader, who spent time training me and showing me how to complete learning stories, reflections, and daily practices.
By the time I stepped up, I felt confident and supported, which made the transition much smoother.
Surrounded by support
One of the biggest things that has helped me grow is the support from my team. I never feel scared to ask questions and there’s always support from my Centre Manager, our Educational Leader, and the rest of the team. I can also go to other Lead Educators, and even Assistants who have been there longer, and bounce ideas off them.
It’s been really nice to know that I can ask for help and not feel ashamed. That kind of environment makes a big difference, especially when you’re still learning and starting out in your career. It reminds you that you don’t have to know everything straight away. You learn on the job, you ask questions, and you grow through experience.
A team that feels like family
Our team culture is very caring, thoughtful, and honestly feels like a family. We celebrate everything together as a centre. Recently, we celebrated Holi, where we held a fun run using coloured powder and water with the children. The celebration was messy, colourful, and a lot of fun, with everyone getting involved.
I love that we don’t just celebrate the children’s cultures, but also the cultures of our educators. It brings everyone together and creates such a positive environment.
The best part of my day
The best part of my role is building connections with the children. When you first start in a room, some children might be unsure or shy around you. But over time as trust builds, you become part of their safe place and their extended family.
Watching that change and building that trust is definitely one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
A career that feels meaningful
As educators, we play a really important role in a child’s early years. Some children are with us from when they’re babies to starting school. Those first five years are so important, and the time we spend with them, the way we support them, talk to them, and the experiences we provide - has a lasting impact.
Alongside their families, we’re helping raise the next generation, and that’s something I’m really proud to be part of.
My advice for school leavers
If you’re thinking about going straight into the workforce or starting a career in early childhood education, my advice is simple:
You might hear people say that childcare isn’t worth it, but I’m here to tell you that it really is. You don’t need to have your whole future mapped, just take that first step. You’ll never regret it, and you won’t look back.
