My journey into early childhood teaching began with my son, Kaya.

When he was attending kindergarten, I wanted to better understand his learning needs and how I could support him. As his mother, I wanted to feel more confident that I could help him learn, grow and feel supported.

I didn’t know then that taking that first step would lead me to a new career and a sense of purpose that would become so close to my heart.

Now, after 10 years at Community Kids in Victoria, I can see how much that decision has shaped my life. What began with wanting to support my own child has grown into an opportunity to make a difference to many other children, families and educators around me.

A new direction, inspired by motherhood

Before moving into early learning, my background was in retail business management. Studying early childhood education was a completely new direction, but my determination to help Kaya gave me the motivation to begin.

I started with a Certificate III, then completed my Diploma, a Bachelor of Education and an Honours program focused on research.

Returning to study wasn’t easy. But each step helped me build the knowledge and understanding I had been looking for. As I learned more, I grew in confidence, both as a mother and as someone beginning a new career.

My studies also deepened my interest in cultural inclusion and the importance of building strong partnerships between families and educators. I began to see how I could use my knowledge and experience to help other families feel understood, valued and supported.

Kaya was my reason for starting. Along the way, I found a passion for teaching and a new sense of purpose far beyond my own family.

Helping families feel they have someone beside them

After completing my studies, I worked as a relief teacher in sessional kindergartens. That gave me opportunities to learn from different settings and see how other teachers supported and engaged with children.

In 2016, I joined Community Kids, and I’ve been here ever since.

I brought my teaching knowledge with me, but I also brought my experience as a mum. I understand how important it is for families to have someone who will listen, care about their child and help them work through questions about their learning and development.

Supporting families is one of the parts of my work closest to my heart.

Every child is precious to their family. Conversations about their needs can be emotional, so I approach them with respect, reassurance and time. I want families to feel comfortable coming to me when they’re ready.

I want families to know that I’m here when they need someone to talk to, someone to listen, or simply someone to help them take the next step.

Over the years, I’ve helped and supported families connect with allied health professionals and additional services, and supported them with referral information and applications.

Being able to help a family take that next step means so much to me. I want them to know they have someone beside them who cares about their child. They are not alone.

Growing in confidence, every day

During my time at G8, I’ve continued to grow, both personally and professionally. I’m learning every day in the classroom, from the children, from families and from the people I work alongside. There is always something to reflect on, a different approach to explore or a new idea that can help me better support a child.

Professional learning and mentoring have played an important part in my journey. I’ve had the opportunity to work with wonderful educators, leaders and members of the education team who have supported and encouraged me throughout my career.

I still reflect on my practice every day. Did something work? If it didn’t, how could I do it better next time? What can I learn?

I want to keep learning, keep growing and keep becoming the best version of myself, and I know there is always more to learn.

Finding purpose in helping others grow

As my own confidence has grown, sharing my learning with others has become one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

Acting as a mentor across the centre has given me the opportunity to work beyond my kindergarten room and alongside educators supporting younger children.

Together, we explore teaching strategies, learning environments and ways to support children with different abilities and needs. We also look at how children build the foundations they need for school throughout their early years.

I’m  also developing my mentoring skills to support Early Childhood Teachers working towards full teacher registration. Being able to support other teachers is very meaningful to me.

Some of my proudest moments have come from seeing colleagues grow in confidence. Educators I’ve worked alongside and mentored have gone on to lead rooms and teams, while others have found the confidence to take the next step in their studies.

Knowing that I’ve had a positive influence on someone’s professional growth is so rewarding. Seeing them use their knowledge, lead their own team and share their learning with others makes it even more special.

Growth as a team

To me, mentoring is a way of paying it forward.

I can mentor someone, they can learn from me, and then they can go on to mentor someone else. That’s growth as a team. To me, that’s what thriving together looks like.

When we learn from each other, that learning reaches the children and families we support. We bring new ideas into our practice, reflect together and keep finding ways to respond to each child’s needs.

I’ve been lucky to have people who believed in me, encouraged me and shared their knowledge throughout my own journey. Now, being able to do the same for someone else is something I’m really proud of.

Growth comes back to passion

For me, growth always comes back to passion.

It’s what makes me want to learn, research, encourage and celebrate. It’s what makes me want to come to work every day.

My journey began with wanting to better support Kaya. That decision helped me grow as a mum, as a person and as a teacher. Today, I have the opportunity to share that learning and help others find their own confidence and purpose.

That means so much to me.

This World Teachers’ Day, I want to celebrate the amazing teachers who come to work every day to support, encourage, advocate and be a voice for young children.

Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep making a difference.

Happy World Teachers’ Day. You are amazing. Keep doing what you’re doing and shine.

Written by Songul, Early Childhood Teacher at Community Kids.