Careers & Professional Development Articles | ��ר��

The Future Starts With Us: Meet Our Display Winners

Michele Mayhew — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:58:34 +0000

On Early Childhood Educators’ Day, centres across our network unveiled something special. Children, educators and families had spent weeks working together on displays inspired by this year’s national theme, The Future Starts With Us!

The results were creative, heartfelt and full of big dreams. Today, we are proud to celebrate our zone winners and share the stories behind their work.

A project built around one big idea

Early Childhood Educators’ Day was held on Wednesday 2 September 2026. The day is an , which set this year’s theme. You can read how we marked the day in our post, The Future Starts With Us: Celebrating Early Childhood Educators’ Day 2026.

To extend the celebrations, we invited our centres to take part in a national display project during September. Each display brought together the dreams of the educators and children in the centre.

Families were part of it too. They were invited to add their hopes and goals for their children, and to learn about the dreams their children had shared.

Centres revealed their displays on Early Childhood Educators’ Day. Many took the project a step further with a “Future You!” dress up day for educators and children.

The project was sponsored by . Each winning centre receives a $250 MTA voucher to spend on resources for their children.

Our zone winners

Congratulations to the following centres, recognised as zone winners from Darwin to Perth, and from Melbourne to Canberra:

The Beach Early Learning Centre Wyong

Every display was different, but a few themes came through strongly.

Educators who were once little dreamers

Several centres turned the spotlight on their own teams. They asked a simple question: what did our educators want to be when they grew up?

At Milestones Early Learning Helena Valley, educators shared their childhood photos. The team reflected on the little people they once were, and the journeys that led them into early childhood education.

Aussie Kindies Early Learning Glen Innes placed each educator’s face onto an image of the career they once dreamed of. The display sits at the centre entrance, and children now stop to point out their educators at drop-off and pick-up. Staff often hear children telling their parents how “Miss Ruby looks so cool as a vet”.

Kids Academy Early Learning Regentville took its lead from a “When I Grow Up” project in the Junior Prep room. Educators were pictured in their dream careers, next to photos celebrating the path they chose instead.

At Milestones Early Learning Toronto, the preschool children’s love of space set the scene. Educators were pictured on a rocket ship journey into their futures. A “Guess Who?” game asked families to match each childhood photo to an educator. It was such a hit that the centre kept it out for four days.

Milestones Toronto

Milestones Helena Valley

Aussie Kindies Glen Innes

Kids Academy Regentville

Children’s dreams in their own words

Other centres put children’s voices at the centre of the display.

At Milestones Early Learning Darwin City, the display grew out of conversations during Book Week. Preschool children created self-portraits and drew pictures of who they might become. The team said:

“The most rewarding part was listening to the children’s ideas and watching their imaginations come to life.”

Milestones Early Learning Lynwood showcased the children’s real skills and creativity. The display captured their dreams while also celebrating their growing fine motor skills.

The Beach Early Learning Centre Wyong celebrated children as capable learners. The display featured Future Scientists, Little Artists and Future Athletes, linked to the STEM, creative arts and physical activities children had explored.

At Kids Academy Early Learning Rivett, the Junior Preschool and Preschool children created pictures, and families were invited to share their own childhood dreams. Writing their responses together gave parents and children a chance to talk about their dreams.

Milestones Darwin City

Kids Academy Rivett

Milestones Lynwood

The Beach Early Learning Centre Wyong

Families at the heart of it

Families played a big part in making these displays meaningful.

At Milestones Early Learning Riverstone Rise, the team gathered families’ hopes and dreams for their children through Storypark and in person. Children stopped to show their families the display each day, and it sparked a new interest in rockets. The display has also become a helpful talking point on centre tours.

Kids Academy Early Learning Regentville invited families to share feedback about their educators and received 26 responses. One family wrote:

“Cool, calm and collected - the three of you bring such a beautiful feeling to the babies’ room.”

At Milestones Early Learning Toronto, families answered the question, “How have our educators helped shape your child’s future this year?” Their notes were added to the display alongside the children’s drawings.

Milestones Riverstone Rise

Thank you

Thank you to every educator, child and family who took part. Your displays showed exactly why this year’s theme matters. The early years lay the foundations for the future, and our educators help build them every day.

Thank you to Modern Teaching Aids for sponsoring the project, and to the Australian Childcare Alliance for the theme that inspired it.

If these stories have you thinking about your own future, you can explore a career as an educator with ��ר��.

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25 years, generations of children: Miss Veronica’s full-circle story at Aussie Kindies Gilgandra

Michele Mayhew — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 03:08:23 +0000

When Veronica Sutherland started at a small childcare centre in Gilgandra in 2000, she was there to help in the office. Twenty-five years later, the children she once cared for are bringing their own children through the same doors.

Today, "Miss Veronica" is the Centre Manager of and one of the most recognised faces in town. Her story shows what early childhood education can mean to a community when the same people show up for its children, year after year.

From the office to the educator floor

When Veronica first joined, the centre was called The Learning Tree. She was employed as "the office lady", looking after administration.

That changed when the centre found itself short of educators.

"They were struggling for educators, so silly me went and did my Diploma to help them out!" Veronica said.

When the Centre Manager later moved on, Veronica stepped into the role. She has now led the centre for more than 20 years.

"I stepped in and never looked back. I've been a jack of all trades," she said.

Her path from administration to qualified educator to centre leader is one that many people in the sector follow. ��ר�� supports team members to gain qualifications such as the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and to build towards centre leadership roles.

Miss Veronica holding her staff photo from 2006

Hundreds of children, one familiar face

Each year, around 20 to 25 children graduate from the centre's Preschool Program. Over 25 years, that means Veronica and her team have helped prepare more than 500 local children for the move to primary school.

For Veronica, the greatest reward is seeing where those children go next.

"The highs every day come from the children. I'll be in the supermarket and hear, 'Miss Veronica!' It might be a three year old or it might be a 30 year old recognising me!" she said.

"I have the photos and memories of hundreds of Gilgandra's little people, and now I see those same people walking around town as adults. It's beautiful to have been part of their journey."

A photograph that tells the whole story

One photograph on Veronica's desk captures her legacy better than any certificate could. It shows five children she cared for in the nursery during her early years at the centre, reunited years later when they were in high school.

Two of the girls in that photograph are now sending, or preparing to send, children of their own to Aussie Kindies Gilgandra. Another came back to the centre to work as an educator.

One of those former nursery children, Hayley Sutton, will see her daughter start at the centre in 2027.

"My memories are so happy, it's the number one centre in my eyes," Hayley said.

"Even though it's scary to be sending my daughter off to daycare next year, I know she's going to be in great hands, and my son will go the year after."

In 2026, the milestone has become even more personal. Veronica's own granddaughter is graduating from the centre's Preschool Program and getting ready to start primary school.

A photo of five children Miss Veronica cared for in the nursery during her early years at the centre sits on her desk.

Built on a team that stays

Veronica is quick to share the credit with the people around her. Many of her team have been part of the centre for a long time.

Early Childhood Teacher Melissa Watt has worked alongside Veronica for 20 years
Educator Kristy has been with the centre for 14 years
Educator Michelle Holland has been with the centre for seven years

"When you get great people, we stay together as a team and we do everything for the children to help them develop a lifelong love of learning," Veronica said.

"I've always tried to run the centre the best I can. I believe in good management and making sure our families and team value and respect the service we provide."

"I can't say there have been a lot of lows. Staffing is always a challenge, but I've genuinely enjoyed every day here and I've got a great team."

A legacy that has come full circle

��ר�� CEO Glen Hurley said Veronica's 25 years of service represented an extraordinary contribution to both early education and the Gilgandra community.

"There are very few careers where you have the privilege of seeing the impact of your work come full circle quite like this. Veronica has cared for and educated children who are now returning to Aussie Kindies Gilgandra as parents themselves, entrusting her team with the next generation of their family. That is an extraordinary legacy," Mr Hurley said.

"For 25 years, Veronica has been a passionate advocate for children's learning, safety and wellbeing. She has led with warmth, resilience and an unwavering commitment to quality, building the kind of trust with families that can only be earned over time. We are incredibly proud to have Veronica as part of ��ר�� and enormously grateful for everything she has contributed to her team, her families and the Gilgandra community," he said.

Miss Veronica celebrates 25 years at Aussie Kindies Gilgandra

Morning tea, football in Japan and no plans to stop

Some of Veronica's favourite memories happened well beyond the centre gates.

"One of my favourites was three of the boys who, when they graduated from kindy, told their parents they wanted to take me out for morning tea at the cafe down the road, and so we walked down and had tea together," she said.

"They still keep in touch. One of them is over in Japan playing football. I'm so proud of what the children achieve, and I love following their lives."

After a quarter of a century at the centre, Veronica has no immediate plans to step away.

"I'm 65 now and my husband says I won't retire. I think he's right," she said. "While I can keep doing this job, I will."

Congratulations, Miss Veronica, and thank you for 25 years of care, learning and community in Gilgandra.

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Professional Development Pathways at ��ר��: Growing Capability, Confidence and Careers��

��ר��’s Workforce and Resourcing Team — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 03:57:59 +0000

In early education, professional growth��isn’t��a “nice to have”,��it’s��essential.��

Educators do some of the most important work in our communities, supporting children’s learning,��wellbeing��and development during the most formative years of their lives. To do that well, they need more than passion alone. They need confidence, capability, and access to learning that genuinely supports them at every stage of their career.��

At ��ר��, professional development is not treated as a one-off course or a compliance requirement.��It’s��an ongoing pathway – one that recognises where educators are now, where they want to go, and the��many different ways��a meaningful career in early education can grow.��

A career that grows with you

No two educators follow the same path.��

Some begin their journey as trainees or certificate-qualified educators. Others enter the sector with years of experience, or with leadership aspirations already in mind. Some are drawn to curriculum and pedagogy, while others discover a passion for mentoring, centre leadership, or broader support roles.��

Affinity’s approach to professional development is designed to reflect this diversity. Pathways are flexible,��layered��and practical,��supporting educators to build skills over time, rather than forcing everyone into the same mould.��

Whether an educator’s goal is to deepen their practice in the room, step into leadership, or explore new opportunities across the organisation, there are clear pathways to help them progress when��they’re��ready.��

Learning that’s practical, relevant and supported

Professional development is most effective when it connects directly to everyday practice.��

Through the Affinity Learning Academy, educators access structured learning opportunities designed specifically for early education settings,��not generic training programs. Learning focuses on building confidence in areas such as:��

Child development and curriculum delivery��
Leadership and people management��
Communication with families��
Compliance,��quality��and continuous improvement��
Personal wellbeing and professional resilience��

Importantly, learning is supported, not siloed. Educators are guided by experienced leaders,��mentors��and peers, helping them apply what they learn in real environments, with real teams and children.��

For many educators, this ongoing support is what turns learning into long-term capability.��

Clear pathways, not vague promises

Career progression can feel uncertain if pathways��aren’t��visible.��

Affinity is intentional about providing clarity around career pathways, helping educators understand how roles connect and how skills develop over time. These pathways may include progression into roles such as:��

Room Leader��
Educational Leader��
Assistant Centre Manager��
Centre Manager��
Specialist and support roles across education, quality,��operations��and support teams��

Progression is encouraged, not rushed. Educators are supported to grow at a pace that aligns with their readiness,��interests��and life stage.��

Explore career pathways at ��ר��

Supporting educators to stay, and thrive

Retention in early education is��closely linked��to feeling supported,��capable��and valued.��

At Affinity, professional development is designed to support not just progression, but sustainability.��Learning builds confidence,��reduces uncertainty and supports educators through the natural challenges of the profession,��whether��that’s��managing a busy room or stepping into leadership for the first time.��

By investing in capability and clarity, Affinity aims to create environments where educators can do their best work, supported by strong systems and people around them.��

Considering your next step?

For educators exploring new opportunities, professional development is often a deciding factor.��

Affinity’s commitment to structured learning, visible pathways and internal progression reflects a broader belief: that educators deserve careers with depth,��stability��and opportunity,��not just roles.��

Whether��you’re��early in your career or ready for your next step, professional development at Affinity is designed to support growth that feels achievable,��relevant��and supported.��

Learn more about careers at ��ר��

Discover the Affinity Learning Academy

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Building Capability and Connection: 2025 Affinity National Educators Professional Development Workshop Series

Michele Mayhew — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 04:52:15 +0000

At ��ר��, we know that great educators build great futures. That’s why, in July 2025, our Education Team partnered with to design and deliver a new series of funded professional development workshops focused on educator wellbeing, reflective practice, and continuous improvement.

Between September and October 2025, more than 4,800 Affinity team members, from trainees and educators to early childhood teachers and centre leadership teams, took part in over 200 workshops hosted across Australia.

These sessions formed part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing a highly skilled, confident, and supported workforce that delivers exceptional education and care to children and families every day.

A National Initiative with a Shared Purpose

The workshop series, titled “Nurturing, Safe and Positive Interactions with Children,” was a natural evolution of a pre-existing online module developed in partnership with Dr Lesley Jones in 2023. Updated with the latest insights from neuroscience and best practice guidance for the early education sector, the program focused on building emotionally safe and trusting relationships between educators and children.

Facilitated by Affinity’s Quality and Education Advisors, alongside Affinity Learning Academy Development Coaches, the sessions encouraged collaboration, open reflection, and practical learning.

“This year has been difficult for our sector, and especially for many of our educators who do amazing work with children every day,” said Katie Hancock, National Education Manager at Affinity. “The intention behind this series was to show how much we believe in our people and the work they do. Providing paid, in-person learning with the support of our executive team made this a truly meaningful experience.”

Collaboration with Phoenix Support for Educators

Affinity was proud to partner with Sandi Phoenix, one of Australia’s leading wellbeing specialists in early childhood education, and her team at Phoenix Support for Educators. Together, they co-created a series that blended theory and practice to strengthen educators’ emotional safety, self-reflection, and daily interactions with children.

“We focused on practical strategies for reflective practice and emotionally safe interactions,” explained Sandi Phoenix. “These sessions offered educators the time and space to reconnect with their purpose and strengthen relationships with children and colleagues. Affinity’s Education team showed a genuine dedication to supporting educators’ growth, confidence, and wellbeing.”

Learning Together, Growing Together

For many participants, the workshops were an opportunity to pause, share, and rediscover the joy at the heart of early education.

Molly Ham, a Queensland-based facilitator, reflected:

“It was a wonderful opportunity to align our shared vision and enrich our educator toolkit with new strategies and resources. The energy and willingness of everyone to share ideas, challenges, and successes truly demonstrated the strength of our Affinity community. Remember, say what you see, and ask a question - it’s a simple strategy that can have a powerful effect.”

The impact was felt immediately across centres. Autumn Haley, Centre Manager at , shared:

“After just two training sessions, I’ve already seen a big difference in the way educators interact with children. There’s more positive praise, meaningful discussions about consent, and calm, engaging environments. The children are responding in such positive ways, it’s been amazing to see.”

A Lasting Impact

Affinity’s 2025 professional development series is a testament to our ongoing investment in people. By creating space for connection, reflection, and collaboration, we’re strengthening the foundation for quality early education across Australia, one educator at a time.

As Katie Hancock noted, “When educators feel valued, confident, and supported, children thrive. That’s what drives everything we do.”

��ר�� ר��

��ר�� is one of Australia’s largest providers of early childhood education and care, operating over 240 centres nationwide. Through our exclusive Lifelong Learning Curriculum, we’re proud to deliver quality education supported by evidence-based professional development for our educators and leaders.

Explore a career with ��ר�� and join a team where professional development is prioritised.

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Bright Beginnings Taree Celebrates Exceeding National Quality Standards

Michele Mayhew — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 01:03:01 +0000

It’s celebration time at��Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre in Taree, with the team officially awarded an��Exceeding National Quality Standard (NQS) rating��in their recent Assessment and Rating.

This achievement is a proud moment for the educators, families, and wider community, and marks a huge milestone for the centre, which was last assessed at��Meeting��in 2019. Now, Bright Beginnings joins the top-performing centres across NSW and Australia recognised for delivering education and care that goes beyond compliance, with continuous improvement and strong outcomes for children at the heart of what they do.

What “Exceeding” Means

The National Quality Standard sets the benchmark for early childhood education and care in Australia. Services rated��Exceeding NQS��demonstrate practice that is:

Beyond the requirements��in at least four of the seven quality areas
Consistently embedded��in service operations
Shaped by a culture of continuous improvement
Delivering positive outcomes for children’s learning, wellbeing, and development

For families, this means confidence that their children are thriving in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment every day.

Spotlight on Educators and Leadership

For Centre Manager��Jan Williams, who has been part of the Bright Beginnings community for more than 20 years, the Exceeding result is the culmination of dedicated teamwork and focused improvement since the centre joined ��ר�� in December 2024.

“After we were acquired by Affinity, our new Quality Advisor asked about our Quality Improvement Plan - we proudly showed her 18 focus areas,” laughs Jan. “Her first advice was ‘choose three!’”

With renewed focus, the team worked intensively on three core areas:

Embedding��Child Safe Standards��across practice
Enhancing��outdoor environments��with support from an Affinity-funded playground upgrade
Deepening��connections with the community

Jan says the support made a big difference. “Joining Affinity last year, I did feel nervous but quickly realised I still had a voice, and different support than under our previous owner. The training is amazing, and it’s clear Affinity wants us to feel confident that we can succeed.”

Educators at Bright Beginnings say the result belongs to everyone.��“We all feel proud that our hard work and commitment to children’s wellbeing and learning has been recognised,”��one team member shared.

Children and Families at the Heart

When the centre was notified of the upcoming assessment, Jan and her team used the short preparation window to focus on their educators’ wellbeing.

“We wanted our team to feel confident and calm when responding to the Authorised Officer’s questions, so we reassured them, prepared together, and made sure our evidence was ready,” she explained.

The two-day assessment became a positive experience, with educators proud to share their work. “We absolutely love what we do,” says Jan. “After the draft report, we went back with some additional evidence and were over the moon to be awarded Exceeding.”

For families, this rating reflects what they already know - that their children are learning, playing, and growing in a safe and supportive environment.

A Shared Commitment Across Affinity

This result is not only a proud milestone for Bright Beginnings, but also a reflection of the strong culture of quality and continuous improvement across ��ר��.

Currently,��92% of ��ר�� centres that have been through Assessment and Rating are rated Meeting or Exceeding NQS. In 2025 alone,��13% of centres assessed have achieved an Exceeding rating,��placing them among the top-performing services in Australia.

Behind the statistics are thousands of dedicated educators who show up every day with passion, professionalism, and care. Bright Beginnings’ Exceeding rating is one example of how this commitment is making a real difference for children and families across Australia.

Achievements like this highlight the importance of ongoing reflection and improvement across the early education sector. At Affinity, centres are supported by dedicated quality and training teams who work alongside educators to ensure children and families receive the highest standards of care and education.

Join Our Community

At Affinity, we’re proud of the difference our educators make every day.

For families:��Find a centre near you and book a tour.
For educators:��Explore a career with ��ר����and join a team where your work is celebrated.

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Together We Shine: Celebrating Our Educators This Early Childhood Educator Day

Michele Mayhew — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Every day across our centres, educators make a difference that goes far beyond teaching. From the hugs at drop-off to the spark of discovery during play, you bring light and belonging to children’s lives.

This Early Childhood Educator Day (3 September), we celebrate you, because together, we shine.

Why Early Childhood Educator Day Matters

Early Childhood Educator Day is a national event dedicated to thanking the professionals who give young children the best start in life.

At Affinity, we know the work you do is rewarding but also challenging. Some days are busy, some are emotional, and others are full of small victories that only you and the children truly understand. Through it all, your dedication makes a lasting impact.

The Many Hats You Wear

You are more than an educator. You are:

A mentor guiding children as they grow
A comforter when a little one is missing mum or dad
A coach encouraging resilience and persistence
A storyteller, scientist, artist, and explorer

It’s these roles, often unseen but always felt, that families treasure and children carry with them for life.

As one of our educators recently shared:

“The best part of my job is seeing the children’s faces light up when they discover something new. It reminds me why I chose this career in the first place.”

How Affinity Celebrates You

On 3 September, families across our centres will say thank you in their own special ways, with drawings, cards, and kind words. At Affinity, we’ll also be recognising the incredible contributions of educators across our national network. From centre shout-outs to shared stories of impact, we want every educator to feel proud of the difference they make.

So this Early Childhood Educator Day, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Be proud of the challenges you’ve overcome, the milestones you’ve helped children achieve, and the lives you’ve touched along the way.

Investing in Your Future

We believe that when you shine, children shine. That’s why we created the Affinity Learning Academy, to provide every team member with professional development, mentoring, and nationally recognised qualifications. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into leadership, there’s a pathway for you.

Because at Affinity, your growth matters as much as the growth you inspire in others.

Join Us and Shine With Us

To our incredible educators: thank you for the work you do every single day. This Early Childhood Educator Day, we celebrate you.

And if you’ve ever thought about joining ��ר��, now is the time. Explore opportunities on our Careers page and discover how you can shine with us.

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From Trainee to Qualified Educator: How Affinity Supports Your Career Every Step of the Way

Michele Mayhew — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:24:33 +0000

What if your workplace didn’t just offer a job, but gave you the tools to build a career?

At ��ר��, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and realise their full potential. That’s why we created the Affinity Learning Academy (ALA), Australia’s first fully funded, accredited training model of its kind in early education.

Since its launch in 2017, the ALA has supported more than 2,400 people to graduate with nationally recognised qualifications, and we’re proud to be welcoming our 2,500th graduate this August.

"Educators graduating from the Affinity Learning Academy leave with a wealth of knowledge and practical skills that make a lasting impact. Each graduate is equipped to guide, nurture, and shape the futures of the children in their care every single day."

Marie Shamim, National Training Leader, ALA

The Affinity Learning Academy Difference

Our Academy removes the traditional barriers to study, like cost, time, and confidence, so that passionate people can focus on building their future. Every team member who studies with the ALA receives:

Fully funded enrolment to complete Certificate III and Diploma qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care
Access to dedicated Development Coaches who offer one-on-one support
Customised learning plans and interactive resources tailored to different learning styles
Real-world, hands-on experience in our centres
A clear pathway to permanent roles, leadership opportunities, or even university study

More than 800 team members are currently enrolled, and the ALA continues to grow in impact, quality, and innovation.

“The best part is seeing the difference I make, and knowing I’m building a real career while doing something I love.”

Miss Shayna, ALA Graduate and Qualified Educator

Celebrating Our July 2025 Impact

869 students enrolled in Certificate III or Diploma
737 study units submitted
1,329 development sessions delivered by our Development Coaches
31 Academy team members, including Coaches and the Student Experience team

ALA Mid-Year Snapshot

This month, we’re celebrating our July 2025 graduates - educators who have juggled work, study, family life, and their commitment to children’s learning and care.

From their first units to their final assessments, these graduates have shown incredible dedication, resilience, and heart. They are the educators shaping Australia’s future, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Award-Winning Excellence

The Affinity Learning Academy has received multiple state and national accolades for its excellence in training, development, and employee support, including:

Large Employer of the Year Finalist - Queensland Metro Region 2023 & 2020
Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award Finalist - Queensland 2021
2023 Employer of Choice -
2023 HR Awards -

What’s Next?

We’re not slowing down. In August 2025, we’re launching:

New interactive videos and practical resources to enhance learning in-centre
Updates to our Bachelor Scholarship Pathway
An exciting new partnership with

Join Us - Let Your Potential Be Realised

Whether you’re just beginning or ready to take the next step, the Affinity Learning Academy is here to support your goals. Because when you grow, so do the children in your care.

Explore current roles

Learn more about the Affinity Learning Academy

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The Power of Mentorship in Early Childhood Education

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 01:52:59 +0000

Behind every confident educator is a story of someone who took the time to guide, support, and believe in them.

Maybe you’re just starting out. Maybe you’ve been in early education for a few years and wonder what’s next. Wherever you are, this story is for you.

In early childhood education, mentorship is more than just professional development. It’s a powerful relationship that helps educators thrive, personally, professionally, and emotionally. Whether it's a Centre Manager offering gentle guidance, or a fellow educator lending support through a tough day, mentorship creates a ripple effect that reaches children, families, and the broader community.

At ��ר��, we’ve seen how mentorship can turn potential into purpose, and how the simplest connections can shape long-term careers.

Why Mentorship Matters - Now More Than Ever

Early education is a deeply rewarding profession, but it can also be complex and emotionally demanding. Having someone in your corner, especially in those early days, can make all the difference.

Research shows that educators with access to mentors experience higher job satisfaction and are more likely to stay in the sector long term. One study found that mentorship programs in early childhood settings helped reduce burnout, improve educator retention, and foster a greater sense of belonging in the workplace (Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 2022).

Mentors offer more than advice - they offer clarity, confidence, and a sense of shared purpose.

“When you’re juggling nappies, nap times, and your own career goals, it helps to know someone’s been where you are and is ready to walk beside you.”

Mentorship in Action

Mentorship isn’t always formal. In our centres, it can look like:

A Lead Educator helping a trainee navigate their first week
A peer educator offering feedback after group time
A Centre Manager noticing someone’s potential and encouraging them to lead
A buddy system where experienced staff support new team members

Through our training pathways, online communities of practice, and peer coaching programs like “Take 5 with Dr Kaylene Henderson”, mentorship is embedded into the way we work, grow, and lead.

These everyday moments help educators feel safe to ask questions, reflect on their practice, and step into leadership roles with confidence.

Balancing Parenthood and Progression

Many of our educators are also parents, with their own children enrolled in the same centre. For them, mentorship can be especially meaningful.

Supportive mentors help educators navigate career progression in ways that align with their family responsibilities. That might mean flexible learning options, gradual leadership opportunities, or simply someone saying, “You’ve got this.”

At Affinity, we believe growth and parenthood don’t have to compete - they can coexist, beautifully.

Cassidy and Samara: A Full-Circle Story

One of the most inspiring examples of mentorship in action comes from our own Affinity community in Canberra.

Years ago, Samara hired Cassidy as a trainee, recognising her potential from the start. Under Samara’s mentorship, Cassidy began her journey in early childhood education, gaining confidence, experience, and a love for the profession.

Their paths eventually diverged, but the connection remained.

Fast forward to today: Samara has returned to Affinity as a Senior Centre Manager for the Canberra region. And where is Cassidy now? Leading the Nursery Room at - the same centre where they’re now reunited, working together once again.

“It’s amazing to see someone you supported years ago now leading their own team,” says Samara. “It reminds you why we do what we do.”

Their story is more than a happy coincidence - it’s a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, we create a culture that gives back tenfold.

Cassidy and Samara at Kids Academy Symonston. Their story is a powerful reminder of how mentorship can shape careers, strengthen teams, and bring people full circle.

Your Next Step - Mentor or Be Mentored

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to step into leadership, mentorship is always available, and always valuable.

You can:

Ask a colleague for feedback
Support a trainee or new educator
Talk to your Centre Manager about your career goals
Join a peer coaching session or leadership program

You don’t have to wait for a promotion to lead. Mentorship starts with showing up, sharing knowledge, and helping someone else feel seen.

Conclusion: One Conversation Can Change Everything

Mentorship is the quiet force behind every great educator. It turns doubt into direction, experience into wisdom, and connections into community.

One conversation. One mentor. One moment of belief. That’s all it takes to change a career, and a life. Who will you lift up today?

Explore career opportunities with us
Learn more about our training pathways
Discover what drives us

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Supporting Our Educators, Empowering Our Children: A New Coaching Series with Dr Kaylene Henderson

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 23:14:04 +0000

At ��ר��, we know that calm, confident educators create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the next phase of our Safety Starts With Me initiative - a new educator coaching video series developed in partnership with respected Australian Child Psychiatrist, Dr Kaylene Henderson.

Introducing: Take 5 with Dr Kaylene Henderson

Designed for early childhood educators, teachers, trainees and Centre Managers, this series features short, impactful coaching videos addressing real challenges faced in our rooms every day. Whether you’re supporting a child through separation anxiety, navigating a meltdown, or looking for practical strategies to respond to biting or hitting, Take 5 delivers calm, supportive guidance - in under 10 minutes.

Each video is warm, honest, and grounded in evidence-based practice - with tips you can use straight away. The topics covered include:

Biting, hitting and hurting in infants and young children
What to say and do after an aggressive outburst in older children
How to support neurodivergent children through transitions
The difference between natural and unrelated consequences
Separation anxiety (for children and parents)
Responding to upsets, meltdowns and big feelings
Giving clearer instructions and offering meaningful acknowledgements

These videos are available exclusively to ��ר�� employees. Please see the poster in your centre’s staff room for the video links.

What You Can Expect

Short and supportive: Most videos are around 7 minutes
Watch anytime: Designed to fit into a busy day
Created just for you: Based on the most common challenges you’ve told us about
Focused on connection: Because when educators feel empowered, children thrive

Learn more about how Affinity puts safety first >

Real-Life Example: Consequences that Teach

In one video, Dr Kaylene shares a powerful reminder:

“Children should never be made to feel bad in the hope this will inspire them to ‘do good’. They learn best when they feel calm, safe and connected to you.”

She gives an example from the classroom: when children use paintbrushes to swat at each other rather than paint, a natural consequence might be limiting the brushes for the rest of the day - a response directly connected to their actions and learning.

Compare that with an unrelated consequence, like cancelling an afternoon disco. That kind of punishment doesn’t help children understand what went wrong - and it can escalate behaviour and stress for everyone involved.

Dr Kaylene also explains how to use clearer, more specific instructions (like “Please pack all the blocks into the big tub and check under the shelves too”) instead of vague terms like “tidy up.” It’s this kind of language that sets children - and educators - up for success.

Dr Kaylene, second from left, with the ��ר�� team.

Uplifting and Empowering Educators

Dr Kaylene’s thoughtful, compassionate approach reminds us that no one gets it right all the time - and that’s okay. Behaviour is complex, and every child is different. What matters most is how we support one another.

“It’s honestly a privilege to be part of this project,” said Dr Kaylene. “Educators nurture, guide and comfort children through some of the most important years of their lives. That work is so valuable - but it can also be really tough. Initiatives like Take 5 help make sure no educator ever feels alone.”

Part of a Bigger Picture

This series builds on the success of our original Safety Starts With Me videos and forms part of our broader commitment to educator wellbeing and professional growth. From the Lifelong Learning Curriculum certification program to the more than 2000 graduates of our Affinity Learning Academy, we’re proud to support the people who show up every day for over 20,000 children across Australia.

As Dr Lesley Jones, our Chief Compliance and Quality Officer, puts it:

“When educators feel calm, confident, and connected, children feel safe. And when children feel safe, they learn better, build stronger relationships - and thrive.”

Take 5. Feel supported. Keep making a difference.

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, we hope the Take 5 series helps you feel more confident, more connected, and better equipped in your important role.

These videos are now available exclusively to ��ר�� employees - just check the staff room poster at your centre for access links. In the meantime, if you’d like further support, your Education team is always here to help.

Interested in joining a team that truly invests in your growth and wellbeing?

Explore careers at ��ר�� >

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��ר�� appoints Head of Learning & Development��

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 01:05:42 +0000

Nicholas Antuar has been appointed Head of Learning and Development - a new role created at ��ר�� for 2025 in line with our promise of Potential, Realised.��

“It’s fantastic to see a rapidly growing company such as ��ר�� investing in and supporting the growth and development of every team member,” Nicholas said.��

“I am inspired by the profound impact our people have every day on children’s lives, so it’s exciting to be able to bring my philosophy of investing in you, enriching their future to the future training and upskilling programs we will introduce here,” he said.��

In addition to previous experience in medium to large ECEC organisations, Nicholas has many years of learning and development experience in industries including banking, insurance, retail, telecommunications, energy and automotive, and is an experienced lecturer and tutor in Human Resource Management and Development at QUT.��

We look forward to seeing the impact he will make here at Affinity in 2025 and beyond.��

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