Discovery Early Learning Centres

Discovery had an incredible experience at the Early Childhood Australia National Conference #ECA2024. From, learning from our peers across Australia, listening to the international keynote speakers, and respected and knowledgeable Elders, to our CEO attending the ECA Colloquia on Leadership and Ethics and our colleague being a finalist for a HESTA leadership award - this year is one we will not forget! We have so much information, ideas, learnings and experiences to take back to our teams - this conference has offered us the knowledge and inspiration we need to continue to improve our practices and the outcomes for the children in our care. Thank you ECA!

Please join us as we acknowledge a very special team member of ours - Andrea. Andrea has 20 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector, and has accumulated a vast range of experience in this time! Beginning her career as an unqualified Outside School Hours Care Educator, Andrea worked her way up through her studies to become the Director of a service. She won the opportunity to travel to a Childcare Conference in Kuala Lumpur, which allowed her to gain knowledge and understanding of the sector in another country. Starting with Discovery in 2022, Andrea initially worked as an Administration Support Officer and has now progressed into a role within the People & Culture Team. In her new role, Andrea assists with onboarding new staff, managing all aspects of employee training and qualifications, and works closely with our Manager of Innovation & Strategic Direction to support Discovery’s traineeship programs. Andrea has 3 adult children, 2 beautiful grandchildren and a partner. After spending 35 years playing/coaching softball as a hobby, she now enjoys spending her weekends with her family and friends. We truly appreciate all the work Andrea does behind the scenes in the office, bring her experience, knowledge and understanding of the sector to her work and to the People & Culture team. Thank you Andrea ❤✨ #discoveryearlylearning #career #leadership #ecec #qualityearlylearning

35 years ago, our educator, Koula, joined the early childhood education and care sector to make a difference, as she says, she wanted to "change the face of childcare", and for 35 years Koula has been doing just this - one wonderful relationship at a time and we are so grateful that she has chosen to be with Discovery and continue to make a positive difference with us over the last 10 years! Koula's career has evolved over the years, and with her tremendous experience, professional expertise, energy and vibrant personality, she has become a fundamental member of the Discovery team, a true leader within the sector. Koula's influence within her service extends beyond the leadership roles she has taken onboard like Room Leader and WHS Champion. She is a respected and sought after Mentor and passes on her ability and enthusiasm to continually grow, learn and listen to those around her. Her greatest career accomplishment and joy has been taking on the role as Bush Camp Coordinator for the Southern services. Koula thrives in this position, sharing her love for getting out and about in nature and the community with the children. Koula is one in a million, her spirited personality and humour make her a much loved team member amongst her colleagues and a favourite educator amongst the children and families. ❤ Koula's advice to new educators is to "never give up" - we think that's good advice to everyone! Thank you Koula, thank you for never giving up and giving your all each and every day. ❤ #career #leadership #ecec #qualityearlylearning #earlylearningmatters

Allow us to introduce you to our educator, Kaitlyn, who says that "from a young age, I have always had a passion for wanting to help the younger generation", and look at her now - kicking goals, supporting and guiding children as they grow and learn! Kaitlyn's experience in early childhood education and care with Discovery began when she was a child enrolled in one of our OSHC programs, she is now one of the Coordinators of the same program, a role that Kaitlyn is incredibly proud of! We are immensely proud of Kaitlyn as well. She completed her Certificate II in Community Services while in College, going on to then complete her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and is now currently enrolled to begin her Diploma studies! Already taking on the challenge of a leadership position, we are sure that Kaitlyn will continue going from strength to strength in the sector. Kaitlyn says that "working in ECEC is a very rewarding job, although it does take a lot of patience, dedication and teamwork!" The hard work is definitely worth it, and we are so glad that Kaitlyn pursued her passion and is living with such purpose. As thankful as we are to have such a dedicated team member, Kaitlyn states that she too is thankful, saying "I am really thankful for all the connections and lifelong friendships I have formed with the children and their families." ❤ We appreciate you Kaitlyn, and we are sure that the children and families are thankful for you too 🥰 #qualityearlylearning #earlylearningmatters #discoveryearlylearning #career #leadership #ecec

This is Bella, an educator who gets this glowing appraisal from her service: "Bella's unwavering determination to expand her knowledge and understanding of our profession is truly inspiring. She effortlessly cultivates and nurtures relationships with children , educators and families making her a valuable asset to our team." Great job Bella!! Bella joined Discovery in 2022, completing her Certificate III traineeship and jumping straight into her Diploma studies through Discovery's Diploma Traineeship Program. We are incredibly honoured to support Bella's professional growth as she enthusiastically takes the opportunities available to her through her formal studies, other professional development, and leadership opportunities. Bella is forging an inspiring career in our sector. We are so proud of her journey so far, as she says "when I started I lacked confidence, but the people here have helped support me and shape me into the educator I am today." She goes on to say that "a big accomplishment for me would be looking at where I started and where I am now, and the amount of self-growth I've achieved. I started as a trainee doing my Certificate III, and now I am a Room Leader - guiding my team, offering support and being a mentor for my colleagues." Congratulations and thank you for all you do Bella - early childhood professionals like you are the ones laying a foundation for the children of today to be the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring a better future for all of Australia. The work you do is vital, and we appreciate you ❤ #qualityearlylearning #earlylearningmatters #earlylearning #discoveryearlylearning #leadership #career #ecec

Please join us in recognising the budding career of our educator, Montana. Montana began her career in 2020, studying her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while still in school, growing her interest and fondness of the sector through a variety of work placement experiences. Later this month, Montana will celebrate her 1st year anniversary with Discovery, and has already taken on a leadership position as Room Leader in her service! Montana's ambition is admirable, and we hope her professional aspirations inspire other young educators in the sector, as Montana says "When I started with Discovery, the Director's supported my career goals from the beginning". Montana continues to grow professionally, attending the Semann & Slattery National Practice Conference in Hobart, and is proud to celebrate Reconciliation and the acknowledgment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within her educational program. Montana says a career in ECEC is very rewarding, saying "it takes passion, but I wouldn't trade it for the world." 🥰❤️ Thank you for pursuing a career in ECEC Montana - our sector benefits massively from passionate, driven educators like you! We look forward to continuing to support you to be a positive leader within Discovery and the sector ❤️ #discoveryearlylearning #qualityearlylearning #leadership #career #ecec #earlylearningmatters

We are delighted to introduce you to Libby. Libby joined the Discovery family while on work experience when she was in Year 10. Nurturing her love of working with children, Libby then took on paid employment with us while in Year 12, working in Outside School Hours Care, moving to Long Day Care in 2023 and taking on her Certificate III in ECEC. Libby says "Discovery supported my professional growth by signing me up for my Cert III and then trusting me to hold a Room Leader position, all whilst supporting my study and personal life." Libby has thrived within the sector and has fast become a trusted and respected professional amongst her colleagues and the families, taking on a Room Leader position at her service. Moving into a leadership position was a proud accomplishment for Libby, saying "it really built up my confidence and pushed me to believe in myself more." We are positive that Libby will continue to pave a successful career within the sector and feel honoured that we are a part of her story. Libby's advice to others: "sometimes it's about the little moments. Cherish the cuddles, the smiles and the babies - it all goes so quick." ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you Libby, we appreciate you ❤️ #discoveryearlylearning #earlylearningmatters #qualityearlylearning #ecec #career #leadership

Please join us as we recognise our incredible team member - Jenny. Jenny's story within Early Childhood Education and Care is both interesting and diverse, cultivating a career over the years that we are so proud to celebrate and acknowledge 🥳 Jenny's career in ECEC started in 1994, when she took on the role as cook in a service - continuing in this position for 11 years. After taking a break to spend time with her family, she returned, but this time as an Educator while taking on her Diploma studies. It didn't take long before Jenny took on leadership roles within her service, Jenny says that "I learned many things under the guidance of Discovery and am truly thankful for the opportunities it brought me." Jenny's leadership roles soon led her to become the Director of her service, a role she says was both "challenging yet rewarding." Remaining in the sector and with Discovery, after 5 years in the Director role, Jenny decided to step down and take on the Administration Support Officer role within a larger service. "Discovery supported me by allowing me to grow and understand my values as a person and as an Educator. I approach Early Education in a different manner than in my early days. My understanding of family situations has come from extensive training and information sessions. The way I communicate with others has also changed over time because of the training provided by Discovery." Within her administrative role Jenny continues do what she loves - helping families everyday. With such an extensive career in the sector, Jenny's advice to others is powerful: "Be passionate and driven. Every day will be different. Make it fun and enjoy watching the children’s fascination with their world. Be ready to make a difference." #qualityearlylearning #discoveryearlylearning #earlylearningmatters #career #leadership #ecec

Please join us as we recognise our Educator, Bianca, and share her story. Bianca began her career with Discovery in 2009, she did leave to explore other opportunities before returning to Discovery, saying "they felt like my family" and now calls for her service, where she is Room Leader "her second home"❤️. Over the years with Discovery Bianca has progressed her career, completing her Diploma and Management training. As Bianca says, "Discovery has always encouraged me, providing ongoing learning and learning opportunities - encouraging my professional growth." Her advice for others is to take advantage of these professional growth opportunities to harness your passion in early childhood. Bianca's proudest career accomplishments include being a Room Leader, leading teams and building reciprocal relationships with her colleagues, the families and the children she cares for each day. As Bianca says, "it takes a lot of effort, but it's all worth the journey." Thank you Bianca, for your commitment to the sector and your Discovery family ❤️ #career #leadership #ecec #qualityearlylearning #earlylearning

We were very proud to be featured in the Semann & Slattery Newsletter Powerful Pedagogy earlier this year. The article featured Discovery's approach to providing our leaders with longer term professional development, specifically the ongoing distributive leadership project we ran with Semann & Slattery last year. As the article stated, quoting our Manager of Innovation & Strategic Direction, Jann Williams: Discovery has a strong commitment to professional development and learning. As well as providing this specific type of leadership development to their staff, Discovery also ensures they take a team of educators and managers to conferences such as Inspire, ECA and the Australian Institute of Family Studies conference. Jann says, ‘Our Values state “excellence is a journey”. We believe in and value the importance of reflective practice and ongoing learning for everyone.' And don’t we want this kind of leadership in every organisation? We think supporting your leaders like this is exceptionally powerful pedagogy! https://lnkd.in/dWZsNGHN #qualityearlylearning #earlylearningmatters #leadership #career #discoveryearlylearning