Susan Barker of Stepping Stone, Klemzig named SA’s best

South Australia’s best childcare educator reveals what makes her job so special and why this is the career for her. See the top five.

The learning never stops for South Australia’s best childcare educator, who is still reaching new heights in her career.

Susan Barker of Stepping Stone, Klemzig said it “means the world” to her after being crowned the state’s best.

“I was in shock when we got the email, I had to ask if it was real,” she said,

Susan Barker at Stepping Stone Klemzig has been named SA's best childcare educator. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Just shy of a decade in the childcare field, Ms Barker has constantly evolved and grown her knowledge when it comes to educating the next generation.

“Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to work in education,” she said.

“I started out doing a cert three before my diploma and now I am studying my bachelors with honours.

“I’ve always had the passion for helping those early years, I love helping them along in their journeys and watching them as they grow.

“Watching them grasp a concept is such a special time.”

As the team leader of the nursery at Stepping Stones, Klemzig, Ms Barker and staff are kept on their toes with up to 50 kids on their busiest days.

“We cater for the very little ones, right up to they are ready to go to school.

“All the staff are fantastic, we have designated educators in the different rooms that know the child and are really there for them in their journeys.

“Stepping stone helped start me on my journey to becoming an educator, everyone knows everyone we all work together to help children achieve their best.”