Best of Brisbane 2021: Top 10 Brisbane early learning educators
After receiving hundreds of nominations for Brisbane’s best childcare educators, we narrowed it down to a list of 35 and after putting the contenders out to a vote, the winners can now be revealed.
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Early learning educators can play a fundamental role in a child’s development and with each child unique in their own way, an excellent teacher ensures each child is able to play and learn in the best possible environment.
After receiving an overwhelming number of nominations to be considered in our competition to find Brisbane’s best childcare educators, we narrowed it down to a list of 35 and after putting the contenders out to a vote, the winners can now be revealed.
10. Amanda Clenaghan, C & K Thornlands
Amanda of C & K Thornlands uses best practice and always puts the children first so they have an enriched childcare experience.
9. Jigna Gajjar, Happy Tots Early Education Centre on Hamilton
Part of the Happy Tots on Hamilton team is early learning educator favourite Jigna Gajjar who always fosters a supportive environment for children to develop in and that complements their personal learning styles and interest.
She is known for her kindness and calm nature, which means from the moment your child is dropped off Jigna will ensure your child is at ease so their time at Happy Tots on Hamilton starts positively and turns into a great day.
8. Emma Dyson, Florence Kindy
Though she only joined C & K Florence Kindy last year, Emma Dyson is no rookie with 20 years of industry knowledge and experience under her belt.
The early childhood teacher had wanted to teach since she was a little girl and said the best part of her job is meeting wonderful families, the secure bond she has with the kids under her care and guidance and seeing the children’s confidence grow.
“I love to watch children thrive in my care using joy, humour and love,” Emma said.
7. Bronte Fletcher, The Brook Early Education and Care
Having always had an interest in teaching and with experience as a music and dance teacher, when Bronte’s friend needed more staff at their early childhood learning centre in 2015, she decided to jump right in and has never looked back.
Bronte said getting to have fun, having all the laughs and receiving lots of cuddles makes her job so worthwhile and rewarding.
The kindergarten educator at The Brook loves watching the children learn something new.
“Their eyes fill with wonder, they smile and then pride begins to show – they are like little sponges sucking up all the knowledge that surrounds them and their world.
6. Courtney Lavallee, Bluebird Early Education Centre Morayfield
5. Sue Taylor, C & K Flagstone
Director, senior early childhood teacher and educational leader Sue Taylor is known for going above and beyond when it comes to making meaningful connections and recognising the needs of each child that comes under her wing.
Her natural leadership, resourcefulness, compassion and respect for everyone around her and the wider community encourages the children in her care to think differently and voice their thoughts.
4. Charlotte Leahy, Little Oak Early Learning Centre
For nursery teacher Charlotte Leahy, early learning education has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
“When I was little my mother was an early childhood educator – I spent a lot of time within her workplace engaging with children,” Charlotte said.
“I always loved it so as I got older I decided it was the profession I wanted to be in.”
The educator who works with newborns through to 15-month-olds said her favourite part of the job is getting to be a part of the babies first milestones!
3. Allison Davis, Petit Early Learning Journey Springfield Central
Growing up, Allison Davis always wanted to be a teacher.
“I discovered that a role in early childcare was for me, particularly the kindy environment, due to the flexibility we have in following the children’s genuine interests,” she said.
Now a seasoned childcare educator having worked in the sector for 11 years with the last three at Petit Early Learning Journey, Allison said she believes all children are capable and resilient learners and that the opportunities for learning are endless.
“I work in the kindergarten room with a beautiful group of four to five-year-olds who are very eager to be going to school next year.”
The dedicated early learning educator beloved by parents and little ones alike said she loves having the chance to hold such an influential role in children’s lives and thrives on the rich relationships she is able to build with the children and their families.
“It is so rewarding helping children to achieve their dreams and goals and getting to see the spark in their eyes as they discover a love for learning.”
2. Callum Bailey, Kindy Cottage
You’ll find Callum Bailey in the two to three-year-old room at the beautiful Kindy Cottage in Geebung where he works alongside a team of inspirational women.
“We have the most wonderful children and families and really have established an amazing feeling of community within the service,” he said.
After falling absolutely in love with his then baby niece and toddler nephew, Callum left the hospitality to pursue early childhood education.
“After working in the industry for the last four years, my passion for educating children and fostering their self-esteem has grown considerably, I also continue to learn from my colleagues and grow as an educator every day,” the proud kindy educator said.
Callum said some of his most memorable moments in the job consist of forming unbreakable bonds with each child, particularly those who are more vulnerable and need additional support.
“If my time as an early childhood educator has taught me anything, it’s that these roles we hold as educators (collectively) are so important when ensuring the children in our care have a positive outlook for their future.”
1. Greer Casey, Wagner Road ECC & K
This year’s winner of Brisbane’s best early learning educator is kindergarten teacher Greer Casey who feels honoured to have been voted first place.
A veteran in the field, Greer has been a teacher at Wagner Road Early Childhood Centre and Kindergarten for 16 years out of her 20 year career in early childhood education.
The bright and wonderful woman decided she needed to make a career change into a field that she was passionate about and after getting involved at her own children’s local school and being encouraged by teachers there to consider getting an education degree. She saw an opportunity where she could work with and educate young children and she took it.
“You have to really care for young children, want to support them and give them the very best start in education to be in this job,” Greer said.
She said the best part of her job is getting to meet and work with all of the kids and their families.
“It‘s a privilege to be able to work with young children to support them, their wellbeing, and their learning at this special time in their lives, before the beginning of their formal schooling,” the childhood educator said.
“Plus, I am very lucky to work at a special place (Wagner Road) with an amazingly dedicated team of educators.”
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