Ashton Pohlmann named Whitsundays and Bowen’s favourite childcare educator | 2023

A lifelong love for children has led Ashton Pohlmann to become Whitsundays and Bowen’s favourite childcare educator for 2023, leaving a lasting mark after 12 years in the industry.

A lifelong love for children has led Ashton Pohlmann to become Whitsundays and Bowen’s favourite childcare educator for 2023, leaving a lasting mark after 12 years in the industry.

Whitsundays and Bowen’s favourite childcare educator of 2023, Ashton Pohlmann, has devoted most of her life to fostering the young minds of the region.

From playing school as a child to taking on a traineeship at 15, Mrs Pohlmann always knew she wanted to work with children.

“I have always loved children; I would always look after my cousin and just really enjoyed it, and when playing pretend school, I would always want to play the teacher.”

Completing her traineeship at Bowen Childcare and Early Education, she remained with the centre until four years ago when she transitioned to C&K Queens Beach, working as a kindy educator.

“I really like working at C&K, you get lots of support there,” she said.

“I like the age of the children too; it’s a stand-alone kindergarten so it’s not as busy as a daycare centre.”

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Mrs Pohlmann was shocked to hear that she was voted the region’s favourite childcare educator, saying that she had no idea what made her stand out from others.

“I don’t think I’m better than anyone else in the industry.

I build relationships with families as well as the children, so I have a lot of support from the families that come through the centre.”

With a motherly patience and kind approach, Mrs Pohlmann blends her own experience with motherhood into her interactions with the children.

“I love to see the children grow from the start of the year to the end, knowing that I have had a positive impact in their life,” she said.

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Harbouring a passion for nurturing each child's unique growth and development journey, Mrs Pohlmann believes each child should be allowed to grow at their own rate and to develop independently without the pressures of meeting a standard.

“Once they transition to Primary School, there‘s an expectation for them to learn collectively.

That’s why I prefer to focus on each child’s individual learning and tailor it to their needs.”

Born and bred in Bowen, Mrs. Pohlmann has been able to nurture her deep-rooted connection to the community.

“It's a small community, and I know many who’ve grown up here, as does my family,” she said.

“I am friends with some of the parents at the centre, because I grew up with them.”

Juliette Kirk from Bowen Childcare and Early Education came runner up with 14 per cent of the votes.