The rewarding life of teaching in the early childhood profession

Queensland early childhood educator Kasey Paterson has gone from teaching to running a centre, and there’s one thing above all else that motivates her to keep helping young minds.

WITNESSING once-in-a-lifetime moments as children develop is all in a day’s work for early learning educator Kasey Paterson.

“Teaching in the early childhood profession is extremely rewarding, sharing important milestones such as seeing a child’s first steps, hearing them speak their first word, or completing a challenging task,” she said.

“Seeing children grow and develop into self-assured and capable individuals fills my heart.

“Children have so much love to give, and being able to help them learn about the world is tremendously motivating.”

Kasey Paterson with four-year-olds Matilda Dyke, Zephie Hurley-Jones and Cooper Murphy at Sparrow Early Learning, Tewantin. Picture: Lachie Millard

The 42-year-old is service manager at Sparrow Early Learning, Tewantin, near Noosa.

With a passion for early learning, she began her love for the sector by operating her own family day care in 2014 and, three years later, joined Sparrow Early Learning as a room leader.

Mrs Paterson has progressed from teaching to leadership at the centre, and recently completed her bachelor degree in early childhood.

“I understand the importance of having assistance, a wonderful role model, and time to learn the units and their requirements,” she said.

“I believe in encouraging students to try their best, as they are the future generation of early childhood educators.”

Service manager Kasey Paterson at Sparrow Early Learning, Tewantin. Picture: Lachie Millard

Rachel and Rod Sharpe, whose two-year-old son Lincoln attends the centre, paid tribute to Mrs Paterson and said her “conviction and kindness” was respected by parents.

“Kasey Paterson is an incredibly authentic, driven, and well-respected individual who truly cares about her staff and families alike,” Mrs Sharpe said.

Sparrow’s second-in-charge Shauni Plumridge said the centre was lucky to have Mrs Paterson leading the way.

“She is amazing – Kasey is so supporting and always accommodating to the many needs asked from our staffing and families,” she said.