This month we highlight some of our most dedicated and passionate trainees in our centres throughout Australia. Through the Affinity Learning Academy (ALA), we are committed to providing a supportive network of knowledgeable and experienced coaches, encouraging students to reach their full potential through a love of Early Childcare Education and Care.
Georgia Dutton – Milestones Early Learning South Townsville
Georgia has shown amazing development and growth since joining the South Townsville team and shows great commitment to her studies.
1. When did you make the decision to make early childhood your career pathway?
I made the decision mid 2022 when I was looking for a new career in a different direction that had more challenges and was going to be more rewarding.
2. What do you love most about being a part of the Affinity Learning Academy?
How helpful and supportive they are. They will always help and ensure your assessments are correct and answer any type of question you have.
3. What does receiving student of the month mean to you?
It means a lot to me as it shows me that my hard work is paying off.
4. Can you tell me a little about your centre and what you love most about it?
My centre is an amazing centre full of welcoming and supportive staff and amazing families. I love how inclusive it is and that there is no judgement.
Iryani Mahmood – Milestones Early Learning Edgewater
Iryani Mahmood has been recognised for an exceptional assessment portfolio of high quality and for working so hard to meet cluster due date.
1. When did you make the decision to make early childhood your career pathway?
I started work experience in childcare centres as a high school student and from there I found my passion working with children.
2. What do you love most about being a part of the Affinity Learning Academy?
I love that I can develop further on my knowledge and skills as an educator and all the support I am getting to get through my course.
3. What does receiving student of the month mean to you?
It means a lot being acknowledged at how hard you are working, and it really keeps me motivated!
4. Can you tell me a little about your centre and what you love most about it?
My centre is wonderful and unique - we are lucky to be surrounded by a beautiful natural environment. What I love most about the centre is the lovely team of educators I work with.
Lauren Caldwell - Milestones Early Learning Lakes Entrance
Lauren has been recognised for her commitment to going above and beyond, even working outside of hours to complete all her tasks.
1. When did you make the decision to make early childhood your career pathway?
I decided to go down the path of early childhood when I was in year 12 in 2006. It is at this point that I began my study towards my Diploma.
2. What do you love most about being a part of the Affinity Learning Academy?
The thing I love most about being part of the ALA is the continuous support and encouragement.
3. What does receiving student of the month mean to you?
Receiving student of the month has made me feel excited and happy and enthusiastic about continuing and pushing to get it all finished.
4. Can you tell me a little about your centre and what you love most about it?
The thing I love about my centre is that it feels like one big family. We have built amazing and beautiful relationships with both the children and families. I love seeing how happy and excited the children get when I walk in the door each morning.
Melissa White - Milestones Early Learning Caboolture
Melissa is studying her Cert IV in Leadership and Management and has been doing a fabulous job working through her workbooks and learning a lot about communication and the different ways in which she can talk to the team.
1. When did you make the decision to make early childhood your career pathway?
The main reason that I decided to work in early childhood education is to help children understand the world around them, and to have them show me what the world is like from their perspective. I also like to be their safe place away from home and to be comfortable with themselves.
2. What do you love most about being a part of the Affinity Learning Academy?
I enjoy on the job training because I can seek out peers to help me whenever I have trouble with something.
3. What does receiving student of the month mean to you?
I did the work!!
4. Can you tell me a little about your centre and what you love most about it?
My centre is an amazing place to work at as all the staff are kind and caring towards each other. The centre manager, 2ic and 3ic are all amazing women to work with and very supportive of everyone and those who have mental health issues.
Congratulations to all our students of the month for January 2023.
If you’re looking for a fulfilling career and ready to start your journey in early childhood education and care, contact our People & Culture experts for a friendly chat on 07 3515 771 or email through to [email protected].