How the Early Years Learning Hub came to be

Jacqui can you start with telling us a bit about yourself and your experience?

Sure, I am an Early Childhood Teacher who is currently teaching in a preschool one day a week and doing some casual work in schools. I have owned and managed my own long day care service for 14 years and have supported all service types. I have developed and delivered hundreds of professional learning sessions face to face, webinars, conference presentations and ran online networks and communities of practice.

I am committed to ongoing learning and have completed a range of post graduate courses that led me to expand my professional experience including workplace training and assessment and a Masters in Educational Leadership. I have also worked for peak organisations, the NSW Department of Education and Australian Children’s Education and care Quality Authority (ACECQA) where I have been on advisory groups for teacher accreditation, updates to the National Quality Framework, the approved learning frameworks, the Australian Curriculum and the NSW syllabuses.

What do you think teachers, educators and leaders need to be the best they can be?

Throughout my many roles I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of teachers, educators and leaders who have given me a great deal of insight into what things can make a difference in the implementation of high-quality early childhood and early years of school programs. As early childhood professionals we are required to navigate complex requirements, implement strategies to support diverse and often challenging learners without a lot of practical ‘What do I do in my classroom/ service to manage this?’ advice and guidance.

What makes the Early Years Learning Hub so special?

We really are teachers supporting teachers, we have our finger on the pulse of what are real issues for the sector and how we can provide the support that is needed. After working in roles where my title and position description was about sector support or supporting curriculum and pedagogy, I thought this was the place to really make a difference. As time went on, I realised I was never going to achieve my professional purpose of- supporting great teachers, educators and leaders to deliver great outcomes for children- if I stayed working within the bureaucracy. So, I decided to start my own business where I bring this wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to deliver practical resources and support that both targets what is needed but also is reflective of what it is like working in a service or school with competing demands for curriculum development and continuous improvement.

What products and services would you most recommend?

I think a standout service for all teachers, educators and leaders regardless of where they are at in their career journey is our membership. This is where you will receive that collegial support you have been looking for, safe space to ask questions and get support. Membership also offers facilitated support to make changes to your practice once you’ve completed our professional learning. I think this is a game changer for those who are really committed to improving their teaching and learning experiences.

I would also recommend different courses for different learners, for example:

• New teachers and educators and leaders might start with the Beginning teachers and educator resources.
• For those wanting a better understanding of what and how to teach in the early years then our Maximising learning in the early years bundle will be perfect.
• For those wanting a deep understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework or My Time, Our place, try the Learning frameworks resources.

How do we find out more?

I hope you found this article of interest and maybe have a fresh new perspective on professional learning and networking. There are many ways you can connect with us and stay up to date including:

• Subscribe to receive updates and newsletters
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• Become a member