Sustainability isn’t merely a marketing buzzword brands use to appeal to their environmentally conscious customers. It’s a way of living and doing things that are better for the planet and secure a better future for generations to come.
I’m no stranger to family businesses – in fact, my family business history dates back to 1969. We started out manufacturing corporate furniture, but as time went on, we saw a need in the market for good quality, locally made educational furniture. We were driven by the knowledge that children are the future of this nation and that they deserve the best resources.
‘Flash sale!’ Sale, sale, sale,!’ Last chance to shop 50% off!’ – These are just some of the enticing subject lines from big brands you see in your inbox every day.
How many times have you bought resources for your early learning environment for the sake of it because they’re on sale?
Chances are you’ve heard of the Reggio Emilia approach, but like anything in early learning, hearing new thoughts and ideas is a great way for you to explore theories and concepts deeper so the children you teach can reap the rewards.
There’s nothing more rewarding for an educator than seeing beautiful friendships and bonds form between the children in their early learning environment. For some children however, if they’re timid around others or apprehensive about being away from their parents, forming friendships can be difficult.
Family tours are a big deal. Some children and their families might feel excited about starting in an early learning environment, whereas others may feel a bit nervous. As we often say to children these days, they might be having “big feelings” about the transition.
If you follow a bunch of play accounts and shops on Instagram, have you ever felt a bit overwhelmed by the elaborate play set-ups and shiny new product?Have you ever felt ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out) because you haven’t snagged the latest trendy product for your early learning centre? Thanks to the Internet, we’ve been conditioned to believe that newest is best, and more is best.
When you’re looking for resources for your early learning centre (ELC), what do you consider?
Do you ensure you include the most recent toy fads? Perhaps you value sustainably made toys? Or are you looking for something that all age groups can enjoy?
Beautiful, aesthetically pleasing toys, furniture, open-ended resources and play equipment are commonplace in Early Childhood Education (ECE) facilities these days. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find an ECE space that doesn’t incorporate neutral tones and the latest trends in storage, furniture and play areas.
Prue commenced her career as an early childhood educator before progressing to a centre Directors role. She later became an Area Manager supporting children, services and families throughout Sydney..
Prue has been working with STEP4 for almost 4 years now supporting services with their ongoing needs and requirements for resources, furniture and equipment as well as contributing her industry knowledge and design concepts to new centre startups. She loves the creative process of working with service owners, managers and educators to enable their vision come to life and create engaging and bespoke learning environments where children’s curiosity and engagement can be fostered. She loves sharing her passion and ideas and working collaboratively with industry leaders, educators and owners.
Mara Wakim (nee Evangelinos)
Mara Wakim has more than twelve years’ experience in the early childhood education sector.
Mara was appointed the General Manager of Succeed Consultancy in 2010, and in 2021 Mara became the Owner and CEO. She continues to work with clients to bring centres to life, right from the initial centre and business plan stages to creating successful centres for all stakeholders involved. The key to this success is a tailored approach and an understanding every centre and every client is unique.
Mara continues to grow Succeed Consultancy in the coming years and is passionate about working with centre owners and directors to deliver excellence in early childhood education.
Before joining Succeed, Mara has extensive experience in people and business management and consultancy across several sectors. Mara also holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management and Management.
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