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.
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.
The Guide to the National Quality Standard describes Quality Area 1 as a focus on ensuring that the educational program and practice of educators are child-centred, stimulating and maximise opportunities for enhancing and extending each child’s learning and development.
Young minds are like sponges. They soak up learning intuitively. That means that early education centres have a fantastic opportunity to promote positive attitudes to diversity and inclusivity.
Nicky has worked in the Early Learning industry for more than 25 years in a variety of roles from Educator through to Centre Director, Area Manager, Advisory & Development Coordinator, Program Manager and Quality Advisor. Currently, Nicky is the Managing Director of a group of community-based Preschools in NSW. In this role, she has recently project managed the construction, fitout and opening of a new community Preschool for her organisation and it is through this process that she partnered with Step4 for the fitout of the new Preschool.
After spending part of her teenage years living in a remote part of the Kimberley in Western Australia, Nicky’s appreciation for the indigenous history of Australia began. Through her career, she has worked with and assisted Educators and Directors in their journey of understanding this important aspect of learning and history and how to ensure that their approach is collaborative, respectful and appropriate.
Nicky has recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Education as a specialisation subject for an ongoing Masters of Education. The extension of her own understanding of Indigenous perspectives was something that she wanted to support and this has assisted her in identifying ways that she can further support Educators across all levels and experience in reflecting on and extending their own knowledge.
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.
