Early childhood education is a lifelong passion grounded deeply in my personal and professional journey. As the founder of Play to Learn, I am committed to creating enriching and nurturing environments where every child can flourish. A profound belief in the transformative power of quality early learning experiences drives my journey in early childhood education every day. I am committed to providing children with the best possible start to their educational journey through innovative programs, dedicated teaching staff, and a deep understanding of child development. At Play to Learn, we aim to create a nurturing and inspiring environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Early childhood education is not just a profession for me; it's a calling deeply ingrained in my family's ethos. With a husband who shares the same passion as an Operations Leader and qualified teacher in ECEC, our dedication to nurturing young minds is fundamental to who we are. Success in this field is not just about career progression but personal and professional growth intertwined with a commitment to quality education and innovation. As a leader, I strive to foster strong team dynamics, prioritising every child's right to a nurturing and enriching educational experience. With a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to the holistic development of every child, I am honoured to be part of the Play to Learn team, where we strive to shape a brighter future for our young learners. This is my life's purpose, and I am humbled to be a leader in a sector who truly are the change makers for the future.

At the heart of my philosophy lies the belief that every child possesses unique potential, which flourishes within a nurturing and stimulating environment. At Play to Learn, we prioritize crafting safe, inclusive spaces where children can freely explore, experiment, and express themselves. Leading a team of dedicated educators who share my vision for the next generation is a privilege. Together, we are committed to fostering environments where children thrive. The most fulfilling aspect of my role is witnessing the remarkable growth and development of each child under our care. Their boundless curiosity, infectious enthusiasm, and remarkable resilience inspire me daily. I am deeply committed to cultivating a warm, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential. At Play to Learn, we sow the seeds of lifelong success and happiness by nurturing a sense of belonging and instilling a love for learning in every child we serve.

Developing a great interest in human behaviour and the complexity of the brain, I knew I wanted to work with people and support the development of young minds to be positively inspired and directed to the greatest. After learning the early years are vital years in a person's life, where we begin to become who we are, all in the innocence of our experiences and exposure to the world around us, I knew teaching was for me. I began working in child care in 2012 and completed my Bachelor in Education (Primary)/Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies in 2015. I studied abroad and again after my studies, deepening my interest in people, culture, histories and societies. I began working in primary schools early in my teaching career and was privileged to teach in unique settings; however, I quickly returned to the early childhood sector due to my passion for working in partnership with children, guiding children to learn and grow without limitations. I thrive in the early childhood sector as it is a dynamic and holistic learning environment that challenges me also to learn and grow.

I have been part of the Early Childhood profession for nine years, beginning as a trainee in 2015 and since completing my Diploma and Bachelor of Education. I have worked across all age groups in Early Childhood. I love seeing children's wonderful personalities blossoming, from young babies to preschoolers. My passion is supporting children in reaching their full potential and building their confidence so they thrive in life. My favourite thing about teaching these beautiful little minds is the "Ah-ha!" moments - when children have found a significant discovery in the world or have just accomplished something extraordinary. I hope to be part of many more of these moments within my role. Outside of Play To Learn, I enjoy spending time with my family - my husband and our beautiful 2.5-year-old son. We love exploring the wonderful beaches and parks and walking around the Central Coast.

Early childhood early education is such an important milestone in a child's development. As leaders in this sector, it is essential to captivate children's learning to inspire, nurture and empower learning through a holistic approach to shape the future leaders of our society. This ignites and fuels my passion for early childhood education as I provide quality education and care for all children through inclusive and equable learning opportunities and spaces.

As a current educator and Team Leader in the 2-3 room at Play to Learn Toukley, I am deeply passionate about my role in the Early Education Sector. With over 12 years of hands-on teaching experience, I've honed my approach, adapting curriculum program opportunities to suit the unique needs of each child in my classroom. My goal is to gently guide their learning journey, fostering positive self-growth along the way. I firmly believe that an enriching environment is key to nurturing curiosity and motivation in learning. By creating a supportive atmosphere, children are empowered to explore and develop their best sense of self confidently. At Play to Learn, I'm fortunate to have access to continual management support and training, which not only reinforces my commitment to best practice but also ensures that I am always equipped with the latest educational approaches and methodologies. Learning is a lifelong journey, and I'm dedicated to staying updated and providing the best for your children. What excites me most about my role is the opportunity to share this learning process with your children during their most formative years. It's not just me guiding them, but together, we embark on a journey of discovery and growth, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and success. Your involvement and support are invaluable in this process.

I have been working in the Early Childhood sector for seven years. I have completed my Diploma qualification in 2022. Teaching is one of the greatest love that I do since my childhood days. I remember vividly, "I pretended to play as a teacher alongside my friends and began talking about the lesson using chalk and a blackboard". This was the beginning of my realization that caring for teaching children is what my heart desires. Engaging and learning with the children have driven me to love my work and continue to develop my knowledge as an educator. Contributing a good standard of learning will help them discover their strengths and uniqueness and appreciate respect and care for others. I am so grateful that I started working with Play to Learn, where I found the true vision of providing children with a safe and nurturing environment. It has given me the determination to continue my purpose and inspiration to enjoy my existence as an educator. "The children are why we do what we do and helping them succeed can be one of the most rewarding experiences there is."

My journey in Early Childhood Education began in 2012, sparking a deep-seated passion for children's mental and emotional well-being. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to honing my skills to better support the holistic development of every child under my care. I believe in harnessing the environment as the "third teacher," exposing children to natural settings and tools that nurture their curiosity and growth. Outside of my professional endeavours, I enjoy time in nature, often indulging in beach swims with my children and partner. Additionally, I utilise painting and writing as therapeutic tools, embracing their healing potential in my personal life. I am particularly drawn to Play to Learn for its commitment to prioritising emotional health among children and educators. It's inspiring to be part of an organisation that shares my dedication to fostering emotional well-being in early childhood education.

Hello, I'm Miren. I'm thrilled to be part of the dedicated team at Play To Learn ELC. With seven years of experience in early childhood education and ongoing studies toward my Bachelor's Degree, I'm deeply committed to nurturing young minds. I believe in the profound impact of early childhood education, where creating safe and nurturing environments is paramount for children to thrive. As an educator, I advocate for high-quality education and care, recognising the pivotal role of play in children's learning and development. I cherish each child's uniqueness, valuing their voices, interests, and strengths. Building strong relationships with families is central to my practice, as I believe collaboration is key to supporting every child's journey. I have a passion for outdoor learning experiences that foster children's connection with nature and exploration. What drew me to Play To Learn ELC is our empowering program, designed to cultivate children's confidence, resilience, and understanding—essential skills for lifelong success.

I am Tara, affectionately known as "Miss Tara". Since 2021, I have been actively engaged in Early Childhood Education and Care, completing my Certificate III. My journey in this field is driven by a deep passion for working with children and witnessing their growth and developmental milestones. Establishing meaningful relationships with children and families is my approach's core. Over the years, I have honed extensive knowledge and skills in creating safe and stimulating environments for children. Motivated by a desire to foster their development, I am dedicated to cultivating engaging spaces where children can learn and flourish. Providing emotional and physical care is a cornerstone of my practice, ensuring each child feels supported and valued. My time with Play to Learn has been a rewarding journey that has only just begun. I love our unique environments and intimate classrooms, allowing more personalized and engaging learning experiences. As an educator, I am committed to leveraging these settings to provide enriching individual and group learning opportunities.

I've been a part of the Play to Learn family since 2020, which means I've had the privilege of contributing to children's growth and development for four years. Becoming an Early Childhood Educator was a conscious choice to make a meaningful impact on a child's lifelong learning journey. Witnessing their progress and being a part of their learning adventures is incredibly fulfilling. Interacting with children on a daily basis allows me to see the world through their eyes, learning alongside them and embracing their unique perspectives. I'm dedicated to creating environments that foster curiosity, joy, and learning. Seeing children grasp new concepts and witnessing their growth firsthand is a passion of mine. Building strong relationships with each child brings immense joy, and I cherish the laughter and moments of wonder that come with it. At Play to Learn, I appreciate the small class sizes that promote a calm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, I'm grateful to work alongside a team of friendly and professional Child Educators who handle everyday challenges with expertise and care.

Hi, my name is Grace. I hold a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and have been a part of the Play to Learn Team since 2022. Early childhood education has always been more than just a job; it has been a calling for women and men in my family for many years. Having aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., who share my passion for education and children's overall well-being and safety has made me feel infinitely more connected to my family and in my role at Play to Learn. Within my role, I aspire to provide quality care to our young learners and continue to learn and grow as an individual alongside them. I am honoured to join a team that shares my aspirations and hunger for continuous growth.

Hello, I'm Sammy, proud to be part of the Play To Learn Toukley family. With a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Care and ongoing pursuit of my Diploma in Early Education and Care, I've been immersed in the world of early education for three fulfilling years. Early education is about much more than simply looking after children. It's about providing them with a nurturing environment where they can thrive, learn, and develop essential life skills. At Play To Learn, we strive to create a second home for children where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore their interests. As I continue to grow in my role, I aspire to be a leader who educates and supports children and families and empowers and uplifts my fellow educators. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we serve. At Play To Learn, we're not just a workplace but a community dedicated to fostering growth and development in every child. From our natural and aesthetic spaces to our unique learning programs focused on emotional and social development, we're committed to providing the best possible environment for children to learn and grow.

Hello, I'm Mr. Billy, and I've been passionate about early childhood education since earning my Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2018. At Play to Learn, my goal is to ignite children's curiosity and love for learning by creating engaging and creative learning environments. One of my favourite activities is incorporating music into our daily routines. Whether singing songs, playing musical instruments, or diving into a good book together, I believe in the power of music to inspire and captivate young minds. Outside of the classroom, I'm a multi-faceted individual with a variety of interests. I'm an avid musician and enjoy playing multiple instruments, recording music, and exploring different genres. I've also had the opportunity to work on farms, build greenhouses, and work at wholesale plant nurseries, connecting with nature and learning valuable skills along the way. You'll often find me skateboarding or teaching kids how to skateboard for the first time in my free time. I'm also passionate about art and enjoy creating and sharing my artwork on platforms like Instagram. I aim to spread joy and creativity to others through my art raffles and cartoon animation videos on YouTube.

Since December 2022, I've immersed myself in the Early Education Sector, embarking on a journey of growth and learning while studying my Certificate 3 in Early Education. At the heart of my practice is the belief in the power of play, interaction, and relationships to foster children's holistic development. I deeply appreciate the profound impact of building strong relationships with children and families, recognising each moment of collaboration as an opportunity for growth and connection. Guided by the philosophy that all children deserve the chance to learn through meaningful experiences, I'm dedicated to supporting the young minds of our next generation on their unique journey at our centre. In my personal time, I find solace in the warm embrace of nature, basking in the sunshine with my partner and savouring the simple joys of life.

Hello, I'm Grace, and I embarked on my journey with Play to Learn in May 2023. Currently, I'm immersed in studying for my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care, with plans to complete my program by October 2024. Play to Learn is not just a workplace for me; it's where my passion for early childhood development comes to life. Witnessing the way children explore, grow, and learn is nothing short of captivating. Being a part of their everyday discoveries is incredibly rewarding and fuels my curiosity for their development journey. Outside of my studies and time spent with the children, I have a love for adventure and travel. There's something magical about hitting the road in my van and exploring the beautiful coastal landscapes. My dream is to travel all across Australia, discovering hidden gems and soaking up the beauty of our country. Music concerts and beach swims are my go-to activities, bringing me immense joy and relaxation. While I cherish my solo adventures, I prioritise spending quality time with my family and friends. Whether enjoying a meal together or lending a helping hand, showing love through acts of service is important to me.

Currently pursuing my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, I've been fortunate to be a part of the Play to Learn team since the beginning of 2023. Every day spent with the children fills me with joy as I witness their growth and development firsthand. It's incredibly rewarding to see them apply the skills they learn, not only from me but also from their peers and other educators. Working in Early Childhood Education and Care allows me to continuously learn alongside the children, which is something I deeply value. I share Play to Learn's commitment to family values and cherish the opportunity to build strong relationships with both the children and their families.

After nearly two decades in the hospitality industry and raising five children of my own, I am thrilled to embark on a new journey in the early childcare sector. Joining the dedicated team at Play to Learn in June 2023, I am excited to share my skills while learning and growing in an environment I am deeply passionate about. At Play to Learn, I have found a sense of honor in being part of a team committed to nurturing young minds. Building strong connections with the children and their families brings me immense joy. With an open kitchen concept, I cherish the opportunity to engage with the children directly, fostering meaningful relationships and creating memorable experiences.