Ocean Grove early learning educator Donna Walker is encouraging high school students to consider the career path she has chosen.
Donna, who works at Journey Early Learning in Ocean Grove, has been selected to be part of a national campaign to encourage teenagers to think about a career in the early learning sector.
The Big Roles in Little Lives campaign promotes the incredible impact early childhood professionals can have on our children, provides great career growth opportunities, multiple pathways to get your foot in the door … and is pandemic-proof.
Donna said the impact of the pandemic proved that early learning centres were a vital part of everyday life.
“We had children who hadn’t even met their grandparents, but they were coming straight into childcare,” she said.
“We never ever closed down. We were closed to non-essential workers, but never closed down.
“That’s huge because schools closed down but childcare still continued.”
Donna was inspired to get into education by one of her teachers when she was growing up in Auckland.
“The fact that he went above and beyond personally for students was amazing,” she said.
“He did stuff out of school as well to help our family out. He had a different teaching style and really listened.”
Donna said an early learning career provided opportunities
“The most rewarding part is the knowledge and experience that we pass on to the next generation,” she said.
“Just leaving a long lasting impression on our children.
“At the moment, it’s quite distinguished as a female profession and we want it to be open for males to be early educators.”
At Journey Early Learning Ocean Grove alone, they have had to convert toddler rooms into rooms for children up to two years old – the result of a mini baby boom during the pandemic.
“Usually it would take two or three weeks (for a new child) to settle, but they were taking three or four months,” she said.
“All they were seeing was mum and dad and the four walls at home.”
To find out more, visit bigrolesinlittlelives.com.au/students
Justin Flynn
