Goodstart East Sydney - Childcare Centre

Hello, my name is Helen, and I am delighted to be the Centre Director at East Sydney Early Learning Centre.

A little about me: I have been working in the education sector since 2006, initially as a high school teacher. While I loved teaching older students, I soon found that the earliest years of a child's life were vital in instilling a lifelong love of learning in children. So I have retrained, over many years completing my Masters of Teaching and a Montessori Qualification. Over the last decade I have worked in a range of roles in both private and not-for-profit settings, both in Australia and overseas.

I am passionate about developing a love of exploration, discovery and learning in all children: these are best fostered in partnership with families, the children's first teachers. For children to achieve the best outcomes in the present and in the future, they must feel welcome and a sense of belonging in their spaces, including early learning centres and the community.

My philosophy about children and their learning is a blend of my experiences in different settings including Montessori, play-based and Reggio-Emilia inspired settings. I believe that children have an intrinsic desire and love for learning that is rich, complex and interconnected.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, hiking, running, cycling, swimming and engaging in anything crafty.