Inspired to try a new path
If there’s one thing children love just as much as learning and exploring through play, it’s food! And at Goodstart Myaree in Western Australia, no one was more popular at meal and snack times than our “resident foodie”, Emily Ritchie.
Emily had always had a passion for whipping up tasty, wholesome meals. A trade-qualified chef, she also lived near Goodstart Myaree and had heard great things about our friendly team. So, she decided to put her culinary skills to meaningful use and joined us in 2019.
As Centre Cook, Emily kept her little customers happy, healthy and full of energy with her delicious and nutritious food. She loved the special relationships she developed with the children and was inspired by the wonderful work of our Educators.
“Our kitchen had two windows - one opened to the outside playground, and the other to the kindy room,” Emily recalls. “Every day as I was cooking, I would talk to the children, and I created wonderful bonds with them and their families. I loved being the Centre Cook, but I realised my passion was with the children. So, at the end of 2019, I decided to make the change and began my traineeship. It was the best choice I’ve ever made!”
Today, Emily is an Assistant Educator at Goodstart Myaree. While studying for her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, she’s gaining hands-on experience with a welcoming team that invests in her personal and professional growth. And we are so proud to see Emily thrive.
“Goodstart has been very supportive of my career growth. I get lots of one-on-one support, and it’s great to feel part of a team. I also really like that Goodstart is not for profit, which means it’s all about giving children equal access to quality early learning and care.”
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Supported to make a difference
As an Assistant Educator, Emily creates engaging learning experiences and a safe, nurturing space for children in the toddler room. With a focus on care, wellbeing and quality education, she’s proud to play such an important role in the early learning journeys of children aged two to three years.
“My role has a lot of variety - each day presents something different, which I love. But my favourite part of the day is greeting the children in the morning and getting cuddles. They are always so happy and excited to be here.”
Positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do at Goodstart. The close bonds our Educators nurture with children help our young learners develop a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, so they can feel a greater connection to the world around them. Knowing she’s giving children the best start to life is something Emily truly cherishes.
“I love the positive relationships I have with the children and their families. I’m very hands on, and I have a caring, loving personality, which has helped me create some special relationships with the children over the years. It’s so lovely to see them grow and become confident learners.”
Emily’s confidence as an early educator has also grown in leaps and bounds. As she works towards her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, she values the support of her friendly team, who warmly share their expertise and insights. And with paid study time, flexibility, plus a wide range of learning and development opportunities, Emily is empowered to achieve her personal and professional goals in the way that suits her.
“Goodstart has a very positive culture of learning - that’s one reason why I enjoy working here so much! It’s great to get that real-life experience while you’re studying. Some days can be challenging, but we get through as a team, and seeing that difference you make in a child’s life makes it all worth it.”
A future full of opportunity
With her can-do attitude and passion for making a difference, the future is bright for Emily at Goodstart. She looks forward to continuing her studies in early education, so she can enrich more young lives and become the best version of herself.
Her advice to other young people considering a career in early learning?
If you care deeply about quality education, enjoy variety and challenge, and seek true purpose, then you’ll find that and so much more at Goodstart.
“We’re preparing children for school and beyond, so you do become an important part of their lives. It’s a very rewarding career.”