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G8 Head of Early Learning and Education Alison Evans shares her career story
Freya Lucas
Feb 17, 2023
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Alison Evans is G8 Education’s Head of Early Learning and Education, and has worked in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector for more than 30 years, holding a number of roles in various organisations.
G8 recently shared some of her career story as part of its Experts@Play series. An extract of this conversation appears below. To access the original, please see here.Ms Evans began her career as a Kindergarten Teacher in Central Queensland, and after many happy years in that role decided she needed a new challenge, which arrived in the form of a pedagogical advisory role across Queensland. Since then, she has held senior positions in different organisations, leading teams and programs that champion quality early learning and inclusion.
Her journey brought her to G8 Education’s executive team as the Head of Early Learning and Education in 2022, and much like her other roles within the sector, no two days are the same. She was asked about what drew her to early learning, and said that being with young children is something that has always been fascinating and intriguing to her.
“...the way they think, respond, learn and engage with their world, with each other and with us. I find early learning so rewarding and impactful” she said.
“Children and the unique moments in early childhood are so rewarding and often so misunderstood by society more broadly. Young children have so much to offer and to teach us if we take the time to be truly present and listen.”As Ms Evans has moved through her career, progression has been an important focus for her, and the unique aspects and diversity of a sector such as ECEC is what keeps her engaged.
“The quality journey has gained momentum in Australia broadly across programs and providers, however there is still more to achieve to ensure our youngest citizens receive the best possible start in life,” she said.
“The teachers, educators, children, families and colleagues with whom I have worked have enriched my thinking, learning and being, and I look forward to continuing to work in such a rewarding career that offers so much possibility.”
Her experience as the Queensland Chair of Early Childhood Australia reinforced the collegiality and professionalism found in ECEC, a sector she says can be “so beneficial and supportive”.
In her current role, Ms Evans is focused on championing quality to ensure every child receives the highest level of education and care in safe spaces with highly qualified teams. Priorities in the coming months include advancing reconciliation, inclusion and wellbeing for children, families, team members and G8 Education as a whole.
“I also want to continue creating diverse learning communities through initiatives like our recent study tour to New Zealand so we continue to learn, thrive and grow together,” she said.
Ms Evans will have a seat at the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership Leadership Table in 2023, and hopes that working with other leaders from diverse backgrounds in transdisciplinary ways will drive real and lasting change.
“There are promising stories of great work across Queensland and real opportunities to work together to improve system delivery to have greater impact,” she said.
As the nation's leading advocates meet in Canberra today to discuss what could be transformational change at the Early Years Summit, Ms Evans has one hope for the sector she loves so much.
“We need to strive for all children to receive the benefits of high-quality early childhood education and care in a more cohesive “joined up” system that brings education, health, schooling and other systems together in more complimentary and connected ways.”
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