Story House employs its first male centre manager as it moves towards a more diverse management model

Chris Waldron has the distinction of breaking new ground on multiple fronts, being not only a male educator in a female dominated sector, but also in being the first male centre manager employed by Story House Early Learning, an early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider operating in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. 

Mr Waldron got his start in ECEC in 2010, after a successful placement at a renowned family-owned service in his local area, and quickly knew that this was his calling as he brushed off university offers for an alternative career pathway. As an uncle from a young age, his natural ability to connect with children shone through. Combined with a passion for education and willingness to grow in the sector, he quickly matured as an ECEC professional. 

Once Mr Waldron completed his Diploma he went on to become a room leader and grew in confidence before becoming a service manager in 2018, before being approached by Story House at the end of 2022 for a centre leader position at their Mt Waverley service. 

Mr Waldron will lead the Story House Mt Waverley team, overseeing 20 staff and 200 children in their care. Using his 12 years of experience in the ECEC sector, he is looking forward to bringing his passion for health and wellbeing in the workplace and his perspectives on child initiated learning to the team. 

“You can look back on the day or even the year that you have had with children and realise that you have impacted a childs life for the better” he said. “I cannot wait to share that moment with my team at the end of the year and celebrate what a successful year we have had.”

Story House Mt Waverley is currently rated as Meeting the National Quality Standard, and Mr Waldron plans to work with the team on their relationships with children, collaboration with families and quality education programs. 

When asked for his advice for young men considering a career in ECEC, he gave the following perspective. 

“Do what feels natural for you,” he said. “There are always going to be challenges in any profession, however working in ECEC is worthwhile because the reward and recognition can never be matched.” 

A number of supports and networking resources for men in ECEC are available, including: 

• Australian Association for Men in Early Childhood
• World Forum Working Group on Men in Early Childhood
• Men in ECE

Services who are looking for advice on making the ECEC workplace more welcoming for men may enjoy this piece from Tristan Page. 

To learn more about Story House Early Learning, please see here.