Bec Whiting from Kool Kids Ashmore named GC’s favourite early learning professional

Bec Whiting, an early childhood educator working for G8 Education’s Kool Kids Ashmore service, has been named as the Gold Coast’s favourite early learning professional by Gold Coast Bulletin readers.

Ms Whiting has lived on the Gold Coast for her entire life, and has spent almost 40 years working in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, starting her career as a volunteer in a creche service with her local church. 

As well as working for the church, Ms Whiting used to run a playgroup for single mums 13 years ago. There, she was able to support mothers who were often quite nervous on their parenting journeys.

“I loved talking to the mums and helping them where I could. It was so rewarding to see them come back and feel more comfortable with motherhood. I’m still in contact with them and some of their children are now adults with their own children. I love forming those relationships,” she added.

She has worked at Kool Kids Early Learning Ashmore for almost 12 years, describing the service as small and homely and like a family. 

“Even on my holidays I still pop in to see my children and the team,” she said. “They ask me why I’m there and I simply reply that I just love it.”

Ms Whiting works in the nursery room finding ways to build relationships with families, getting to know them, and sending them photos so they can see their children socialising with others and exploring.

“I’m very passionate about giving the babies all the comfort and affection they need to feel settled as well as reassuring the parents because it’s often the first time they are leaving their child,” she said.

“Sometimes families will arrive with the children still in pyjamas and juggling a million things at once and they apologise so I like to be that support who can say to them, ‘it’s ok, don’t worry, I can do this for you’.”

While she doesn’t expect any recognition or rewards for doing her job, Ms Whiting said that “receiving the recognition that I’ve helped means the world”.

The award was a complete surprise, and she only knew she had won when one of the families got in touch with her to say congratulations.

“I didn’t know what she was talking about until she forwarded me the link and I just burst into tears,” she said. 

“I cried all day because I felt so loved. My colleague Kim and I were just screaming and jumping up and down with excitement. I even got emails from current and former parents saying that they couldn’t vote but wanted to and were so happy I won.”

Ms Whiting said she “really can’t explain” how the win has made her feel. 

“It’s just a beautiful feeling knowing that families that used to come here still think of me. I feel privileged and loved and it’s so special.”

Ms Whiting is using her win to continue the work she does with families, and in the sector, encouraging others to come on board and make a difference. 

“The sector is just going to keep getting better,” she said. “I love mentoring the younger educators here. We make this bond and I want to see them grow, explain things to them and give them encouragement that they can do anything they want to. A lot of people I’ve mentored are lead educators now and I’m so proud of them.”

Learn more about Kool Kids Ashmore here. Information about G8 Education may be found here.