From trainee to leadership: Josie shares her journey with Big Fat Smile

Educator Josie has been working with early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Big Fat Smile for eight years, and is deeply passionate about creating a service where everyone is welcome, valued and supported – regardless of needs and differences.  Her story recently appeared on the Big Fat Smile blog. Access the original story here.

 

“I started my traineeship with Big Fat Smile in a service with children who had experienced trauma and were displaying high needs behaviours,” she explained. “My traineeship was a challenge, but the positive outcomes we as a team created for children and families made it so rewarding.”

 

After she completed her traineeship, her passion continued to grow. In 2020, she completed her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in just nine months, and enrolled in a Bachelor of Education (0-5) degree at Charles Sturt University.

 

“With my studies, I’m not just supported by my service Director, but also the Big Fat Smile People and Learning team has been supportive with study assistance,” she said. 

 

“The people team also supported my application for a scholarship, which I was granted. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend Big Fat Smile funded professional learning, including the Inspire Conference in March this year.”

 

Having access to high-quality professional development has meant Josie has been able to build her confidence and grow her capabilities. Moving from trainee to Educator, and Educator to Educational Leader and 2IC has encouraged her to view herself as a strong and capable professional. 

 

In the future, she hopes not only to attain a leadership position, but also to continue her advocacy work around children’s rights, safeguarding children and professional recognition of the early education sector. 

 

“My purpose is to make a difference,” she said. “To support children and their families to feel safe and have a strong sense of wellbeing. To empower and support the educators in my team to be early childhood educators whose every focus is the children and quality education and care.”

 

Learn more about Big Fat Smile here.

 

This story originates from the Big Fat Smile blog. Access the original story here.