Operations Manager Kylie Bartlett shares her career journey

Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten Operations Manager Kylie Bartlett has an extensive 25-year background in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, beginning as an educator before steadily progressing into leadership roles, developing a deep understanding and appreciation for working in the sector.

Her time with Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten began in May 2018, at Aspire’s very first centre in Melbourne’s Cranbourne West, as Centre Manager.

“At the time of my arrival, the centre had recently opened its doors and was facing low occupancy,” she explained.

“Consequently, our presence in the community was minimal, and we had yet to establish a strong presence.”

Ms Bartlett saw this as a unique opportunity to treat the centre as a start up project, and she quickly developed a name for herself as a reliable, passionate and consistent leader with particular understanding of the nuances of ECEC.

Based on her strong performance with Cranbourne West, she was invited to launch and establish another Aspire service at Clyde North. She quickly progressed to the position of Area Manager, and then on to her current role as Operations Manager.

“Since the moment I entered the realm of early childhood education in 1998, my aspiration to become a Centre Manager has never wavered,” she said.

“Right from the start, I harbored an unwavering passion and relentless drive to assume a leadership role.”

“Becoming an Operations Manager has given me multiple opportunities to not only make a difference in individual Centres but to support Area Managers and Centre Managers to become strong leaders and strive for their goals, whether it be at a centre level or in their own succession planning.”

Having a supportive employer, she continued, has made all the difference.

“Aspire gave me an opportunity to grow and lead. I feel valued, heard, and appreciated by all employees of Aspire at all levels.”

One of the most significant challenges Ms Bartlett faced in her career was transitioning from an Educator to an Assistant Manager within the same service.

“This step up required me to take on new responsibilities and adapt to a different role, which presented its own set of obstacles to overcome,” she explained. Thankfully, through guidance from experienced Aspire peer mentors, she was able to take on the challenge with ease.

For others who have the same ambitions, her advice is simple.

“Don’t lose sight of your end goal. If you have a succession plan, anything can be achieved.”

Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten is always looking for passionate educators and leaders to join their team. If you would like to learn more about Aspire’s career opportunities, visit their website here.