Educational Leader of the Year: Celebrating Nicole Roberson from Goodstart Virginia

Nicole Roberson from Goodstart Early Learning Virginia was named 2024’s Educational Leader of the Year at the 2024 Goodies Awards, lauded for her dedication to professional development and unwavering commitment to children’s learning.

Despite having only stepped into the role of Educational Leader a few short years ago, her impact has been profound. She has led transformative changes at Goodstart Virginia, championing high-quality programs and practices that meet the National Quality Standards. 

Her passion for her role shines through her daily interactions with educators, families, and children, and one of her ‘standout qualities’ has been her ability to tailor her approach to meet the needs of individual educators. 

By understanding their preferred learning styles and differentiating her support, Nicole ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered. She frequently sends out surveys to capture the unique needs of her team and develops tailored professional learning plans to help them succeed. 

“I had to stop and look at practices when I first became an Educational Leader and examine the balance of what was needed, what was expected and where we can adjust to suit our needs,” she explained. 

“This has led me on a reflection where I looked at my connection with each educator and became more aware of their needs, personalities and learning styles. This has allowed us to have a more respectful and meaningful engagement and ensure we are all reaching for continued excellence and commitment.”

“I believe in empowering educators and using reflective practices, ensuring that the centre’s practices reflect the needs, strengths, and preferences of educators, families, and children. This has meant that our team and I are on a constant journey of collaboration and continuous learning.”

One on one support 

Her one-on-one mentoring sessions provide educators with personalised guidance on planning cycles, programming, and critical reflection. Through her efforts, she strives to foster a positive and inclusive culture where educators feel confident and motivated to deliver their best.

This thoughtful approach has also been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative tools to enhance the learning environment. Her Individual Child Planning and Assessment Tool provides educators with a comprehensive understanding of each child’s development, enabling them to tailor learning experiences that meet individual needs. 

Additionally, Nicole introduced a monthly program audit to ensure that the educational programs align with best practices and meet all quality standards. This initiative fosters a culture of continuous improvement, enabling educators to reflect on and refine their practices.

Building Strong Community Connections

Nicole’s commitment to collaboration extends beyond her team. She forges meaningful relationships with primary schools, ensuring smooth transitions for children and families. Her efforts to connect families with local schools highlight her dedication to creating supportive pathways for lifelong learning.

Her leadership has earned her widespread admiration from her colleagues, with testimonials from educators describing her as patient, supportive, and inspiring, with a unique ability to guide others toward excellence. Her efforts have not only transformed practices at Goodstart Virginia but have also supported other Educational Leaders within the Goodstart network.

A Vision for the Future

Nicole’s vision for Goodstart Virginia includes exceeding all seven areas of the National Quality Standards. She has already begun working toward this ambitious goal, driving critical reflection and continuous improvement. Her dedication to high-quality education ensures that children, families, and educators alike benefit from her leadership.

Learn more about Goodstart Virginia here.