Caitlin Higgins
Kindergarten Teacher
Trentham East
Summary
Kind Kindergarten Teacher with seven years of experience. Effective at working within a teaching team with a talent for developing nature focused inquiry learning and cultivating classroom atmospheres of positivity and progress. Committed to comprehensive student growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
23
23
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Relief Teacher
Anzuk Education
02.2024 - Current
- Providing support to centres who are experiencing staff shortages.
- Required to be flexible and quick at adopting new routines from the babies room to the kindergarten.
- Strengths in building a strong rapport with children in a short time frame.
Kindergarten Teacher
ISABEL HENDERSON KINDERGARTEN
01.2015 - 12.2021
- Age group 3-4, Delivering a play-based, nature-inspired program centred around exploration of the natural world and studies of Wurundjeri principals and practices.
- Programs are conducted in its indigenous garden, warehouse forest and within a classroom setting, delivered through a variety of means; small and large group work, collaborative discussions, reflective sessions and learning through art and play experiences.
- Using theory and research-based progressive teaching strategies such as the Reggio Emilia approach and Claire Warden’s nature pedagogy to collaboratively design and deliver the program, in line with the Victorian Early Years Framework and NQF.
- Tailoring learning programs for children with various learning capabilities, children with additional needs and those requiring language support.
- Managing inquiry projects stemming from children’s interests and developing written documentation of program and learning for families and government bodies.
- Created child-centered learning environment characterized by consistent application of sound mental health and educational psychology practices.
- Mentored beginning teachers through VIT validation process.
Assistant Baker
Loafer Bread Organic Bakery
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Working in a small team in a busy inner city bakery, providing bread and pastries for wholesale and retail customers.
- Washed dishes and sanitized prep area at end of each shift.
- Packaged and labeled baked goods with accurate descriptions and ingredients.
- Stored, labeled and replenished supplies in compliance with food safety regulations.
- Decorated baked goods and designed visually appealing displays of finished products.
- Maintained clean, organized kitchen to maximize efficiency and food safety.
- Resolved customer concerns with positive approach and constructive strategies.
Kindergarten Teacher (student Placement)
Preshil Nursery School, Early Learning Centre
05.2014 - 05.2014
Assistant to Creative Director/Theatre Performer
Four Larks Theatre Company
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Sourced materials, costumes and spaces to create theatre sets with team of creatives.
- Recruited and auditioned musicians and actors.
- Applied for funding, advertised and promoted shows.
- Rehearsed and performed shows to live audiences.
Coffee Barista/Waitress
Various
01.1999 - 01.2007
Education
Graduate Diploma - Education (Early Childhood)
RMIT University
Bundoora, VIC 02.2014 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Arts - English
La Trobe University
Bundoora, VIC 03.2000 - 11.2013
Diploma of Auslan - Sign Language
Kangan Institute
Richmond, VIC 02.2011 - 11.2012
High School Diploma -
Mater Dei College
Edgewater, Western Australia 01.1994 - 11.1998
Master of Child Play Therapy - Play Therapy
Deakin University
Geelong, VIC 03.2022 - Current
Skills
Early childhood development
Group and individual instruction
Social skills
Teamwork
Pretend play development skills
Professional Development
2023 Completed training in the therapeutic approach, Learn To Play, as part of the placement unit HSO712 Engaging Children in Play Using Directive Approaches at Deakin University
2021 Trauma Informed practice with Therese Raulin
2021 Professional practice development sessions with education consultant Kirsty Liljegren
2021 VIT Effective Mentoring Program Combined Course – Cambridge Education
2019 Professional practice development sessions with education consultant Kirsty Liljegren
2019 Sue Larkey: Understanding Autism & Asperger Disorder
2019 Claire Warden: The Nature of Listening Conference. Keynote speaker Angela Hanscom
2018 Claire Warden: Art & Nature online course
2018 Tony Attwood Conference – Understanding Autism
2016 Dave Wandin (Wurundjeri Elder) talk on Wurundjeri History and Ceremony
2015 REAIE Biennial Conference - Landscapes of Imagination
2015 Claire Warden – Nature Pedagogy Course
Referees
Georgie Tsiantis - Established Recruitment Consultant for ANZUK. 52600988
Georgie.T@anzuk.education
Lisa Layton – Educational Leader Isabel Henderson Kindergarten 9481 6152
ihk@kindergarten.vic.gov.au
M: 0423 502 497
Margaret Taylor – Early Childhood Teacher at Isabel Henderson Kindergarten
M: 0418 823 611
Andrea Brabazon - Business Owner Loafer Bread Bakery
M: 0432 030 496
Timeline
Relief Teacher
Anzuk Education
02.2024 - Current
Master of Child Play Therapy - Play Therapy
Deakin University
03.2022 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
ISABEL HENDERSON KINDERGARTEN
01.2015 - 12.2021
Kindergarten Teacher (student Placement)
Preshil Nursery School, Early Learning Centre
05.2014 - 05.2014
Graduate Diploma - Education (Early Childhood)
RMIT University
02.2014 - 12.2014
Diploma of Auslan - Sign Language
Kangan Institute
02.2011 - 11.2012
Assistant Baker
Loafer Bread Organic Bakery
01.2007 - 01.2015
Assistant to Creative Director/Theatre Performer
Four Larks Theatre Company
01.2007 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - English
La Trobe University
03.2000 - 11.2013
Coffee Barista/Waitress
Various
01.1999 - 01.2007
High School Diploma -
Mater Dei College
01.1994 - 11.1998
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