Era Sam
Berwick,Victoria
Summary
Dedicated and fully registered Early Childhood Educator with over 13 years of experience in the industry , including 8 years as a Kindergarten Teacher (currently fully registered )and current leadership in curriculum and pedagogical practice. Skilled in designing and delivering inclusive, play-based programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework (NQF). Proven ability to foster strong, respectful relationships with children, families, and communities. Committed to supporting holistic child development and wellbeing through high-quality educational practices. Experienced in mentoring educators, leading reflective practice, and supporting continuous improvement in early childhood settings. Passionate about maintaining compliance, promoting equity, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning in children.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Curriculum and Practice Leader
Aspire ELC and KIndergaten
05.2024 - Current
- Trained and mentored new Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) and across multiple centres, sharing professional knowledge and supporting their development.
- Prepared and submitted ISS and KIS funding applications, working in collaboration with Monash Health professionals to support children's learning needs and family engagement through School Readiness Funding.
- Coordinated and delivered the Bush Kinder program in partnership with Cranbourne Gardens, offering meaningful outdoor learning experiences for children and their families.
- Introduced and implemented the Story Box Library resource across the centre, enhancing home learning opportunities and promoting early literacy through family involvement.
- Supported and implemented many activities for school readiness by building strong connections with local primary schools, organising school visits, and facilitating sessions with foundation teachers.
- Delivered the Aspire curriculum using a play-based, interest-led approach, with a strong focus on children’s developmental outcomes and engagement.
- Provided ongoing leadership and support to centres in program planning, inclusive practices, centre presentation, and community engagement, ensuring alignment with child-safe standards and fostering respectful relationships among children, families, and educators.
- Developed clear communication channels among various department heads, facilitating seamless coordination and collaboration on key projects.
Head of curriculum (Ed leader)
Aspire Cranbourne West
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Provided leadership and mentoring to educators in program planning, practice, and team collaboration, fostering leadership growth within the team—several staff progressed into ECT and HOC roles at other centres.
- Oversaw curriculum and community engagement as HOC, successfully coordinating events such as a large-scale Diwali celebration attended by nearly 800 guests through online reservations.
- Supported ECTs with funding applications, liaising with PSFO and delivering inclusion support to ensure all children received appropriate learning opportunities.
- Introduced professional development , in helping educators build strategies for inclusive and responsive teaching practices.
Kindergarten Teacher
Aspire ELC and Kindergarten Cranbourne West
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Trained and mentored new Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) across multiple centres, sharing professional knowledge and supporting their development.
- Prepared and submitted ISS and KIS funding applications, working in collaboration with Monash Health professionals to support children's learning needs and family engagement through School Readiness Funding.
- Coordinated and delivered the Bush Kinder program in partnership with Cranbourne Gardens, offering meaningful outdoor learning experiences for children and their families.
- Introduced and implemented the Story Box Library resource across the centre, enhancing home learning opportunities and promoting early literacy through family involvement.
- Supported school readiness by building strong connections with local primary schools, organising school visits, and facilitating sessions with foundation teachers.
- Delivered the Aspire curriculum using a play-based, interest-led approach, with a strong focus on children’s developmental outcomes and engagement.
- Built strong connections with the local community and primary schools to support children’s school readiness, including organising visits, transition activities, and collaborative events.
Kindergarten Teacher
Silkwood stars early learning centre Rowville
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Delivered high-quality kindergarten programs aligned with the EYLF and service philosophy, supporting each child’s learning, wellbeing, and development in a play-based environment.
- Followed all daily responsibilities including planning, observations, family communication, health and safety checks, and maintaining a positive, inclusive classroom culture.
Coordinator
Camp Australia - Berwick Chase primary school
01.2013 - 01.2021
- Managed the Before and After School Care program at Berwick Chase for nearly four years, providing safe, engaging care for up to 120 children daily and building strong relationships with families and the school community.
- Successfully led the service through the Assessment and Rating process, working closely with the team to meet National Quality Standards and achieve a positive outcome.
Educator
Eco Kids Hampton park and Camp Australia
01.2012 - 01.2013
Education
Bachelor’s degree - Early childhood education
Deakin University
01-2018
Diploma - Pre -school Method of Education
Maria Training Centre
Colombo Sri Lanka02-2005
Diploma Child Psychology -
American College of Higher Education
Colombo Sri Lanka05-2008
Diploma in Children Services - Early Childhood Education And Care
Chisholm Institute
Berwick, VIC05-2014
Certificate II in Children Services - Early Childhood Education And Care
Chisholm Institute
Berwick, VIC08-2013
Skills
- Creative Program Delivery – Using innovative and imaginative approaches to foster curiosity, learning, and exploration in early childhood settings
- Strong Communication Skills – Effectively engaging with children, families, colleagues, and external stakeholders through verbal and written communication
- Effective Problem Solving – Identifying challenges in the learning environment and applying practical, child-centred solutions
- Critical Thinking and Reflection – Continuously evaluating teaching practices and learning outcomes to improve educational programs and support children’s growth
- Commitment to Ongoing Professional Development – Actively participating in training, workshops, and self-reflection to stay up to date with sector trends and best practices
- Leadership and Mentoring Experience – Supporting and guiding educators, pre-service teachers, and colleagues to build skills, confidence, and professional growth
Websites
Timeline
Curriculum and Practice Leader
Aspire ELC and KIndergaten
05.2024 - Current
Head of curriculum (Ed leader)
Aspire Cranbourne West
01.2023 - 05.2024
Kindergarten Teacher
Aspire ELC and Kindergarten Cranbourne West
01.2021 - 01.2023
Kindergarten Teacher
Silkwood stars early learning centre Rowville
01.2017 - 01.2021
Coordinator
Camp Australia - Berwick Chase primary school
01.2013 - 01.2021
Educator
Eco Kids Hampton park and Camp Australia
01.2012 - 01.2013
Bachelor’s degree - Early childhood education
Deakin University
Diploma - Pre -school Method of Education
Maria Training Centre
Diploma Child Psychology -
American College of Higher Education
Diploma in Children Services - Early Childhood Education And Care
Chisholm Institute
Certificate II in Children Services - Early Childhood Education And Care
Chisholm Institute
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