Rajika Agampodi
Mernda,Australia
Summary
Dedicated Early Childhood Teacher with 12 years of experience and a Master of Education (Autism). Specializes in inclusive education, program planning, and sustainable practices. Expertise in supporting diverse learning needs and delivering engaging learning experiences aligned with NQF and VEYLDF. Focused on enhancing children’s wellbeing and fostering strong family and community partnerships.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Teacher
Sparkways
Laurimar, VIC
01.2023 - Current
- Planned and delivered play-based learning programs to support children’s development
- Established safe, nurturing classroom environment to foster children's exploration and learning
- Facilitated social, emotional, and communication skills development through guided activities and interactions
- Cultivated positive relationships with families through regular communication to support children's development
- Observed and documented children’s learning and developmental progress
- Encouraged independence and positive behaviour in daily routines
- Collaborated with team members and followed early childhood frameworks and regulations
Early Childhood Teacher (Casual)
Randstad Australia
Melbourne, VIC
05.2020 - 12.2023
- Provided a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for children.
- Implemented play-based learning in line with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
- Supervised children during indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring health and safety at all times.
- Supported daily routines, facilitating smooth transitions during meals and rest.
- Collaborated with educators to ensure adherence to centre programs and policies.
- Built positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
- Maintained quality care during teacher absences.
- Followed service policies and the Education and Care Services National Regulations.
Early Childhood Teacher (Casual)
McArthur Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
04.2019 - 12.2023
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Fostered nurturing environment that supported children's social and emotional growth.
- Implemented classroom management strategies that encouraged positive behavior among students.
- Provided quality care during teacher absences, ensuring continuity of learning.
Early Childhood Teacher
Sparkways (TRY Australia)
Beveridge, VIC
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Planned and delivered play-based learning programs to support children’s development
- Established safe, nurturing, engaging classroom environment to foster learning
- Observed and documented children’s learning and developmental progress
- Facilitated guided activities to enhance social, emotional, and communication skills
- Built positive relationships with families and communicated regularly
- Promoted independence and positive behaviour during daily routines
- Collaborated with team members and followed early childhood frameworks and regulations
Activity Group Leader
South Morang Preschool
02.2019 - 03.2019
- Led curriculum development to enhance preschool learning experiences.
- Designed and implemented an educational program for 22 children in a 3-4 years old sessional kindergarten, addressing individual learning needs.
- Supervised daily operations and ensured compliance with educational standards.
- Facilitated ongoing communication with families through daily discussions, parent-teacher meetings, and events to strengthen community engagement.
- Fostered positive relationships with children, parents, and staff for a supportive environment.
Early Childhood Teacher
Jindi Kindergarten and Extended Care
07.2017 - 12.2018
- Developed and delivered quality educational program for 33 children aged 4-5 in sessional kindergarten, addressing individual learning needs.
- Provided emotional support for the group by developing secure relationships focusing on Key Educator Relationship and welcome spaces based on circle of security.
- Facilitated regular communication with families through Story Park, portfolios, online surveys, parent-teacher meetings, and events to enhance engagement.
- Conducted wellbeing interviews with families to strengthen partnerships and align support with family expectations.
- Developed a sustainable plan with CERES for the centre and worked towards the “Resourcesmart” project.
- Worked towards developing a RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) to acknowledge the first nations of the country.
- Achieved recognition as "Employee of the Month" in April 2018 for outstanding contributions to the team.
Casual Bilingual Worker
Free Kindergarten Association, Australia
Melbourne, VIC
10.2010 - 12.2017
- Maintained and developed children's first language through storytelling and play activities.
- Liaised with children from Sri Lankan background to support their integration into childcare settings.
- Provided cultural insights to staff during training sessions to enhance understanding and support for diverse backgrounds.
Group Leader
Jindi Kindergarten and Extended Care
01.2015 - 06.2017
- Oversaw room, health, and safety of children and co-educators, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with children, families, educators and other professionals.
- Assisted teachers with documentation and program planning, enhancing curriculum development and educational outcomes.
- Supported implementation of sustainability and gardening program, fostering environmental awareness among children.
Group Leader
Goodstart Early Learning, Karl Court, Bundoora
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Led daily activities and curriculum planning for preschool-aged children.
- Supervised staff in implementing educational programs and care routines.
- Oversaw room, health, and safety standards for children and co-educators to ensure a secure and nurturing environment.
- Assisted teachers in organizing documentation and planning educational programs to enhance learning experiences.
- Organized training sessions to enhance team skills and knowledge.
Education
Master of Education -
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLD03-2026
Graduate Diploma in Education - Early Childhood
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University
Melbourne, VIC01-2016
Diploma of Children’s Services -
Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE (NMIT)
Melbourne, VIC01-2012
Certificate IV ESL Further Study -
NMIT
Melbourne, VIC01-2011
Certificate III in ESL (Employment) - English for Childcare
NMIT
Melbourne, VIC01-2010
Diploma of Forensic Medicine -
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka01-2007
Bachelor of Law -
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka01-2004
Attorney at Law -
Law College of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka01-2003
Skills
- NQS and VEYLDF expertise
- Program planning expertise
- Ability to design responsive, child-centred, and play-based learning programs
- Curriculum assessment skills
- Experience guiding educators to use effective behaviour guidance and emotional regulation strategies
- Inclusive education support
- Child safety knowledge
- Ability to work independently and confidently in casual, relief, and team teaching roles
- Leadership in early childhood
- Professional learning commitment
- Mindfulness and self-regulation
- Relationship building
Certification
- VIT Full Registration
- Level 2 First Aid
- CPR, Anaphylaxis & Asthma Certification
- Basic Food Handling
References
- Samantha Musto, Early Childhood Teacher/NS & EdL, Spring Street Kindergarten, Thomastown. VIC 3074, 03 9465 2092, samantha.musto@sparkways.org.au
- Indra Galapatha, Early Childhood Teacher / Mentor, Goodstart Early Learning Centre, 3-5, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, 04 6917 4489, indra.carmen@hotmail.com
Volunteer Experience
- Sustainable produce bags Project, 08/19, Hume Enviro-Champ Project plan (With the support of City of Whittlesea)
- Classroom Volunteer (Part time), 04/11 - 07/11, Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) – NMIT, Preston
Placement Experience
- Mernda Village Kindergarten, 2016
- Goodstart Early Learning, Centenary Drive, Mill Park, 2015
- Goodstart Early Learning, Plenty Road, 2012
- Goodstart Early Learning, Preston, 2012
- Greensborough Pre-school, 2011
- Casa Bambini Childcare Centre, Preston, 2011
- Joyce Ave Children’s Centre, Greensborough, 2010
Timeline
Early Childhood Teacher
Sparkways
01.2023 - Current
Early Childhood Teacher
Sparkways (TRY Australia)
01.2021 - 12.2022
Early Childhood Teacher (Casual)
Randstad Australia
05.2020 - 12.2023
Early Childhood Teacher (Casual)
McArthur Melbourne
04.2019 - 12.2023
Activity Group Leader
South Morang Preschool
02.2019 - 03.2019
Early Childhood Teacher
Jindi Kindergarten and Extended Care
07.2017 - 12.2018
Group Leader
Jindi Kindergarten and Extended Care
01.2015 - 06.2017
Group Leader
Goodstart Early Learning, Karl Court, Bundoora
01.2013 - 12.2014
Casual Bilingual Worker
Free Kindergarten Association, Australia
10.2010 - 12.2017
Master of Education -
Queensland University of Technology
Graduate Diploma in Education - Early Childhood
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University
Diploma of Children’s Services -
Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE (NMIT)
Certificate IV ESL Further Study -
NMIT
Certificate III in ESL (Employment) - English for Childcare
NMIT
Diploma of Forensic Medicine -
University of Colombo
Bachelor of Law -
University of Colombo
Attorney at Law -
Law College of Sri Lanka