Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Training And Certificates
References
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Wickham

Goolwa North,SA

Summary

Qualified and motivated Early Childhood Teacher that has worked within the early childhood profession for 19yrs in a variety of roles. Passionate about providing programs that support emotional, social, cognitive and physical development for young children. Experienced in contributing, leading and participating in teams that are well versed in learning theories and practice. Value the role of families and the broader community to represent the culturally diverse members of a service and the surrounding community. Enjoy being part of a caring, energetic team environment.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Early Childhood Teacher

Edge Early Learning Strathalbyn
05.2021 - Current
  • Encouraged use of technology to support student learning.
  • Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behaviour.
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
  • Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
  • Developed and implemented behaviour management plans.
  • Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
  • Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
  • Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
  • Modeled positive behaviour and communication skills for students.
  • Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
  • Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
  • Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
  • Established positive relationships with students and families.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Addressed behavioural and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
  • Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
  • Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
  • Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
  • Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
  • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
  • Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
  • Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
  • Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
  • Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
  • Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
  • Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
  • Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
  • Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, guiding future instruction based on individual needs.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively using consistent routines and age-appropriate consequences, creating a safe learning environment for all students.
  • Facilitated successful parent-teacher conferences, addressing concerns and discussing strategies for supporting student growth at home.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents, conducting regular communication to keep them informed about their child''s progress and school events.

Team Leader/Early Childhood Teacher

Goodstart Early Learning Clovelly Park South Australia
01.2011 - 05.2021
  • Model effective application of pedagogy in teaching practice
  • Assess children's learning and development and apply pedagogical expertise to inform curriculum decisions
  • Develop meaningful pedagogical documentation and reflective practice
  • Deliver specific learning program and practice within long day care and/or kindergarten services to prepare children for their first year of formal schooling
  • Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with children and families
  • Support a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement
  • Seek and share best practice examples to improve the education program
  • Maintain a safe environment for children, families and team members.
  • Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
  • Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
  • Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
  • Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
  • Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
  • Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
  • Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
  • Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
  • Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
  • Established positive relationships with students and families.
  • Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviours.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Organized educational field trips to enhance curriculum topics and provide real-world connections for students.
  • Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, guiding future instruction based on individual needs.
  • Managed classroom behaviour effectively using consistent routines and age-appropriate consequences, creating a safe learning environment for all students.
  • Established a positive classroom environment by setting clear expectations and promoting respect among students.
  • Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
  • Facilitated successful parent-teacher conferences, addressing concerns and discussing strategies for supporting student growth at home.
  • Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
  • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.

Educational Leader

Goodstart Early Learning Clovelly Park South Australia
01.2012 - 01.2021
  • Lead the Centre team in embedding EYLF across the Centre
  • Coach and mentor the Centre team to deepen their understanding of curriculum and pedagogy
  • Maintain current early learning knowledge and deliver the education program
  • Be accessible to, and work with, Centre employees to observe, support and extend children's learning and development and its promotion to families
  • Facilitate and participate in relevant professional research and education forums to maintain currency, as required
  • Collaborate with the Centre Director and Early Learning Consultant to develop action plans that address identified practice needs within the Centre.

Director

YMCA of Central Australia Kilgariff Early Years Learning Centre Alice Springs N.T
01.2007 - 01.2010
  • Maintain a safe environment for children, families, team members, and all visitors
  • Ensure the Centre complies with the National Quality Framework (NQF)
  • Manage Centre performance by applying strong business and financial discipline to meet targets and Assessment & Ratings results
  • Lead, mentor, and support Centre team members to ensure they provide high-quality early learning and care
  • Provide professional development opportunities for team members to drive improved outcomes for employees, children, and families
  • Use internal and external networks to ensure children and families have access to appropriate support networks.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.

University Placement- Reception

Eastern Fleurieu R-12 Strathalbyn SA
  • Develop the curriculum for 20 reception students during the 2nd term
  • Teach Maths, Phonics, science, literacy, and guided reading
  • Assist in report writing.

University Placement- Kindy/Childcare

Yankalilla community Children's Centre Yankalilla SA
  • Deliver a play-based curriculum that incorporates children's interests and strengths to support their development and assist with their transition to school
  • Manage two other educators.

University Placement- Kindy

Port Elliot Kindergarten
  • Deliver a play-based curriculum that incorporates children's interests and strengths to support their development and assist with their transition to school
  • Liaise with school's children were transitioning to, attend meetings with teachers and parents.

Education

Bachelor of Education Early Childhood -

University of South Australia
10.2018

Diploma of Children's Services -

The Australian YMCA Institute of Education and Training
04.2010

Northern Territory Certificate of Education -

Centralian Senior Secondary School: Alice Springs
12.2005

Skills

  • Strong written communication gained in report writing and emails with organisations and early childhood professionals
  • Strong verbal communication gained by conversing with families, educators, children
  • Organising a team gained through being a director, team leader and Educational Leader
  • Embracing change developed through the continuing changes made to curriculum, policies and improvement of practice
  • Working effectively with diverse cultures developed though working in highly culturally diverse services
  • Working with children with challenging behaviours
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Documentation And Reporting
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Relationship Building
  • Self Motivation

Training And Certificates

  • First Aid, 17/02/26
  • Responding to risks of harm, abuse and neglect, Education care training- 12/31/24
  • Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum, 03/22 (completed)
  • Teachers Registration, 31/01/28

References

  • Brooke Neave, Lead Educator, Guardian Care and Education, 0411 354 672, brooke_pearce@hotmail.com
  • Sam Richards, Director, Guardian Care and Education- Mt Barker Bollen Rd, 0417330158,

Timeline

Early Childhood Teacher

Edge Early Learning Strathalbyn
05.2021 - Current

Educational Leader

Goodstart Early Learning Clovelly Park South Australia
01.2012 - 01.2021

Team Leader/Early Childhood Teacher

Goodstart Early Learning Clovelly Park South Australia
01.2011 - 05.2021

Director

YMCA of Central Australia Kilgariff Early Years Learning Centre Alice Springs N.T
01.2007 - 01.2010

University Placement- Reception

Eastern Fleurieu R-12 Strathalbyn SA

University Placement- Kindy/Childcare

Yankalilla community Children's Centre Yankalilla SA

University Placement- Kindy

Port Elliot Kindergarten

Bachelor of Education Early Childhood -

University of South Australia

Diploma of Children's Services -

The Australian YMCA Institute of Education and Training

Northern Territory Certificate of Education -

Centralian Senior Secondary School: Alice Springs

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Sarah Wickham