Meet Sue, Early Childhood Education and Care Lead Trainer at Macquarie Community College. Her dedication to quality education and passion for Child Care continues to inspire students and colleagues alike.
From Hands-On Care to Hands-On Teaching
Sue’s career in early childhood education began in 1991, when she first entered the childcare sector. Over the years, Sue has worked in various service settings, gaining invaluable experience that led her into the world of childcare training. In 2012, Sue embraced the world of training and never looked back.
“I’ve always been highly motivated and passionate about providing the highest quality of care for children,” Sue explains. “But what really drives me is helping others achieve their dream of working with children. Whether it’s someone coming from a different background or facing barriers to learning, I’m there to support them every step of the way.”
A Classroom Like No Other
At Macquarie Community College Child Care classes combine practical, hands-on experience with a strong foundation of theory. The students don’t just sit through lectures. They actively engage with real-world scenarios and gain invaluable insights into the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. And for Sue, no two days are ever the same.
“I absolutely love how dynamic the courses are,” she says. “It’s hands-on, practical, and I get to watch my students develop and grow their knowledge in such an exciting field.”
As a lifelong learner herself, Sue brings this same mindset into her teaching. She knows that in the ever-evolving world of child care, being a good educator means continuously seeking knowledge and embracing new ideas.
“My students teach me just as much as I teach them,” Sue reflects. “I love seeing them gain confidence and succeed, especially when they thought they couldn’t.”
Resources for Childcare Educators
For those looking to deepen their understanding of the Child Care sector, Sue has a wealth of resources to recommend. From podcasts to websites, she emphasises the importance of immersing yourself in the vast world of the Early Childhood Education and Care information.
“My top recommendation is to embrace all the knowledge out there,” she says. “ACECQA’s website, various podcasts, social media groups, newsletters – all of these offer a wealth of insights.
My favourite podcast is ECA Podcast. Networking with others in the field also helps you stay updated and engaged with new trends and ideas.”
For those starting their career in child care or training to become educators, Sue encourages them to be curious and proactive in their learning.
Moments that make it all worthwhile
“Too many special moments to count,” Sue smiles when asked about her proudest achievements.
“Being nominated for Trainer of the Year in 2023 was a huge honour, and I’ve been fortunate to share my journey through media opportunities Hawkesbury Phoenix. But what I cherish most are those moments when students succeed – when they overcome challenges and achieve something they didn’t think was possible.”
Sue recalls working with students who doubted their own potential but eventually earned their qualifications.
“Seeing the look on their faces when they realise, they can do it is priceless,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be part of their journey.”
The Power of Community at Macquarie Community College
One of the most fulfilling aspects of working at Macquarie Community College for Sue, is the strong sense of community.
“I absolutely love being part of my core team – my dream team,” Sue says with pride. “We work so well together to make things happen, and it’s inspiring to see how committed everyone is to creating a positive, supportive environment for our students.”
For Sue, the culture of teamwork at Macquarie Community College is what sets the College apart.
“It’s all about community here. We’re a network of support for one another and for our students. We’re about helping each other grow, and that’s a huge part of what makes Macquarie Community College so special.”
Whether you’re looking to start your career in childcare or take your skills to the next level, our team’s support and expertise are sure to guide you toward success.