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Early Childhood Educators Day takes place on September 7 in 2022.

This is a day to recognise and celebrate the work of Australia's educators in early learning services for their wonderful contribution to the wellbeing and healthy development of the young children in their care.

One such early learning service is Catholic Education SA’s Supported Playgroups in Catholic Education (SPiCE) Program.

There are over 55 Supported Playgroups in Catholic schools who work with over 1000 families across the state – each one managed by an experienced and dedicated playgroup facilitator.

The SPiCE Program aims to provide a time and place for children and families to play, be and belong, and this is exactly what the playgroup facilitators work tirelessly to offer and achieve.  

The SPiCE Program recognises and values the important role Early Childhood Educators play in the lives and development of young children, by providing the SPiCE facilitators regular access to professional learning, resources, and collaboration and networking opportunities, to ensure they are providing quality early childhood experiences for children aged birth to 5 years.

“When gathering recently at our quarterly SPiCE Network Meeting, one thing was clear…” said Emily Bowden, Independent Early Years Consultant, Catholic Education SA.

“The SPiCE facilitators have and share such great love, passion, dedication and joy for the work they do and the children and families in their care.

“We say ‘THANK YOU’ to all our dedicated and brilliant playgroup facilitators who are working tirelessly in Catholic schools across the state. We value and recognise the importance of what you give and bring to the lives of our children and their families and how this is positively impacting their future.”

As part of Early Childhood Educators Day 2022, we asked six amazing SPiCE facilitators from across SA to share their professional journeys and what they love most about being a playgroup facilitator. We’d like to introduce to you to Wendy, Vicky, Sam, Belinda, Katrina and Carole…

Introducing…Wendy Moulder from Emmaus@play Playgroup
Emmaus Catholic School, Woodcroft

Wendy is an experienced and dedicated Early Years Educator. She has a Bachelor of Education and has worked for over 10 years at Emmaus Catholic School, in various roles, such as Librarian, Education Support Officer and Classroom Teacher.

Wendy’s experience in early childhood has led to her involvement in several of the Early Years programs at Emmaus Catholic School, including their Emmaus@play Playgroup on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings each week, their Little Learners Transition Programme for 4-year-old children transitioning to school which runs Wednesday and Friday mornings and their much-anticipated Occasional Care Program for 3–5-year-old children which is available Wednesday and Friday afternoons. 

By being involved in all the Early Years programs at Emmaus, Wendy builds meaningful and consistent relationships with children from their playgroup years through to starting school in Reception and beyond. It is a common sight for those walking through the playground at recess and lunch to observe older school children, stopping to say hello to Wendy, sharing their latest news with her, the educator who guided and was there for them and their families throughout their early years.

From Wendy:

“I love creating beautiful play spaces, full of wonder, where families and little people can come to play, laugh, sing, create, discover, and explore together. One of my favourite things about my job is being able to promote the importance of play to families while building a sense of belonging to our Emmaus School community.”

Introducing…Vicky Manalo from St Margaret Mary’s Playgroup
St Margaret Mary’s School, Croydon Park

As you enter St Margaret Mary’s Playgroup each Friday you will be warmly welcomed by Vicky. Her natural connection with families and children is obvious the moment you walk into the room, and a great sense of community is witnessed.

Vicky has been working at St Margaret Mary’s Playgroup for 2 years working collaboratively with the preschool educators and supporting families and has supported the preschool for 5 years.

Many playgroup families have commented on how beneficial it has been for their child’s transition to preschool and school, to have had time to familiarise themselves with the preschool and the school facilities prior to starting their formal education.

Vicky’s passion and joy in learning is evident as she plans and encourages children and families to interact together during her hands on and engaging learning experiences. Vicky loves seeing children and families interacting together and encourages them to build positive relationships with each other.

From Vicky:

“Being part of the playgroup community is such an amazing opportunity and experience. I love seeing children bloom as they grow in independence and confidence, helping members find a support network and create a place of belonging.”

Introducing…Sam Desmond from St Columba Playgroup
St Columba College, Andrews Farm 

The playgroup at St Columba is extremely popular and families from outside the school community seek to access the service, due to Sam Desmond’s passion and dedication for providing fun learning opportunities for children to learn through play-based experiences.

Sam is employed through the college as the Community Engagement Liaison, following teaching for 12 years in both primary and secondary years.  Her current role includes facilitating the supported playgroup and mentoring and supporting local defence families.

Sam actively advocates for the importance and influence playgroup holds for families in the wider local community, by working with outside organisations providing engaging learning experiences for children and valuable education opportunities for families.

From Sam:

“The birth of my son stirred my passion for working in early childhood and solidified the belief that all people should have access to high quality activities and opportunities for their littles ones. Watching children engage so joyfully and hearing how parents have found inspiration and support from our Playgroup community is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.”

Introducing…. Belinda Clohessy from Caritas Cubs Playgroup
Caritas College, Port Augusta

Caritas Cubs Playgroup launched for the first time earlier this year run by playgroup coordinator Belinda Clohessy, a trained Early Childhood Educator. Prior to her role at Caritas, Belinda worked for 11 years in early childhood preschool settings.

Belinda’s role not only includes facilitating the Caritas Cubs Playgroup on Monday and Wednesday mornings and Tuesday afternoons, but she is also the Transition Teacher, educating children as they transition to Reception.

When she is not facilitating playgroup or teaching in the transition class, Belinda enjoys teaching Physical Education to Receptions and relief teaching at the College across all year levels.

From Belinda:

“It has been wonderful to see our playgroup program grow and watching the way our families interact with one another. I love facilitating intergenerational play, watching the children seek grandparents and parents to be included in their play experiences. It is such a lovely moment to be a part of.”

Introducing… Katrina Braham from Nazareth Catholic Community Playgroup
Nazareth Catholic Community, Findon

Her role includes building community engagement and connections by facilitating several community programs, including the supported playgroup and ‘Wise Owls’, a group for senior members in the local community.
Katrina facilitates the playgroup from Tuesday to Friday and offers a variety of playgroup experiences, including a gross motor program specifically for 3 to 5-year-olds called ‘Fun-Moves’, and an outdoor only ‘Nature Play’ connecting children and families with nature.

Katrina has passionately worked in this role for over three years and has been part of the Nazareth Community as a parent for over 13 years.  

From Katrina:

“Coming to work every day and being completely immersed in the hum of our broad community fills me with joy. From our newest community members to our longest standing (and wisest!) ones, my diverse role allows me to provide enriching, lifelong and life-giving learning experiences across the life span.”

Introducing…. Carole Smith from St Augustine’s Parish Primary School Playgroup
St Augustine’s Parish Primary School, Salisbury

Carole Smith wears many hats within her role as St Augustine’s Parish School’s Community Hub Coordinator.

Carole works full time facilitating several programs and services including Occasional Care for children aged 3 to 5 and the Supported Playgroup for children aged birth to 5 years and their families.

Carole’s passion is connecting with and supporting families and children within the local community, and she determinedly works in collaboration with the school, Community Hubs Australia, and numerous family services within the local Salisbury region.

From Carole:

“When I first started in my role back in 2012, I quickly identified the need to provide wrap around services for additional assistance and support to families - it wasn’t just an educational program! Linking families to services for their specific needs quickly became part of my role that I loved. Before the community hub was physically part of the school, we were already acknowledging the broader need to support families, particularly those from migrant and refugee backgrounds. It is essential we provide a connection to local community services - particularly services for child development support.

“Not all children start school on an equal footing. Part of role that I love the most is to try and make a difference to their school experience - as well as building school capacity to understand the family’s needs before transition begins.

“Over the years our pre-school programmes have provided a soft entry into our school – this is where families can share their stories gather information about the wider community and learn with and from the friendships which are built through parenting, lived experience and similarities of cultural practices. My passion is to help families build on a strong sense of belonging and connection to place which I believe makes a difference to living well.”