Finding your work family

Most of us spend more time at work than we do with our families and friends, and so I know you want to make sure that you are doing something you love in a place that supports you and shares your values! I like to think of it as ‘finding your work family’. Each of us have different needs and priorities, but you can be sure that there is the perfect early childhood education and care (ECEC) service in the Isaac region that would love to welcome you into their work family!

Know what you want

Take time and really consider what you want out of your workplace.

What is most important to you?

Are you looking for a big centre with lots of people and opportunities?

Or a small centre where you can get to know everyone personally?

Where do you want to work? Close to home? Are you willing to move for the right job?

Think about your personality, family life and other commitments when considering these things.

Communicate clearly

Be clear from the start about what you need in your job. Are you looking for specific leave offerings, or wages? Do you need flexible or specific hours to fit in with your life or family?

And what can you offer? What makes you unique? Do you have specific skills or talents you can share? Can you offer flexibility? Do you speak a language other than English? Are you an avid gardener? Have you engaged in specific professional development in a key topic that you can support your colleagues to learn about?

Find somewhere that feels ‘just right’

Trust what you feel when you first walk into a service, or meet the staff. It is important that you trust your gut. When you look around, what do you see? And what do you feel? Do you feel a sense of welcome? A sense of collaboration and cooperation amongst the team? And how do educators engage with and talk to each other, children and families? And how do people respond when you ask questions?

Philosophy and values

Your philosophy and values have to align with those of the workplace. As gorgeous and physically beautiful as some centres are, if there is a disconnect between your and their philosophy and values, it won’t work. Be clear about your personal philosophy and values, what you are looking for, and what inspires you in your professional practice.

Career Progression

Can you see yourself staying at this centre long term? Is there room to grow as a professional? Is lifelong learning a value that the service embraces? There tends to be lots of movement in our sector, but finding a long term work home is very rewarding. Ask about career opportunities and pathways for progression.

Be part of the solution

When you are working at a centre you’ve got the chance to help build culture! You can experiment with new activities, ideas, and experiences. You can also share your knowledge and skills. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas – if you share them with kindness, compassion and a willingness to learn, your colleagues are more likely to be open to them.

So what can a service in a regional area offer you?

Services in the Isaac region would love to get to know you! The services in this area provide themselves on being not for profits that are run for and by the community. They love the tight knit community they live and work in, and the many opportunities open to them and the children to explore and learn in a vast, unique and beautiful area.

The benefits you will find working in the Isaac region: