We are 'The Educational Leader' that you need
and always wanted. Let's face it, we don't get to pick our leaders at work, but
you can pick your leader here!
The Educational Leader EYLF Facebook page was
born from multiple conversations between the two of us: Charlotte Bowley and
Gabrielle Flavin. We share very similar views so it seemed to make sense for us
to combine forces and create this page dedicated to the role of Educational
Leader.
We want to rage against the proliferation of
“EYLF” branded pages and products that are leading educators up the garden path
or trying to sell you something.
Who are we? And why are we qualified to be
your Educational Leader of choice?
Charlotte Bowley: registered early childhood
teacher, group leader, director, writer, lecturer, workshop presenter, QCOSS
trainer, program officer and service support officer (Office for Children),
TAFE teacher, project manager, playgroup coordinator and family day care
coordinator.
These are the many positions I have
experienced in my 22 years as an early childhood educator.
I have been fortunate enough to have had the
opportunity to engage in both hands on and office aspects of the early
childhood sector. Perhaps the greatest time of real learning and growth for me
as a professional was when working in the "Office for Children" (now
OECEC) overseeing the compliance of children's services with the QLD Act &
Regulations. In this role I also provided advice on legislation to children's
services and to government ministers relating to change and improvement.
My passion for children's rights also led me
to project manage the development of two 40min training DVD's for the
Department of Child Safety, these were training tools used with potential
Foster Carers, one of these specifically for indigenous Foster Carers.
After two years of maternity leave I returned
to part time work and again a hands-on role as a Playgroup Coordinator/ TAFE
teacher. This gave me the opportunity to not only be observing, planning and
interacting with children but to also be role modelling quality practice to
students; as well as interacting with families who participated in the service.
Being back in a hands-on role has renewed my
belief that all children deserve the highest quality care and education and
educators that are passionate about providing environments that reflect this
belief.
My current role as a Family Day Care
Coordinator has me supporting and mentoring educators whose service is
delivered within their own home.
Gabrielle Flavin: early childhood educator,
coordinator, early childhood teacher, team/room leader, educational leader,
director, writer and blogger, educational mentor, workshop presenter, and
project coordinator are a few of the positions I have held over the past 18
years working in early childhood education.
I have experience working in every age group
from 6 weeks through to out of school hours services. I have worked as a team
leader in nursery rooms through to preschool rooms as well as a coordinator of
before and after school care and vacation care services.
I have also been a preschool room leader,
acting director and Educational Leader all at the same time and I recognise the
challenges of wearing multiple hats. I am currently working as a project
coordinator working alongside 24 educational leaders for a not for profit
provider.
On a professional level, I am interested in
curriculum, programming and planning, sustainability and learning environments,
alternative forms of education, nature and pedagogy, play work, gardening,
interior design, photography, reflective practice and critical literacy.
- Charlotte & Gaby
© Charlotte Bowley & Gabrielle Flavin 2014
All Rights Reserved
