Early learning is often the first step a child takes in their educational journey, which is why this year’s Early Childhood Educators’ Day theme, ‘The future starts with us’, is so apt.

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child.

Early Childhood Educators play a pivotal role in laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and growth, and helping children build their confidence.

At AnglicareSA, our early childhood educators at our Daphne Street Childcare Centre, whether in our mainstream childcare program or Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC), are helping children reach their full potential.

AnglicareSA Early Childhood Educator, Tianyi Chen, is one of those people, supporting autistic children in ASELCC with emotional regulation, communication skills, and early childhood development.

Being an educator was about more than simply caring for children, Tianyi said.

“There’s definitely a perception that educators are just carers, and that we are only meeting children’s basic needs like feeding them or changing them,” she said.

“We are so much more than that – we are helping children learn and assisting therapists to tailor-make strategies for their development.”

 

 

Tianyi said she was proud of her role and of working at the centre, which will become a Flying Start partner from January 2027, delivering South Australia’s new teacher-led, play-based three-year-old preschool program.

“What I love about my role is watching the children who come here grow.

“For example, one child was nervous to use the toilet when they first arrived at Daphne Street. Now, that child can use the bathroom with minimal assistance.”

Tianyi said that while it was bittersweet to see each child she cared for leave the centre for school, she was proud to have made an impact on their early learning and development.

“I do get a bit sad to see them head off to school, but I love watching them grow and embrace their potential and their future,” Tianyi said.

“I feel very proud to be a part of their journey and feel very blessed that the parents trusted us to care for and educate them.

“I am just proud of what we do as educators and proud of our centre.”

 

Vacancies available at Daphne Street Childcare

Families interested in joining our Daphne Street Childcare and Early Learning Centre and receiving care from Early Childhood Educators like Tianyi can tour the centre and view our early learning programs in action by contacting daphneadmin@anglicaresa.com.au or phoning 8269 8688.