Partnership Profiles

Introducing Mrs Tricia Childs

My name is Tricia Childs and I have been an Educator in Early Childhood for 27 years. I have always been interested in supporting young children and have been particularly drawn to the Reggio Emilia approach which is an innovative and inspiring approach as it values each child as strong, capable, and resilient, rich with wonder and knowledge. As Loris Malaguzzi (founder of the Reggio Emilia approach) wrote, "it is the image of the child who, from the moment of birth, is so engaged in developing a relationship with their world, and intent on experiencing the world that he or she develops a complex system of abilities, learning strategies and ways of organising relationships." This is a belief that I hold central to my heart, and I consciously seek to see the amazing potential of each child through the Reggio Emilia philosophical lens. I believe that valuing each child is central to their learning; that each child is born a citizen and possessor and constructor of rights, who is to be respected and valued for his/her identity, uniqueness, and difference. I believe that children need a safe space to discover, learn and to fail, to form relationships with educators and peers and learn how to resolve conflicts, make mistakes, to forgive and be forgiven.

In conjunction with my Christian belief that God gives us gifts and skills to serve our world, I believe that through God’s grace and my passion for Early Childhood, I have been given the opportunity to serve children and families for the last 27 years. This has given me great joy and contentment as I make a difference in their lives serving our community as a Professional Early Childhood Leader.

Introducing Ms Lauren Botheras

I have been in the Early Childhood Industry for over 15 years, I currently hold my Diploma of Early Childhood Education and I am currently studying to finish my degree in Teaching. Not only am I an Educator for the Blue Team this year I have graciously accepted the role as the Learning Environment Curator within Curiosity. I am passionate about fostering environments that prioritise creativity, exploration, questioning, and collaboration. This philosophy resonates deeply with me as it acknowledges the innate curiosity and potential within each child, advocating for a holistic approach that integrates art, nature, and community into the learning process. By embracing the principles of Reggio Emilia, I aspire to cultivate environments where children are empowered to express themselves authentically, create connection, develop meaningful relationships, and construct their understanding of the world around them.

Furthermore, the Reggio Emilia approach underscores the importance of Educators, like myself, as facilitators of learning rather than mere instructors. This resonates with my belief in the Educator's role at Curiosity as a guide who nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in our young learners. I aim to create rich learning experiences that spark inquiry and ignite a lifelong love for learning. By embracing a collaborative approach that values children as capable and competent individuals, I aspire to cultivate inclusive and supportive communities where each child's unique voice is valued and celebrated.

Finally, my desire to become an Early Childhood Teacher stems from a deep-seated commitment to see each child as a unique learner that cultivates their curiosity and individuality. I hope to create inclusive learning communities where every child feels a sense of belonging and agency. I look forward to spending more time with your children this year, and learning alongside them in our rich learning environment that is Curiosity.