Early childhood educator Kate Nuske says she loves being a positive influence to young children.
Kate is an educator at Bethany Kindergarten Services where she teaches at Bellevue Preschool and Highton Preschool.
She says her favourite part of her job was that is allows her to build positive relationships with children and their families.
“I love to see the positive difference we can make to the children,” she said.
“To watch a child who has trouble separating from their parent grow confidence so they bounce through the gate with a huge smile and a sunny greeting, makes me feel that the work we do with these wonderful little people is so incredibly important.”
Kate, who has 28 years’ experience as an early childhood educator, said the privilege of watching a child grow in confidence doesn’t stop when they graduate from kindergarten.
“They take this confidence and go out and explore the world, and interact with new experiences, extending their skills, development and learning,” she said.
“Then, after starting school, when they come back to say hi, we get to enjoy and marvel at the amazing individual they’re developing into.”
Bethany Kindergarten Services operates 22 kindergartens across Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, employing 135 kindergarten staff.
During her 13 years working with BKS, Kate says she has been benefitted from the opportunities she has been provided.
“While working at BKS, I have been fortunate enough to work with some fabulous teams of people,” Kate said.
“Many of these people have become mentors; sharing their knowledge and skills, challenging my thinking, helping me question and further my own skills, knowledge and professional development,” she said.
But it’s the little people that has kept Kate working in the industry for so long.
In return for her teaching, children have offered her great lessons in life.
“Children love to laugh and have fun with friends,” Kate said.
“Sometimes as adults we get so caught up in the busyness of life. We need to slow down, take a breath, laugh and have fun,” she said
“Especially with the little people in our life, we need to live in the moment!”