Sahan holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Master of Business Administration, with a specialisation in Information Systems.
Over to Sahan…
I love working in early education and care because it allows me to support children as they explore endless possibilities in their learning and development. I see myself as a guide, providing a sense of care and respect while encouraging each child to discover their unique strengths. My teaching philosophy is rooted in careful observation, responsive interactions, and scaffolding learning to help children build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning. I believe in fostering strong relationships, valuing differences, and creating a calm and supportive environment where all children feel safe, respected, and inspired to grow.
Throughout my career, I’ve been most proud of the strong connections I’ve built with children, families, and colleagues. One of my greatest achievements is seeing children feel safe, respected, and excited. I take pride in creating engaging and inclusive learning experiences that support children’s problem-solving skills, and confidence. Additionally, successfully completing my studies in early childhood education while actively reflecting on and refining my teaching philosophy has been a significant milestone. Every time I see a child learn something new or feel proud of themselves, I know I am in the right place.
When I’m not at Choklits, I enjoy watching movies, playing games, and travelling to new places. I love exploring nature, going on walks, and seeing different landscapes. Spending time with family and friends is also very important to me. I like learning new things and trying different experiences that help me grow. Whether it’s relaxing with a good movie, playing games for fun, or discovering new places, I always enjoy making the most of my free time.
The cutest, funniest, or most beautiful thing a child has ever said to me happened during my placement. I was taking notes when a child came up to me and asked what I was doing. After I explained, she wanted to write something in my book too. When I handed it to her, she drew a page full of hearts and said, “This is my love for you,” and then gave me a big hug. It was such a heartfelt moment, and it made me feel deeply touched and appreciated. It reminded me of the pure, genuine connections we build with children and the love they freely give.
Leanne holds a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care and has been in working in Early Learning for almost a year.
Over to Leanne…
I love working with children, watching them learn and guiding them through early education.
I’m very proud of my previous job working as a nanny for a family for 15 years and now using my experience working as an early childhood educator.
When I’m not at Choklits I love spending time with family, playing netball and basketball and catching up with friends.
The cutest, funniest or most beautiful thing a child has ever said to me was a child asked me why I was old. My response was “I’m not that old am I?” to which the child replied, “Yes, you’re old because you have cracks around your eyes”.
Asten holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and has been working in early learning for over 23 years!
Over to Asten…
I love working in early education and care because watching children grow, learn and develop each day is amazing. It’s such a rewarding and fulfilling job providing children with positive learning environment and safe, secure space for them to thrive. It is important to me that children feel a sense of trust and belonging when in my care. It is a privilege to be a part of a critical time in a child’s life of learning, sense of belonging and developing personalities.
Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of the bonds I have made with children, families and colleagues over the past 20 years.
When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with my two children and family, going to the movies and going for walks.
I especially love when children first try to say the name and when I come into the room in the morning and I hear “Asten!” from the children, it’s a lovely feeling.
Philippa holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, is the kindergarten teacher at Choklits Croydon and has been working in early childhood education for over 12 years.
Over to Philippa…
I love working in early education and care because I love to work in a team. I also love developing and scaffolding the children’s learning as the grow through play and through their communication. I also love getting loads of cuddles, when I walk in the room each morning and throughout the day.
Throughout my career I’ve been most proud of following my dreams into teaching. In the past I have had a child learn the phonetic ‘ph’ sound, so when they went into school they remembered it and the teacher was surprised. Also having a child learn that her name had two(2) meanings, one a stones name and the other her name.
When I’m not at Choklits I love crocheting, getting out in the garden and visiting my friends. I also love to read mystery novels and Harry Potter. I also like to do adult relaxation colouring.
I have had many cute and funny things said to me over my 12 years, but the best three have been: “You’re our tickle monster, you make us smile and happy when we are sad” “Don’t you live at child care?” “I love you, Philippa”
Tanaya has worked in early learning for over 2 years and holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Over to Tanaya…
I love working in early education and care because I have always loved working with children. I feel that it is highly rewarding to be part of children’s lives, creating special connections, watching them grow and supporting them in their learning.
My proudest carer moment so far has been finishing my Diploma.
When I’m not at Choklits, I enjoy family time and a bit of relaxation.
The most beautiful moment I have had with a child is when they told me they started including me in their family drawings. She said “this is mum and this is dad and this T and T is always in with us now”.
Amanda has been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for almost 12 months and currently studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Over to Amanda…
I love working in Early Childhood Education and Care because I enjoy watching the children learn about the world around them, and giving the children the opportunities to answer the questions they have. I also enjoy showing children how things work and giving them the chance to have a go.
Throughout my career, I’ve been most proud of my ability to build connections with all children especially the children who have struggled with making connections with adults or other children. I am at the start of my career and I’m looking forward to all the moments I will have along the way.
When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy roller derby, I am in a roller derby league and train 3 times a week, I’m also a part of Bayswater Scout group as a rover. I also enjoy reading and doing crafts.
One of the cutest things a child has said to me was they called me “Meh Meh” because he couldn’t pronounce my name properly. In that moment I felt very lucky and proud of him as he was giving his best to say my name to get my attention and show me a cool trick he could do.
Awi has worked in early learning for over 3 years, works in our nursery at Choklits Croydon and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Over to Awi…
I love working in early education because I love children. Their smile and happiness make me happy too. A happy childhood has a positive impact on children’s adult life, therefore I love being part of their journey in building a happy life.
When it comes to my career, I’m continually proud of myself each and every time I help a child achieve their goal.
When I’m not at Choklits, I enjoy travelling the world, visiting new places, enjoying nature and spending time with my family.
The cutest thing a child has said to me was after I’d been working in nursery for a short time, and one of the children was able to say my name, Awi
Noureen has working in early learning for over 2 years and holds a Masters of Education .
Over to Noureen…
I love working in early education and care because it’s a profound opportunity to nurture and shape the foundation of a child’s life. Every day, I witness the sheer wonder and curiosity in their eyes as they explore the world around them, and it’s incredibly rewarding to play a role in fostering their growth and development. Being a part of their journey, witnessing their milestones, and supporting them in their discoveries fills me with joy and purpose.
My journey in education commenced when I pursued an International Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning from the Australian Catholic University. This experience ignited my passion for teaching, propelling me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Education. Over the span of three years, I served as an English teacher in a primary school while concurrently undertaking my Master’s in Education from the Australian Catholic University. Throughout my career, I’ve found immense pride in the numerous moments where I’ve witnessed the tangible, positive impact of my efforts on the lives of the children and families I’ve had the privilege to serve. One particular highlight of my educational journey was during my Master’s program, where I had the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with pioneering researchers in the field of early childhood education and care. This collaboration enabled me to engage in qualitative research focused on early childhood development, enriching my understanding and practice in this critical area. While residing in the USA, I served as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor, teaching English to graduate students and researchers from diverse backgrounds and countries. Upon relocating to Australia, I pursued a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, transitioning my focus to nurturing and educating young children in their formative years. Overall, it’s the cumulative impact of these achievements, milestones, and everyday moments that I hold dearest in my heart as I reflect on my journey in early education and care.
One of the most heartwarming moments I’ve experienced was when a child in my care, after a particularly challenging day, looked up at me with big, earnest eyes and said, “You make my heart happy.” It was a simple yet profound statement that melted my heart instantly. That innocent expression of gratitude served as a powerful reminder of the immense privilege and responsibility we hold in shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation.
Paris has almost completed her Diploma of Early Education and Care and Choklits is her very first job in early learning!
Over to Paris…
I love working in early education and care to watch children grow, develop and thrive into beautiful young humans. After high school I studied psychology, with the hopes of becoming a child psychologist. After deferring for a couple of years and travelling Europe, I decided to get straight into studying my Diploma of Early Education. One of my most favourite parts about working in early education and care to watch children grow, develop and thrive into beautiful young humans.
I’m beyond excited to be working at Choklits, expanding my knowledge and working towards my personal milestones like finishing my Diploma which I’m proud of almost being completed.
When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy spending time with friends and family, taking my two dogs for runs on the beach. I love going to the gym and keeping active.
All the moments I have with children are the cutest, I love being welcomed in the morning with big hugs and smiles. The most beautiful thing a child has ever said to me was “Paris, you’re an amazing teacher” which made me feel loved and reassured me that I’m doing the right thing!
Parth has been working in Early Education for 1 year and holds a Bachelor of Business: Project Management and Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
Over to Parth…
I love working in early education and care because it allows me to make a positive impact on young children’s lives during their most formative years. My personal teaching philosophy is built around fostering a love for learning through play. I believe that every child is unique and deserves an environment that nurtures their individual strengths and interests. I emphasise the importance of building trusting relationships with the children and their families. My teaching philosophy is simple: A parent is trusting us with their child, therefore it is our utmost responsibility to ensure that the child is receiving the highest level of care and is given every opportunity to gain cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth.
I am extremely proud of every single unique journey I’ve been a part of with the children I have taught. Observing their growth from the day I introduced myself to them to the day it is time for them to move on to the next chapter is something that fuels me and makes me smile. I am proud of every child that has been under my care, as much as I am happy that I was able to teach them, I value every learning that each child has imparted to me that has allowed me to grow and become a better teacher.
When I’m not at Choklits I enjoy watching and playing sports. I connect with my friends and we are always out playing soccer or badminton. It helps us have fun and exercise at the same time! I am also a very big Formula 1 fan so you can catch me always up to date with all the races.
I always keep a small beard on and this one time I decided to shave it off. A child, who always ran to hug me whenever I came to the centre, had a funny look on his face. It was a typical confused look and he walks up to me and asks “Where is Parth?”, I told him that I am Parth but with a stern look he said “NO, you are his little brother” which I feel is one of the funniest interactions I have ever had.
