Whitehorse News - August 2022

Working for Whitehorse series

Dedication to early childhood education Whitehorse Early Learning Services (WELS) has a long-standing reputation in the community for providing high-quality education and care. WELS has three Early Childhood Education and Care Centres that offer Long Day Care and Funded Kindergarten. They are located in Mitcham, Blackburn and Vermont South.

Natalie Bain is one of the hardworking staff members that make up the WELS team. She is a three-year-old Kindergarten teacher at Vermont South Children’s Services Centre.

“I joined Whitehorse in 2016 as a casual educator and became a permanent kindergarten teacher in 2020. I have worked at the Blackburn and Vermont South locations,” said Natalie.

Natalie has worked in early childhood education for 25 years.

“I feel very fortunate to be in an industry that supports children’s early learning and builds strong partnerships with families and communities.”

Natalie describes her days as being filled with lots of activity, continually moving indoors and outdoors to support children in their play and investigation.

“My co-educators, children and I develop learning experiences that invite children to investigate, problem solve, create, role play and engage in social play. I plan daily routines to be fun and interesting which promotes children’s agency,” she said,

“The routines include mealtimes, rest time and the transition of arrival and departure. Each morning and afternoon the children can choose to the join the yarning circle (group time) to talk, listen, make music and engage in storytelling.”

Although we have now returned to in-person learning, Natalie, along with all WELS staff, demonstrated admirable innovation, commitment and professionalism during the pandemic to continue providing high-quality education and care in rapidly changing circumstances.

“My approach was to focus on the positives and explore new ways to provide a curriculum for children at home in lockdown. I adjusted to having a small group of children who continued to access our service,” she said.

Natalie is a dedicated teacher with a real passion for all aspects of her work.

“I love providing a program that is inclusive for all children and supports families in our community, working alongside a team of educators who are dedicated to providing a service that is committed to best practice.”

“Our team at WELS is motivated to create an environment for children and families that celebrates diversity and promotes social justice for all. I feel very lucky to work for an organisation that supports so many people in the community in which my family and I live.”