Sneha Patel was hooked from her first day working as an early childhood education and care (ECEC) educator.

“The joy of listening to children’s stories and celebrating their achievements, both big and small, resonated deeply with me,” she said.

Now 12 years into her career in early learning, Sneha’s passion for working with children is still alive and well.

“When you see how much joy it brings a child when they write their own name, tie their shoelaces, or learn the rules of a game, it makes you realise how important this stage of life is, and how important this role is.”

The drive to make a big difference in the lives of children has encouraged Sneha to participate in many professional development opportunities in ECEC.

Career progression in early learning

Sneha started working in an early learning service in 2012 as a Certificate III Trainee and went on to complete a diploma in early childhood education and care.

“I wanted to learn more, so I could share in that joy of learning and pay it forward to the children.”

In 2024, Sneha was awarded a NSW Department of Education Early Childhood Teacher scholarship to support her study.

“I think scholarships for the early childhood sector are so important. We want to know that the sector is valued, that we are valued as ECEC professionals. And I don't have to worry about additional debt, so it has had a big impact,” she said.

When the department partnered with the University of Wollongong (UOW) and the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) to develop an accelerated degree pathway in 2023, Sneha applied straight away.

UOW's intensive Bachelor of Education – The Early Years (Accelerated Pathway Program) gives diploma-qualified educators the chance to gain their teaching qualification in 2 years instead of the usual 4.

Sneha describes her study as incredibly rewarding and the perfect mix of practical and theoretical.

“It's fast paced, but the course quality is high and it’s very applicable to our day-to-day work on the floor with children.

“The course content is amazing. One of our assignments was to make a portfolio of classroom resources that I could immediately share with the staff and children at my service.”

Balancing full-time work with tertiary study and raising 2 young children can be challenging.

“It’s demanding at times, but it’s already been such a rewarding journey.”

Fostering a love of learning

Sneha believes that whenever you learn something new, it benefits everyone around you.

Now a centre manager at Guardian Childcare and Education in West Pennant Hills, she facilitates lively staff tearoom discussions with colleagues about learning models and strategies to engage and support families.

“Implementing the latest research and best practice is not just good for children. It also helps uplift all the educators at our service,” she said.

“The more I learn, the better equipped I am to inspire and lead my team.”

Sneha encourages anyone thinking about upskilling or professional development to seize the opportunity with both hands, no matter what it is.

“You will learn so much and grow so much. You’ll be given more responsibilities at work, increase your pay, discover new ideas for your practice.

“This creates a ripple effect that ultimately reaches the children in your care and helps to give them the best start in life.”