91ɫAPP

Contributors

People and Culture Team

At 91ɫAPP, collaboration isn’t a buzzword – it’s the basis of our approach to professional learning. Through teamwork and shared expertise, we nurture the growth of each person and the broader team and foster a culture of continuous improvement and mutual support. Our team members are not just colleagues; they’re friends who uplift and inspire each other every day.

 

Cassie, the Director of Bellambi Point Community Preschool, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With 8 years at Bellambi Point Community Preschool and 16 years with 91ɫAPP, Cassie’s passion for early childhood education shines through. “I believe that all children have the right to high-quality early education and care,” Cassie says. What she enjoys most about her time, is the access to support, whether that be through Practice Managers or sharing with other service directors and educators across the 91ɫAPP network, saying:

“There is always someone to talk to/ lean on and ask for support and ideas to improve practice when needed.”

 

Wollongong City Community PreschoolMichelle joined 91ɫAPP 2 years ago as an Early Childhood Teacher and quickly expressed her interest in becoming a Director. Recognising her ambition, Michelle’s mentor guided and taught her different systems in the organisation, which helped her secure an opportunity to step up. Michelle is now covering a maternity leave in the role of Director of Wollongong City Community Preschool.

“There is a great deal of collaboration here, and in my new role, I have had a great deal of support.”

 

One of the ways these local centres have driven collaboration is through the development of a Term Only Preschool Working Group, where directors and educators from the different services have come together to share insights and experiences. Cassie tells us:

“Our three local centres already had a longstanding partnership; however, we discussed the importance of opening this up to our teams and connecting in a more structured way. From this discussion, we decided to each host a ‘Networking Evening’ throughout the year. These networking events, allowed for opportunities to discuss practices in other services and explore projects and interests that could be shared through our own services.”

 

Moreover, 91ɫAPP actively encourages mentorship and leadership development among its staff.

Cassie reflects on her journey, stating:

“I have been very fortunate to have had many of my own mentors in my years of early education.”

 

Michelle emphasises the importance of empowering others:

“Whilst I am here at Wollongong City Community Preschool, I continually support my second-in-charge to have responsibilities throughout the day and to feel empowered to make decisions and liaise with the staff. I feel this provides empowerment for them and helps their growth in the organisation.”

 

Professional growth is a big priority at 91ɫAPP, with a dedicated professional learning team who support engagement for educators. “Educators are provided with regular opportunities to engage in learning through planned and intentional training, as well as spontaneous reflections and discussions,” Cassie explains. Educators are also encouraged to find additional professional learning that aligns with their learning goals, and 91ɫAPP supports their attendance.

Michelle and Cassie are both doing their Masters of Special and Inclusive Education, and with the support of 91ɫAPP, were fortunate to get a $20,000 scholarship to go towards their studies. Michelle adds:

“Last year I was also able to have study leave to assist with the completion of assessments. As I complete each unit of study, it supports me in my knowledge in supporting young children with complex needs. I also share these strategies with my team when they are relevant to the children in our service.”

Michelle at Wollongong City Community Preschool

But the impact of collaboration extends beyond professional development – it’s about making a real difference in the lives of children and families. “At Bellambi Point CPS, our service philosophy details the importance of collaboration,” Cassie says. “As a team, we prioritise shared collaboration within the team, with the children and families, and within the wider community.

 

Through collaboration, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous learning, 91ɫAPP creates an environment where every staff member feels valued and empowered. As Cassie aptly summarises, “By allowing educators to step into a leadership role of their interest, we are able to learn collectively and share our own professional learning experiences.” At 91ɫAPP, it’s not just about individual success – it’s about growing together as a team, enriching the lives of children and families in our communities.


Michelle
further adds,

“We recently had our assessment and rating at Wollongong City Community Preschool; this experience really demonstrated how collaboration and teamwork really pay off. We have an amazing practice manager who supported us throughout the entire process. With me being new to the role, I felt supported, and her guidance helped my confidence on the day of the assessment. The team here were able to demonstrate all of the initiatives they have implemented with the children and families. The assessor was able to see how well the team support each other and value one another. The team works very hard, and we receive many compliments from families on how their children prosper when attending our service.”

 

Cassie wraps up with an insight into the ongoing commitment to collaboration, stating,

“In 2024, we have reflected individually at our services on our networking events and have collectively decided to continue this connection. We are very much looking forward to our next networking event, which will be hosted by the team at Wollongong City Community Preschool.”

 

At 91ɫAPP, the journey of learning and growth never ends – it’s a shared adventure we embark on together, ensuring that every child receives the best possible early education and care.

 

If you’re looking for an organisation that’ll help you grow, get better and solve problems: together, then look no further! We’re always on the lookout for upcoming Trainees and experienced Early Childhood Educators, Teachers and Centre Directors for our long day care and term only preschools in the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Goulburn and Sydney areas.

Search our current jobs here, or learn more about the benefits of working at 91ɫAPP here.

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