We caught up with Keira to chat the spark in children's eyes, naughty chairs and a preference for warmer weather.

How/why did you begin a career in early and middle childhood education and care and how long have you been working within the sector?

I started because I have always loved kids - so it was an obvious choice of career for me.

I did work experience at an early childhood service, and it really inspired me to follow this path.

I've been working in the sector for about six years.

After working in Long Day Care and as a Family Day Care educator I'm now one of the Support Coordinators/Educational Leaders at Cowra Family Day Care, which I love!

What inspires you most about working with children in the early and middle years?

Watching children learn and grow and seeing that little spark in their eyes when they learn something new or figure something out, that's just amazing and really inspires me.

Without naming names, are there any memorable children you've looked after/taught that stand out to you and why?

There are a couple of children who spring to mind from early in my career - it's hard to say what was so special about them, we just had a great relationship, probably because I had them from birth through to school.

One of them is on my "boys' names" list for if I have a son one day.

How has early/middle childhood changed over the years?

Paperwork! There's so much more of it than there used to be!

Views on children have changed quite a bit too, in terms of their rights and their voices.

Now children are given more of a voice and viewed as having the right to make decisions about their lives and their day. I think that's better.

Another good change is I remember being put on the "naughty chair" as a preschooler for something I didn't do, and this obviously traumatised, shamed and embarrassed me.

I think nowadays educators are more aware of children's feelings and listen to them more.

There's a much deeper understanding of children's behaviours now, which has led to improved better practice.

What would be your advice for people looking at a career in early or middle childhood?

Do it - it's so rewarding. Just do it. Come and see us at Family Day Care! We'd love to have you on our team.

Tell us something about yourself that people may not know about.

I would prefer to exercise in 40-degree heat than in the middle of winter.

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