Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander role models

Shandell Washington is an early childhood educator and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mentor in Toowoomba.

She helps people of all ages get their qualifications to work in early childhood.

She said she is passionate about her work and that more people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, should consider a career in early childhood.

‘It is important for Indigenous people to work in early childhood because we want them to show all of our children the pathway and guide them in culture and bring culture back, because we lost it and we really need to get that back,’ Shandell said.

‘Working in early childhood is so good. It’s good to connect with the children, to be part of their life and their journey, especially in the first five years.

‘Everything you do, they take away with them and that’s going to be with them for the rest of their lives.

‘It’s so great working with the little ones and to know you have an impact on their future.

‘You have an opportunity to show them what is right, what culture is, and to be proud of that.

Caitlin-Maree Spaul is the Mums and Bubs Coordinator in Cunnamulla where she gets to work with young children and their families.

She said she’s always loved working with children.

‘I’ve got big families and since a young age I’ve always had a love for young children, still do,’ Caitlin said.

‘I love seeing the kids grow and develop.

‘You see all their milestones being met, you see all their firsts and I just get a thrill out of that, I love it.’

Are you considering a career in early childhood? Find out more about early childhood careers.