BY BONNIE LAXTON-BLINKHORN, KINDICARE

MAY 3, 2023

Just over a year ago Herald Sun readers crowned Sue Brewer, from Choklits Child Care in Ringwood, as Melbourne’s Best Child Care Worker.  

This extraordinary recognition follows more than 26 years of dedicated service in the same centre, where Sue has left a lasting impression on countless families and children. Many of whom come back and visit her, even now.  

Sue, who started in early education as an untrained assistant and is now centre director, says relationship building, teamwork, self-belief and a sense of calm are her super powers. 

But she says her experiences as a mum and grandma have also helped, “I understand the dilemma, and sometimes guilt, faced by many parents with young children in the care of others.” 

This ability to empathise with people and build great connections are hallmarks of Sue’s success and she says effective communication is also essential.  

“Being able to talk to children in a way that is age appropriate, and having the skills to communicate with parents and peers effectively are useful qualities for all educators,” she says. 

Outside the box thinking, creativity and a willingness to learn. 

26 years is a long time to be in any job, let alone one as taxing as early education, but Sue says the opportunities for learning “everywhere and everyday” are one of the best parts of working in the sector. 

The owner of Choklits, Jade Ingleby, says Sue’s approach to constant learning exemplifies what Choklits is all about as a workplace.  

“We have established an environment that not only nurtures children but our team as well, with many professional development opportunities to support educators in building a career in the early childhood sector,” she says.  

Choklits Child Care currently operate centres in the Victorian suburbs of Ringwood, Croydon and Surrey Hills. 

Education everywhere is a strong focus and their stated mission is to, ‘Endeavour to set every child up for success in their future by embracing every learning experience they have inside and outside the Choklits Community. Reminding all who interact with children that Learning is Everywhere!’ 

This commitment to constant learning has seen Sue through a good 25 years, but it hasn’t all been fun and games.   

Like everyone at the coalface Sue has struggled with staff shortages in the last couple of years and she says this is especially noticeable at Choklits because they run small group sizes with high educator to child ratios.   

She also says managing daily absences can be tricky and that recruiting educators who are qualified and a good fit for the team is a challenge. 

To remedy these challenges Sue says it’s best to support the staff you have, she says it’s helpful to, “Have fun and make your service a great place to work.” 

But she says it’s also important to have really good processes, so staff feel well supported. 

“Have a good induction when staff first come to the centre, give support and praise when needed, encourage professional development, listen to your educators, show them respect and let them know they are appreciated. This will build a workplace they love to come to each day.” 

Sue says she’s seen loads of change in her quarter century of education and care, most noticeably through government interventions. 

She says standards have certainly lifted, there’s a greater emphasis on child safety, as well as other wellbeing issues such as educator mental health. 

“There’s also a stronger focus on our educational teaching through the addition of frameworks, technology assisted learning and the importance of outdoor play.” 

“Traditionally, child care was thought of as a place to leave your children while you worked but that has changed. We now know that 0-5 years is the most important development phase in your life.  

“Parents and careers understand this and are looking to early learning to give their children the best start in life. We have a long way to go, but I can see a time when the child care centre you attended will be a more important section on your resume than your high school or university.” Despite all the changes, Sue says she still loves her job and that Choklits is a fun place to work.  

For educators aspiring for the long-haul Sue offers these parting words of wisdom, “Always be there for your whole community. Have an open-door policy for anyone to come and have a chat, be sure to listen, give praise when needed and always be a good role model.”