Youth Spotlight - Hayley

Thursday, 15 October 2026

For Hayley, working in early childhood education is about more than having a job. It is an opportunity to be a safe and supportive person in a child’s life. 

Hayley knows how important it is for children to feel safe and supported, and her own experiences inspired her to provide that for others. After starting her career as a trainee, she built five years of experience in early childhood education. In 2025, she took the next step and began a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Wodonga TAFE. 

Through the Diploma, she is deepening her understanding of emotional intelligence, behaviour and leadership. She enjoys putting this knowledge into practice in her workplace.  

With online classes held one evening a month, she can keep working during the day. The flexible study schedule fits easily around her work and everyday life. 

What she loves most about her work is connecting with children and their families. She enjoys building strong bonds, providing care and creating sensory play experiences that help children learn and grow. 

When she is not working or studying, she loves camping, painting, scrapbooking, colouring and spending time with friends and family. In the past few months, Hayley has reached her goal of becoming a room leader at a local early childhood centre, while continuing to build her skills and confidence in early childhood education. 

Hayley's story highlights how young people can turn their experiences into meaningful change. Through her studies and work, she is already making a difference and showing that young people can be leaders, role models and changemakers in their communities.