About

Early Learning Connection provides supported career pathways in early childhood education for women in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The program is a key action in the ACT Government’s Valuing Educators, Values Children A Workforce Strategy for the ACT Early Childhood Education and Care Profession (2023–25).

The Early Learning Connection pilot program was delivered over 2021-22 to 2022-23, with the support of the Australian Government’s National Careers Institute.

Following its success, the ACT Government has provided further funding to increasing support for the early childhood education workforce.

The program is facilitated by Baringa in partnership with the University of Canberra, Canberra Institute of Technology, Australian Institute of Management and early learning centres across the ACT.

To support the early childhood education workforce, the program aims to:

  • Empower women seeking to progress careers as educators and early childhood teachers;

  • enable immediate benefits in easing workforce pressures in the sector, and

  • support early childhood education employers, training and tertiary providers to collaborate for long-term, sustainable and system-wide changes.

Participants are supported through:

  • Studying introductory units towards a Certificate III, Diploma or Bachelor Degree qualification in early childhood education;

  • Coaching and wrap around support;

  • Study skills and group coaching sessions and workshops;

  • Financial assistance for course fees;

  • Paid employment in early learning centres across the ACT.

  • PJ Aguilar is the Executive Officer at our not-for-profit, community based centre, supporting generations of families for over 40 years and is a key driver in early childhood education.

    PJ developed the idea for Early Learning Connection after listening to many stakeholders across the profession. She believes grass roots initiatives provides a framework for community to come together and make a difference for ourselves today and our future generations.

    Over the last 20 years, PJ has worked in small business, government, academia and community development. She has a Bachelor of Psychology degree with a background in coaching, training and social impact programs. She was Assistant Director at the Australian Government Office for Women, and Account Manager for Early Childhood Education, Community Grants Hub.

    She was a Finalist in the 2022 Canberra Women in Business Social Impact Award, is the Chair of the Advocacy Sub-Committee of the Children First Alliance, was a member of the ACT Government's Best Start: First 1000 Days Advisory Committee, and remains an eternal optimist!

  • Tash has been in the profession for almost 10 years, including roles from educator, coordinator, inclusion support and leadership, through to governance, risk management, advocacy, research, evaluation and business support.

     

    She holds a Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five years) and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. In her previous roles, she has worked with Early Childhood Services to develop and implement educational programs based on the needs of local communities, contributed to social impact initiatives, and provided secretariat support for the Children First Alliance.

     

    Tash is driven to support our local community as a leader in positive change with a focus on inclusion. Tash is a mum of two young children, and is passionate about improving the quality of early childhood education and empowering individuals through her work.

  • Zamela is a passionate advocate for children's rights and has been working in the early learning sector since she was 18! She has her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and has completed her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies at the University of Sydney, majoring in Political Economy and Modern History. In 2023 she wrote an honours thesis in Political Economy exploring the provision of accessible, affordable, high-quality early childhood education and care in Australia. Adopting a feminist-marxist political economy theoretical framework, she critically assessed the limitations of mainstream classical and neoclassical political economy wage theories for their capacity to identify causes of, and solutions to, low wages in the sector - which she argued pose a major barrier to workforce sustainability.

    Zamela has been working in the profession for over six years working as an Educator, then as a Social Impact Coordinator working on policies and advocacy. She has worked with the Early Learning Connection program since its development and pilot phase, and is excited to see how it will continue to grow to support our Canberra community.

  • Martina has over 14 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, starting in the field as a trainee and working in almost all areas of the sector throughout her professional journey.

    Her passion lies in inclusive multicultural practices and she always strives to involve the community within her practices as an educator while being an engaged member in her community.

    She advocates for children and young people and is consistently aiming to learn and better herself as a role model and positive influence in the early childhood sector.

    Having two young daughters herself, she continues to aim to achieve a positive environment for her own children and all children she is privileged to work alongside to feel a sense of belonging and the opportunity to grow into the best versions they can be.

    Martina believes that:

    “when every person (little or big) is provided a safe and nurturing environment they can and will achieve their goals, everyone deserves the right to feel valued and be appreciated for their unique individuality.”

  • Erin boasts more than 16 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, commencing her journey as a trainee educator. She has traversed various roles within the early childhood services realm, evolving from a certificate III trainee to a lead educator, an educational leader, and her most recent role, a service director. Erin has come from a large service that hosts both early childhood services, and outside school hours programs within a low-socio economic footprint. Her 9 years there saw her passion and professional trajectory develop from not only quality education and care for young children, which still remains strong, but pivot towards a comprehensive wrap around approach, particularly in supporting vulnerable children and families. She emphasises a strengths-based approach, aiming to empower them for long-term success, recognising the broader social impact of early childhood development within communities.

    Possessing both a certificate III and diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, Erin furthered her expertise in 2023 by obtaining her Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma. This recent qualification underscores the significance of understanding the underlying reasons behind our actions and highlights the crucial role of nurturing positive connections in supporting young minds. Erin enjoys collaborating with various stakeholders and organisations to tirelessly advocate for the more vulnerable in the communities she served and played a large contributing role in her previous organisations social impact group to increase positive outcomes for them.

    Beyond her professional endeavours, Erin is a mother of three, including two stepchildren and a young daughter of her own. Through her experiences as a parent, particularly of her daughter, she advocates for the well-being of all children, especially those with neurodiversity or vulnerabilities, recognising the importance of tailored support, with the understanding foundational safety and emotional support is met before any learning can occur. She carries this lens through all her interactions, making her exceptional at developing meaningful relationships and connections.

    Erin's true passion lies in the education, advancement, and mentorship of individuals within the early childhood sector. She focuses on leveraging their strengths, fostering resilience, and fostering meaningful connections and relationships. When they feel empowered, and like they are succeeding, this flow through effect is imparted to the children in their care, resulting in long-term positive social impact.

  • Rosie has over 23 years of experience working in the Early Childhood sector, driven by her passion for nurturing and empowering children and families. With a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma, Rosie has worked in many roles such as Assistant Educator, Lead Educator, Centre Administrator, and Family Liaison Officer.

    Throughout her career, Rosie has been a steadfast advocate for the wellbeing of vulnerable and at-risk children and families, promoting their right to receive equal and equitable support to thrive in their community. Rosie strives to support her local community through creating inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and supported.

    Drawing from her own experiences as a parent, as well as her understanding of neurodiversity, Rosie brings a unique perspective to her work, allowing her to connect with others on a deeper level.

    Her dedication, compassion, and advocacy make Rosie an invaluable asset to the Early Learning Connection team, where she will continue to to make a profound impact through empowering women across the ACT.