Owner, Director and Nominated Supervisor of Maroubra Junction Early Education Centre. More than thirty years in early childhood education, and the last sixteen of them right here.
At a glance
- Role: Owner, Director and Nominated Supervisor
- Experience: more than 30 years in early childhood education, at MJEEC since it opened in 2010
- Qualifications: Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood, Diploma in Montessori Education, Diploma in Child Care Studies
- Centre: a privately owned, 75-place long day care and preschool at 1/142 Maroubra Road, Maroubra NSW 2035, for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years
Why I started MJEEC
I always wanted a centre of my own. A place where children are valued and understood, and where they leave with the confidence to step into kindergarten. I spent seven years studying towards it, and hold a Diploma in Montessori Education, a Diploma in Child Care Studies and a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood.
My own children came through this centre, so I have seen it from both sides. I know it as the Director, and I know it as the parent standing at the door in the morning.
Here every day
I am here every day. At the gate at drop off, in the classrooms, in the kitchen going over next week’s menu, or on the phone to a family who needs me.
I hold the Nominated Supervisor role myself rather than delegating it. In practice that means the person legally accountable for your child’s safety and education is the same person who says good morning to you.
Because the centre is privately owned, decisions are made here and made quickly. There is no regional manager, no call centre, and no policy written in another state by someone who has never met your family.
The team and the community
What makes this centre special is the team around me. Our educators are here because they love what they do, and it shows. It is not just a job for them.
Most of our families come to us by word of mouth. When friends and relatives enrol alongside one another a close community grows, and children feel secure within it.
Connection and relationship are the foundation of this centre. When children and families feel a sense of belonging, children are free to simply be, and what they become grows from that. Belonging, being and becoming.
The most rewarding part of thirty years is watching children who began in our nursery go on to university, and seeing their families still call in to say hello. Knowing I had some small part in that is what makes it worthwhile. From first steps into childcare, to big steps into the world.
Lauren Ziegler
Come and meet me
Book a tour or speak with Lauren on (02) 9315 5588.