Spotlight on: Qurat – ECT of the Year Award Winner

Tell me a little bit about yourself

My name is Qurat, and I’m originally from Pakistan, now proud to be an Australian national. I’m a mother of two and have been deeply passionate about early childhood education since I began my career in 2012, shortly after completing my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. Over the years, I’ve worked in various childcare centres as an assistant and later completed my Diploma in Early Childhood.

In 2015 I joined Kool Kidz Preston where I worked until 2019, I then moved to Mickleham and started working at Kool Kidz Merrifield. Overall, I have been with Kool Kidz for 10 years. My time here has been especially rewarding, as my passion for working with children has grown even stronger. In 2019, I was honoured to receive a Department of Education scholarship, which allowed me to pursue a Bachelor of Early Childhood at Deakin University. I completed my degree in 2022 while successfully running a 3-year-old kindergarten program. Currently, I am a fully registered Early Childhood Teacher, leading a 4-year-old kindergarten program.

What do you love about working with children? 

What I love most about working with children is the pure innocence in their minds and the way they see the world with such curiosity and openness. In these early years, they are building the foundations for their future, and it’s a privilege to be part of that journey. I’m especially passionate about supporting children with additional needs. I believe every child deserves to feel valued, included, and sometimes that means offering a little extra love, patience, and encouragement. For me, the most rewarding part is seeing a child’s confidence grow, knowing I’ve played a role in giving them the skills and self-belief they’ll carry for life.

What has supported you the most along your journey? 

During my journey, one of my biggest support has been my Educational Leader, Sarah McKinley. She has always been beside me, giving me confidence and reminding me that I am capable. In moments when I felt overwhelmed, she stood by my side, highlighting my strengths and encouraging me to keep going. I also feel truly blessed to work with such a wonderful team. We don’t just work as team members—we work like equals, where everyone’s voice is valued, and we support each other wholeheartedly.

Tell us a bit about your curriculum and what you have been focusing on this year? 

When planning activities for the kindergarten room, we follow the Koolkidz Beginning Curriculum alongside the Early Years Learning Framework. Our program is designed to address the overall group goals, individual learning goals, spontaneous experiences, intentional teaching, and our calendar of events.

For intentional teaching, at the start of each year I create a week-by-week plan for the whole year, focusing on all aspects of school readiness. This ensures children are well-prepared for school and don’t miss out on any key skills or experiences. We place a strong emphasis on children’s interests, using them as a starting point for our inquiries and projects. This year, we’ve explored topics such as sea life and aquariums, dinosaurs, bug investigations, hospitals, farms, and ladybugs. Currently, the children are fascinated by the solar system and space. This project began when they started building rockets with magnetic blocks. We extended their interest with puzzles, which led to learning about planets, rocket ships, and sensory space activities—exploring rocks, meteors, and astronauts.

Can you talk to me about your process for creating such an interesting and inviting environment? 

For me, the room environment should always be a main focus. I often compare it to going out for dinner—the first thing you notice is the atmosphere. If it’s calm and inviting, you enjoy your experience more. It’s the same for children: if their room is appealing and engaging, they feel more settled and comfortable.

We involve children in deciding what they’d like in their room, and we adapt the environment accordingly. As their interests change, so does the room—sometimes even within just two weeks. We always display children’s artwork at their level so they can connect with their space and feel a sense of belonging. They also have the freedom to move their artwork if they wish—sometimes they simply want it displayed next to a friend’s.

By observing their interests and input, we design spaces that are appealing, age-appropriate, and highly engaging.

What have been some barriers that you have faced when implementing the kindergarten program? 

The main barrier I face is managing diverse learning needs and behavioural challenges, particularly when combined with staffing ratios. Some children require one-on-one support, but without funding for additional assistance, it can be challenging to fully meet their needs while also engaging the rest of the group.
There are times when one educator needs to focus entirely on one child while the other manages the remainder of the room. This can make the day feel hectic, but it’s where strong teamwork really makes a difference. We work together, adapt our approach, and support one another to ensure every child is included and their needs are met—without excluding anyone from the program.

How do you develop your skills and gain new knowledge as an ECT? 

As a registered teacher, I’m required to complete a set amount of professional development each year to stay current in my practice. In addition to this, I make an effort to attend extra short workshops on weekends to further build my skills and knowledge. We also engage in regular professional discussions, including those based on SRF menu items, which help us reflect and improve our practice.

What is one piece of advice that you would give an ECT who is just beginning their journey in early learning? 

As an ECT, my advice is to remember that this work is not just a JOB—it’s a responsibility to shape a child’s life. This age is such a critical stage, and what we do now lays the foundation for their future. Let children enjoy their learning, give them confidence, answer their questions, and provide opportunities to explore. Stay close so they feel connected to you, and let them know they are special and valued. Some children may not receive the same level of love and attention at home, and we have the opportunity to provide that here.

Enjoy your time with children—there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their happiness and knowing you’ve played a part in it.