Amber Cole
National Operations Manager

My role at Petit ELJ is about motivating, supporting and guiding teams while also encouraging professional conversations and a growth mindset.

I believe that the early childhood sector is under advocated by the prominent voices in our country. Being a part of the sector allows me to advocate for real change and how early education is perceived. Each child contributes to our future society, and the first five years can change the whole course of a child’s life. I enjoy mentoring Educators, and I believe that my leadership skills help promote a positive environment where Educators and children can thrive and be challenged. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else!

Belinda Balaam
Centre Director

One of my biggest motivations for working with young children is knowing I can make a positive difference to a child’s life during the formative years.

I joined Petit Early Learning Journey as I was given the opportunity to open a brand-new centre in the local area where I grew up.  My career here has been fast paced, supportive and an educational journey that has provided me with the opportunities to grow and excel in a collaborative team.

I enjoy and welcome engagement and collaboration from our families and the community with an open-door policy.

Adele D’Cunha
Educational Leader

Hi, my name is Adele D’Cunha. I have been working at Petit ELJ Kew for 4 years and have completed my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). I am currently studying my Master of Education, specialising in Inclusive Education to broaden my understandings of the diverse world we are so privileged to live in and better understand the needs of the children in our care at Petit.

I strive to strengthen the young minds of the children in our care by supporting their learning through play, advocating for the needs of each child throughout their learning journey and by helping to create supportive learning environments. My practice is guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural Theory, as I prioritise creating strong partnerships with the children and their families to fully understand the needs of the child. I strongly believe that a solid and respectful partnership with the children and their families is integral to a child’s learning, as I believe trust is the foundation to a happy, healthy relationship with a child.

I aspire to create a safe and secure environment for the children to learn, grow and flourish and motivate them to meet their fullest potential by scaffolding and modelling new skills and learning ideas.

I can’t wait to work with you to support you, your child and their learning in my role as Educational Leader at Petit Early Learning Journey Kew!

Terrence Weinman
Chef

Terrence I really like your food”, said one of the Petit ELJ kindergarten children Jack. Children give honest feedback and it is the best part of my job, I’m happy that I get to put a smile on their faces every day.

I start my day with having children popping into the kitchen to say hello, I greet them with some fresh strawberries. Then we prepare everything on site and fresh on the day.

We conduct weekly cooking classes with children where they learn about various food groups, shapes and colours of food, and their nutritional benefits.

At the end of each day, we update all the pictures of food on Storypark to keep parents updated. Storypark is a way to connect with parents to get their feedback and simply to let them know what the children have been eating.

Briar Glister
Assistant Centre Director

We have such a diverse community here in Petit ELJ, and we embedded this in our daily programs and events held at the centre. It is so rewarding to work in an environment where different cultures and perspectives are at the forefront of everything we do.