By Callum Ludwig
A young early childhood educator working in Woori Yallock has been recognised for her hard work and promising start to her career.
Darcie Neicho recently received the Rising Star Award for east Victoria working in Only About Children’s Woori Campus.
Ms Neicho said it’s obviously a very tough job and very rewarding at the same time, but being recognized for her work was very nice.
“I have nine nieces and nephews and I’ve been an auntie since I was 11 so I’ve always been around kids and I just love watching them and helping them thrive and grow,” she said.
“I went into it not thinking that it would be as challenging as it is, you don’t really realise all the different challenging behaviours or just how mentally draining it can be sometimes and I definitely thought it was more flowers and rainbows going in, which it is most days.”
Ms Neicho just completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood education and has been working full time for the last two years.
Ms Neicho said she finds it to be such a fun job, especially setting up activities she knows the kids will love.
“It brings you back to your own childhood, always remembering the stuff that you loved when you were a kid and yet just seeing them so happy and knowing that you’re a big part of their life, especially before school,” she said.
“It’s such a great feeling seeing that all the developmental milestones that they achieve when they’re in your care, because a lot of them are there for the biggest part of their day and for three, four or some even five days a week as well.”
While the early childhood sector has faced its challenges, the introduction of the Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Educators Agreement (VECTA) in 2020 has helped achieve pay parity for early childhood teachers with primary school teachers in more centres across the state, meaning more opprtiunties at government-owned and private centres can be available.
In June this year, the Independent Education Union (IEU), Australian Education Union (AEU) and the United Workers Union (UWU) all joined forces to bargain for a multi-entreprise agreement to further improve pay rates and conditions for early childhood educators.
Ms Neicho encouraged anyone interested in pursuing a career in the sector to do so.
“In my first week I felt like I had pretty much next to no idea what I was doing but I just went in with a very open mind and a willingness to learn and gain new abilities and I think that has been good,” she said.
“You do need a little bit more support, but in saying that, knowing that it’s okay to reach out for help and not be scared or intimidated by the people that have been in the industry for a very long time is important.”
