I’m Jade. I really believe kids learn best when they’re given the time and space to explore – when they can play, get a little messy, ask questions, and just be curious about the world around them. A lot of that, to me, comes from being connected to nature and noticing the small things. I’ve been working in childcare for about two years now, mostly in after-school programs and summer camps. I’ve spent a lot of time with kids aged 4 to 8, and that’s the age group I feel most connected to. There’s something really special about how they’re learning to understand their feelings, their friendships, and themselves. I enjoy being there to support that, and to help create a space where they feel safe and cared for. I always try to make sure kids feel seen – not just looked after, but really supported, especially when it comes to their emotional well-being. When I’m not working, I like keeping things simple. I read, go on hikes, and take walks around different neighbourhoods just to get out and notice things. I also swim, crochet, and lately I’ve been trying to cook more. I’m still learning, but I’ve been enjoying it a lot. It’s a pretty simple life, but it feels good to me.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve found myself growing into childcare in a really natural way. I’ve worked in after-school care, school programs, and summer camps, and more recently as a school-age educator. A lot of my days are spent planning simple, meaningful activities – things that help kids move, create, think, and connect with each other. I like keeping things flexible, following their interests when I can, and making space for those small moments where they get really engaged in something. Safety is always at the center of what I do, but beyond that, I try to create an environment that feels calm, welcoming, and steady. Whether it’s walking kids to and from school, helping them through their routines, or just being there during play, I aim to be someone they can rely on. I’ve also had the chance to work in a preschool setting and in a forest school, which both shaped how I see learning. In those spaces, I leaned more into observation – watching how children interact with their environment, how they express themselves, and how much they can do when given the right support. Especially outdoors, where learning feels more open-ended and a little more free. Across all of these roles, one thing that’s stayed consistent is how important relationships are. With the children, of course, but also with families and the team. I try to communicate openly, be present, and contribute to a space where everyone feels included and supported. It’s work that asks a lot of you, but in a quiet, steady way. And it’s work I keep coming back to.

Early Childhood Educator Assistant Responsible Adult Certificate