We are thrilled to celebrate Nicole Roberson from Goodstart Virginia as the Educational Leader of the Year at the 2024 Goodies Awards. Nicole’s exceptional leadership, dedication to professional development, and unwavering commitment to children’s learning have set her apart as a true role model in our community.
Transforming Practices Through Leadership
Nicole stepped into the role of Educational Leader just a few years ago, but her impact has been profound. She has led transformative changes at Goodstart Virginia, championing high-quality programs and practices that meet the National Quality Standards. Nicole’s passion for her role shines through her daily interactions with educators, families, and children. Reflecting on her leadership journey, Nicole shared, “I believe in empowering educators and using reflective practices, ensuring that the centre's practices reflect the needs, strengths, and preferences of educators, families, and children. This has meant that our team and I are on a constant journey of collaboration and continuous learning.”
Personalised Support for Educators
One of Nicole’s standout qualities is her ability to tailor her approach to meet the needs of individual educators. By understanding their preferred learning styles and differentiating her support, Nicole ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered. She frequently sends out surveys to capture the unique needs of her team and develops tailored professional learning plans to help them succeed. Nicole explains, “I had to stop and look at practices when I first became an Educational Leader and examine the balance of what was needed, what was expected and where we can adjust to suit our needs. This has led me on a reflection where I looked at my connection with each educator and became more aware of their needs, personalities and learning styles. This has allowed us to have a more respectful and meaningful engagement and ensure we are all reaching for continued excellence and commitment.”
Her one-on-one mentoring sessions provide educators with personalised guidance on planning cycles, programming, and critical reflection. Through her efforts, Nicole fosters a positive and inclusive culture where educators feel confident and motivated to deliver their best.
Advancing Educational Excellence
Nicole has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative tools to enhance the learning environment. Her Individual Child Planning and Assessment Tool provides educators with a comprehensive understanding of each child’s development, enabling them to tailor learning experiences that meet individual needs. Additionally, Nicole introduced a monthly program audit to ensure that the educational programs align with best practices and meet all quality standards. This initiative fosters a culture of continuous improvement, enabling educators to reflect on and refine their practices.
Building Strong Community Connections
Nicole’s commitment to collaboration extends beyond her team. She forges meaningful relationships with primary schools, ensuring smooth transitions for children and families. Her efforts to connect families with local schools highlight her dedication to creating supportive pathways for lifelong learning.
Recognised Impact
Nicole’s leadership has earned her widespread admiration from her colleagues. Testimonials from educators describe her as patient, supportive, and inspiring, with a unique ability to guide others toward excellence. Her efforts have not only transformed practices at Goodstart Virginia but have also supported other Educational Leaders within the Goodstart network.
A Vision for the Future
Nicole’s vision for Goodstart Virginia includes exceeding all seven areas of the National Quality Standards. She has already begun working toward this ambitious goal, driving critical reflection and continuous improvement. Her dedication to high-quality education ensures that children, families, and educators alike benefit from her leadership.
A Deserving Winner
Nicole Roberson exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding Educational Leader. Her attention to detail, commitment to professional growth, and passion for supporting children’s learning make her a truly deserving recipient of the Educational Leader of the Year award. As she shared, “This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a celebration of the incredible journey we've embarked on together. It reassures and influences me that I am on the path to continuous improvement and learning as I guide and support the team as they strive for the very best care for the children we can provide.”
Congratulations, Nicole! Your dedication and leadership inspire us all, and we are proud to celebrate your remarkable contributions to Goodstart Early Learning.
