At this year’s Goodie awards, Jing Jin from Goodstart Canning Vale – Campbell Road was named Educator of the Year. Known affectionately as "the baby whisperer," Jing exemplifies the qualities that make Goodstart educators truly exceptional.
A Journey of Growth and Dedication
Jing joined Goodstart in 2017 as a casual educator in the Northern Territory. In 2019, she moved to Perth with her family and became an integral part of the Canning Vale – Campbell Road team. Initially hesitant about stepping into a full-time role, Jing embraced the challenge, and her passion for early learning quickly earned her recognition. By 2022, Jing had progressed to Senior Educator in the nursery room, where she continues to make an extraordinary impact.
Building Strong Bonds and Trust
Jing is deeply attuned to the needs of every child and family, creating a secure, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Families praise her ability to build trust and provide personalised care, particularly for those navigating challenging transitions. For one family, Jing’s thoughtful reassurance and fluency in Mandarin eased their concerns about enrolling their child, leading to a seamless adjustment and a heartfelt appreciation for Jing’s dedication.
“I believe that every baby has their own unique personality and needs. I dedicate myself to observing them closely, understanding how they feel comfortable, and then engaging them in play and learning activities in a way that suits them best. I genuinely connect with their emotions and communicate with them as I would with friends. I also believe in learning from parents, gaining insights into their child's individual needs. My goal is to create a safe and nurturing learning environment where every baby can thrive. This is my personal approach to teaching,” says Jing.
A Commitment to Excellence
Safety and inclusion are at the core of Jing’s practice. She ensures that every child feels supported and secure while fostering meaningful connections with families. Jing’s colleagues describe her as thorough, dedicated, and a source of inspiration, consistently raising the bar for professional excellence.
Her role as a mentor has also left a lasting legacy. Jing guided a young trainee with exceptional care, sharing her expertise and best practices to help build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. The trainee’s supervisor has commended Jing’s mentorship, emphasising the invaluable guidance she provided.
Exceptional Outcomes for Children
Jing’s impact is evident in the exceptional outcomes she delivers for children. Her dedication extends beyond day-to-day care, as she collaborates closely with families to support milestones like bottle-feeding transitions or navigating initial hesitations with childcare. Parents frequently share stories of their gratitude, noting how Jing’s care has transformed their children’s experiences, often turning difficult beginnings into joyous successes.
Recognised Leadership
As the Senior Educator in the nursery room, Jing plays a pivotal role in establishing trust with families, often forming the foundation for long-term positive relationships within the centre. Her ability to mentor colleagues, foster a supportive environment, and model best practices has earned her the admiration of her peers.
Jing says: “It is an incredible honour to receive this recognition, which reflects the trust and acknowledgement from my team, the children, and their families. I am also fortunate to be part of Goodstart Early Learning, an organisation that values diversity and equality. This award motivates me to continually improve my work, enhance my skills, and continue serving children in a respectful and nurturing learning environment.”
A Truly Deserving Winner
Jing’s journey reflects her unwavering commitment to children, families, and the Goodstart community. Her passion, professionalism, and ability to go above and beyond set her apart as a truly deserving recipient of the Educator of the Year award.
Congratulations, Jing, on this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication and care make a profound difference in the lives of the children and families at Goodstart Canning Vale, and we are proud to celebrate you as a shining example of excellence in early learning.
