Guardian Childcare & Education has launched a new leadership academy to help current and aspiring Centre Managers build confidence, capability and experience.
The Guardian Leadership Academy brings together practical leadership development, professional learning, real-world experience and professional coaching.
The offering is tailored specifically to leadership needs in an early learning environment.
Guardian Childcare operates around 180 centres around Australia, focused on a premium early learning offering where children, families and teams can feel they belong and achieve their aspirations.
Clearer pathways for leaders
Head of the Guardian Leadership Academy Sarah Orr said the academy would provide clearer development pathways for emerging leaders.
It would also help experienced Centre Managers continue to grow, take on new challenges and build fulfilling careers.
“The life of an early learning leader can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires a broad range of leadership and management skills in an environment that can be unpredictable,” Ms Orr said.
“Centre Managers spend so much of their time caring for children, supporting families and guiding their teams that their own growth and development can sometimes take a back seat.
“With the academy we want them to feel supported, including through confidential professional coaching support, to really tailor the support to each leader’s individual needs.”
You are not alone
Ms Orr said that the academy would help ensure that new Centre Managers joining Guardian would not be expected to navigate a new role or centre environment alone.
She said the Academy was not a single course or training program, but an ongoing structure designed to help leaders develop throughout their careers.
“The Academy brings together three important elements: learning, applying and coaching,” she said.
“Leaders will be able to access practical resources and development programs, apply what they have learned through real-world opportunities and have confidential coaching conversations that give them space to reflect, explore ideas and work through challenges.”
A range of tools
The Academy will provide access to leadership and management development, practical tools, career opportunities and building a community of people who understand the complexity of running an early learning centre.
The initiative will also strengthen Guardian’s approach to identifying and developing aspiring Centre Managers, supporting new leaders as they settle into their roles and creating new opportunities for experienced leaders.
Focus on the individual
Ms Orr said one of the Academy’s most important roles would be ensuring leaders had someone focused on their individual development.
“Every leader deserves someone caring, independent and resourceful in their corner,” she said.
“We want our leaders to know there is somewhere they can go to find practical help, discover new possibilities and focus on their own growth.
“This is about helping people overcome challenges, recognise their strengths and become the leaders they aspire to be.”
Ms Orr said the long-term ambition was to create one of Australia’s most respected leadership development programs specifically tailored to early learning.
“Great early learning experiences depend on great leadership,” she said.
“By investing in our current and future leaders, we are sending a message that we care more about creating better experiences for children and families, and our people.
“I am confident with the layers of bespoke support available now, there has never been a better time to be a leader or aspiring leader within Guardian.”
More details on working at Guardian Childcare are here.
