Nominated Supervisor/Centre Director

My name is Karen McPhail and I have over 27 years experience in the Early Childhood Education and Care industry. I have worked in many centres across the Gold Coast, both as a Lead Educator (with experience in all age groups), Preschool Teacher and then as a Director for many years. I hold a Bachelor of Early Childhood (ECE), an Advanced Diploma, Diploma, current First Aid and CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certificates and my Blue Card.

I believe that our children really are our future, and that every child is unique, special and individual in their own way. Because of this, we need to spend time investing in our children now. I believe we need to focus on ensuring that ALL children are supported to develop and reach their full potential, and that their individual needs, strengths and interests are catered for. Children need to be provided with warm, nurturing and caring environments, where they can be free to investigate, explore, experiment and engage in their own time and at their own pace, as this helps them to make sense of the world around them in a way that is rich and meaningful to them.

I believe that building strong and genuine partnerships with families is also of the greatest importance within our very specialised field. Open, honest and mutually respectful communication and relationships are the basis on which we can work together to support the children in their growth, learning and development, and these also help to nurture a greater sense of community and belonging for us all.

I am passionate about embedding an underlying culture within the centre that nurtures respect, love and care of our natural environments, resources and all other living things, and believe that the more information we can give to young children now can only benefit them in the future to ensure they look after their world. Similarly, I have a strong belief that it is time to truly acknowledge and celebrate ALL cultures, backgrounds, histories and circumstances, and to see the diversity within us all as the rich and positive experience and learning opportunity it really is.

I look forward to meeting and getting to know you all.