Kate's preschool perfection

Congratulations Kate! Time to have a celebration, no doubt you will be onto it. Cheers Wendy

 Kate's preschool perfection

• From: The Advertiser in Adelaide
• August 09, 2011

ENSURING preschoolers get the best start to their educational life is at the core of Halifax St Preschool director Kate Ryan's role.

Ms Ryan said working with parents to make sure they were offered the best in preschooling had been important in their success.

"My favourite part of this job is the people and the chance to work with babies right through to school-age children," she said. "My work is mainly with adults so I get to support my staff and help them to develop as educators. Also the interaction with the families."

Although Ms Ryan studied a Bachelor of Teaching at UniSA's Magill Campus and holds a Certificate in Early Childhood Education, she is continuing her teaching studies at university.

"It's great because I'm able to use the new information I'm learning, and it's a really good experience and learning about leadership and how I can lead my staff," she said. Ms Ryan is also state president of Early Childhood Australia.

Her hard work and dedication has scored her a place as a regional finalist in the The Advertiser-State Government 2011 Public Teaching Awards in the category of Inspirational School/Preschool Leader of the Year category.

She was nominated by parents on the managing committee for her efforts in involving parents in their child's education.

While she said the nomination was unexpected, she saw it as a great "pat on the back" for the profession of preschool teaching.

"I was a bit surprised," she said. "For this particular award, to be acknowledged is great."