At Woronora Heights Community Preschool, part of Big Fat Smile, the rainbow front door opens to a homely, warm and friendly centre. For Rhiannan, a proud Wiradjuri woman and early childhood education trainee, that door led her to a life-changing journey of personal discovery, cultural pride, and professional purpose.
A Journey Fuelled by Purpose
Rhiannan started her traineeship, working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2023. “My motivation to work with children started young,” she shares. “Helping them grow and thrive has always felt deeply meaningful.” That motivation only deepened through her experience at Woronora Heights Community Preschool, where the preschool’s child-first approach aligned with her passion.
At Big Fat Smile, we’re putting a child front and centre in everything we do, from play based pedagogy to relationships with children and families. For Rhiannan, this meant creating inspired learning experiences that reflect children’s interests and identities, filled with laughter, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
“No day at Woronora Heights Community Preschool is ever the same,” Rhiannan says. “But what’s constant is the warmth. The way staff greet each other and families with a smile. It feels like home.”
This culture of welcome and respect is no accident. At Big Fat Smile, we’re intentionally building a space where everyone is valued, regardless of background, beliefs, or experience. It’s an environment where everyone is welcome, valued and respected.
Learning, Leading, and Growing
Starting her traineeship at 20, Rhiannan felt unsure — “a little late to the game,” as she puts it. But that quickly changed. “The support I received from the team and director made all the difference. They answered every question, helped me feel confident, and treated me as a valued member of the team from day one.”
What surprised her most was how quickly she picked up the essential skill of tuning into each child’s unique needs — supporting emotional regulation, building social connections, and creating calm, engaging environments. “It’s so rewarding to see how small moments of care can make a huge difference,” she says.
Culture, Confidence, and Courage
Rhiannan didn’t just find her confidence at Woronora Heights Community Preschool. She also found her voice as a cultural leader. “The proudest part of my traineeship was incorporating my culture into the learning environment,” she says. Through storytelling, art, and celebrating NAIDOC week with Indigenous families, Rhiannan brought her Wiradjuri heritage to life for the children.
She describes the experience as “a chance to express our culture in a space that valued inclusion and helped the children connect to Country.” At Big Fat Smile, we’re committed to reconciliation and acknowledge the role educators have in empowering future generations to connect with and be knowledgeable about Culture, Community and Country.
Supported to Thrive
Like all meaningful learning, Rhiannan’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. “I struggled at first with leading group activities. I was unsure whether I was keeping children engaged,” she reflects. “But by watching other educators and incorporating the children’s ideas, I found my own teaching style.” This spirit of collaboration and mentorship — where reflection and shared learning are the norm — is how we grow, solve problems, and improve together.
And when things get tough? “You’re never alone,” Rhiannan says. “There’s always someone who’s got your back.” That in-it-together feeling is part of what makes the Big Fat Smile community so unique — a place where established processes, clear expectations, and strong support systems help educators thrive.
Looking Ahead — and Looking Back
Today, Rhiannan is more confident than ever in her future. “This traineeship confirmed that Early Childhood Education is where I belong. I’ve grown so much — personally, professionally, and culturally.”
If she could go back to her first day at Woronora Heights Community Preschool, she’d tell herself: “Take a deep breath. It’s okay to not know everything — you’re learning, and you’ll be supported every step of the way.”
We’re always on the lookout for upcoming Trainees and experienced Early Childhood Educators, Teachers and Centre Directors for our day care and term only preschools in the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Goulburn and Sydney areas.
Search our current jobs here, or learn more about the benefits of working at Big Fat Smile here.
