Yann Tyng Kooi
- Aug 23, 2022
- 5 min read

What is it like being a male Educator at TG's Child Care?

Updated: Jan 11, 2023

✦ The world of education is starting to change and we are gradually seeing more men decide to step into this industry and share their gifts!

TG's Child Care is well-loved in the communities across regional Australia and trusted as the stewardship of the children's future. Families know about their high quality early childhood practices and philosophy of Playing is Learning for Life.

What many may not be aware of is, out of 174 Educators across all the campuses of TG's Child Care, three of them are men! TG's Child Care advocates for diversity and inclusivity not just with regards to the children and families but also their Educators. TG's is proud of their ever growing team of professional, qualified, respectful and caring Educators who are passionately focused on and committed to the unique learning journeys of every child. Working at TG's is to be nurtured in an inclusive culture where all Educators, leaders and management feel respected, listened to and supported.

Male Educator TG´s Uralla Christmas party with toddler

That is why TG's male Educators are thriving in this beautiful environment, where they are happy to share their gifts, knowledge and experience. Brilliant-Online got curious about what life is like for the male Educators at TG's, and we were really inspired by what they had to share!

Jake Eather

TG's Child Care Armidale

"Being a male educator in early childcare has been very challenging at times. I started out as a very shy and introverted young male who had no input at the start of this amazing journey.

"It has been rewarding to look back and be proud of the growth that I have achieved. This couldn’t have been achieved without the training and guidance that I have been given at TG's. It has given me the confidence to do the job right and be a great role model to the children.

"I have many fun moments at TG’s, especially when the children are trying new experiences such as experimenting, show and tell, drawing, painting and telling each other jokes through the day.

"The gifts I have gotten out of this job have been a new found confidence, respect, and patience with everything.

"I wouldn’t be the male role model I am today without the amazing women that have supported, encouraged and believed in me so that I can be my best."

"I became a father recently, and childcare has given me the best head start to be a supportive partner, and to have an understanding of how I can be a good dad."

Jake's nugget of wisdom

"My advice for other male educators looking into getting into childcare is to try your best to have a voice and an input. You will overcome the concerns of not being accepted with ease as you build more self-confidence. Definitely, having continued support around you will make it a lot easier to have your opinion heard."

Congratulations to Jake on his newborn, and we are certain that with all that he has built up at TG's, he's going to be the best dad his child will need!

Luke Carlon

TG's Child Care Uralla

"Being a male educator in early childcare has been a particularly challenging experience with plenty of ups and downs throughout my journey. I’m extremely fortunate to have such amazing support system here at TG's.

"One of my learning curves has been understanding the body language of children. They can’t fully express how they feel yet. One of the most rewarding things about this profession is when a child comes to you for help. This shows that they trust you and feel comfortable coming to you about anything.

"This job has also given me great confidence, patience, compassion and respect for my team, the families and the children that have been supportive throughout my journey.

Luke's nugget of wisdom

"Advice I would give to other men looking into becoming early childcare educators is to not think about the gender difference too much.

"Think of yourself as an educator and not a male educator because if you can demonstrate to your team, the families, the children and to yourself that you can be compassionate, caring, understanding, patient, respectful and someone that the children feel comfortable around, then there is no difference between you and a female educator."

It is a great feeling to be trusted, and we are delighted for Luke he is getting so much out of his profession as an Educator at TG's! We hope Luke's story can inspire others!

Learn about what makes TG's Educators special

James Mead

TG's Child Care Uralla

"As a male in a female dominated industry, some people can feel uncomfortable with the idea of a male educator, and some have even expressed that they prefer a female educator to care for their child, but that is only a small percentage. A lot of families actually like having a male influence whilst their children are at care because of the lack of a male role model in childcare generally.

"Each child has their own personality and individuality. At the toddler age, it's extremely rewarding watching them grow and develop and learn from you. It's rewarding when you see them say or do what has been positively role modelled.

"The team at TG's has been all accepting and welcoming towards myself which has been a gift, having moved from city to country. Families have been kind and have genuinely taken an interest to asking how our day as Educators has been. It is a gift to have people acknowledging educators and being accepting.

James' nugget of wisdom

"There will always be someone who might not accept or appreciate a male in the childcare environment, but the best advice is to let negativity roll off you like water off a duck's back. Being resilient, calm and transparent are important aspects to have.

"If you have a passion and enthusiasm to watch young minds grow, develop and learn from you, why not be their role model for them?"

It's heartening to hear that families are not only accepting of male Educators but that they really see each Educator as a valuable member of the TG's Family!

Why do TG's Educators love going to TG's?

We were really looking forward to hearing the experiences of TG's male Educators straight from the source, and it was truly uplifting to 'hear their voices' and to share them here. Who knows who could be reading this right now and be inspired enough to take that next bold step in their professional career?

Thank you Jake, Luke and James! Kudos to all of you for taking up the challenge and believing in yourselves! We wish you joy-filled days of Playing is Learning for Life at TG's and to keep Playing it Forward with confidence at TG's Child Care!

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