Discover why we’re passionate about Early Education Training
The Children First Training team is dedicated to providing Early Childhood and OOSH Educators with inspiring training to help develop the next generation. We pride ourselves on bringing you a diverse range of expert advice from the best in the business to our own exclusive training courses giving you new skills and the confidence to be the best you can be. With over 65 years combined Early Childhood Education experience, Children First Training delivers training in EYLF, MTOP, NQS, Compliance, Play, Leadership, and so much more.
Kerry Palejs
Training Development Manager
Kerry Palejs is our Training and Development Manager for Children Frist Training. Kerry has a Masters in Business Leadership, Graduate Diploma in Business Leadership, Bachelor of Adult Education and Cert IV Training & Assessment. She has over twenty years Executive Manager experience in the ‘for purpose’ space, including Professional Development and Training, Community Services, Quality Management, Disability Services, Employment Services, Vocational Education and Children’s Services.
Kerry is a passionate advocate for life-long learning and supporting people to ‘reach for the stars’ in their career journey. Ongoing Professional Development enhances your career prospects, helps you to stay current with new research and frameworks, increases your confidence and builds your reputation as an industry expert.
Kerry has worked locally, nationally and internationally, and was a member of the Standards Australia contingent at The Hague for a Quality Management symposium. Kerry is also an experienced facilitator in topics including Leadership, Corporate Governance, Quality Management and Frameworks, Self-care and Change Management.
Kerry is a Member of the NSW Council of the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD)- the peak national industry body for our sector.
Considered by those that know her well as the ‘Online Shopping Queen’ (especially TVSN!), she has a particular passion for shoes and anything Parisian, and of course, her growing number of grandchildren.
Kerry is excited to be part of the planned reinvigoration of CFT and the positive impact it will have on our staff and customers.
Sarah runs bespoke on-site or online Team Training courses for your service.
Sarah Hearne
Training Facilitator
Sarah our trainer and facilitator is excited to meet you at one of her training opportunities. When you meet her, you’ll be as excited as her to further grow and nourish your knowledge. Her passion shines as each and every training session is an opportunity for her to also grow and learn from you! She believes that it is vital that we embrace a learning culture with all stakeholders in ECE.
Sarah although new to the team here at Children First Training has been a part of one of the Children First Centres as an ECT for 3 years. Working in Long Day Care Services for over 13 years now, her passion for mentoring and guiding others grew as she took on roles of Educational Leader early on in her career as well as centre manager and director in a Long Day Care Service.
Sarah has always been committed to a mentoring role and this drives her to complete the Training and Assessment Certificate.
Bringing her knowledge of the Early Childhood Sector and experience within it, Sarah loves bringing a real-life connection and practical elements to her training to support other educators.
Sarah was born, lives and works on Darug land and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders past, present and emerging.
We work in an ever-growing industry where knowledge is key, and Sarah hopes that through her personal research and experiences, she can help build others’ knowledge and help provide quality care for children.
Outside of work she is a Mum of two gorgeous girls who keep her busy, going on many family outings and enjoying time with family and friends.
Sarah’s favourite quote is by Anton Chekhov “Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice” and hopes that through her training you are able to bring value to your knowledge.
Current Training with Sarah
- There are no upcoming events.
Nancy Xuereb
Training Administration Coordinator
Nancy is the cheery voice you’ll get when contacting the Children First team – she’s the go-to person who keeps it all running!
Nancy has worked in the Early Childhood sector for over 15 years in both childcare and administration roles, as well as working on a number of child and family government funded projects across Western Sydney. She also enjoyed mentoring students and trainees of all levels.
Nancy has a passion for play-based learning, sustainability and providing high quality, beautiful environments for children.
Nancy’s passion for educating led her to join the Children First Training team in 2017. As much as she misses working with children every day, she loves the opportunity this role gives her to use her knowledge in the sector to organise exciting new courses for educators to expand their skills.
Nancy has lived and worked on Darug land all her life and pays respects to the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land.
Nancy exudes kindness, positivity and compassion and her laugh will light up the room! In her spare time, she enjoys caravanning, cooking and spending time with her family.
