Amy Smith

Passionate Early Childhood Teacher and Educational Consultant with experience in nature pedagogy, bush kindergarten, Reggio Emilia, Montessori-inspired learning environments, and educator mentoring.

Founder of Wild Echo: The Connected Approach, supporting services to create authentic, connected, and child-led learning spaces aligned with EYLF, QKLG, and contemporary pedagogical practices.

Founder & Educational Consultant - Wild Echo: The Connected Approach - Australia

(2025-01)

Provide consultancy services to early childhood education settings focused on nature-based, child-led, and authentic learning environments.

• Support centres to align practice with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG), and Aboriginal perspectives including the 8 Ways of Learning framework.
• Design Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired learning spaces using authentic and locally sourced materials.
• Deliver professional development and mentoring for educators on play-based pedagogy, loose parts, and connected learning approaches.
• Develop educational resources, centre philosophy support materials, and environment audits for early childhood services.
• Collaborate with educators and leadership teams to create inclusive, responsive, and engaging learning environments.

2IC and Early Childhood Teacher - Early Learning Burpengary - Burpengary

(2023-01 - 2025-01)

Designed and implemented nature-based, inquiry-driven learning experiences that promote holistic development through play-based, outdoor learning. Developed individualised learning plans to meet the diverse needs of children, fostering their growth and development. Built strong, collaborative relationships with families, colleagues, and community stakeholders and facilitated effective communication with the team to ensure consistency in practice and high-quality outcomes for children.

• Supported the director in managing daily operations, staffing, and regulatory compliance.
• Guided and mentored educators in curriculum planning, professional growth, and team collaboration.
• Played a key role in developing and implementing the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
• Maintained a safe, secure, and inclusive environment, conducting risk assessments and safety checks for bush kindy activities.
• Promoted and upheld health, safety, and sustainability policies across indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Actively promoted inclusive practices to ensure all children and families felt supported, valued, and connected.

Learner Support - Montessori International College

(2022-01 - 2023-01)

Provided individualised assistance to support children to engage with and successfully access the curriculum within the learning environment.

Teacher and Nominated Supervisor/Director - Landsborough Community Kindergarten - Landsborough

(2021-01 - 2021-12)

Took a proactive approach to programming, tailoring learning experiences for both groups and individual children. Successfully developed and implemented the stand-alone Kindergarten QIP and actively supported the team through the Assessment and Rating (A&R) process. Collaborated with all stakeholders to create a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment, which led to the service exceeding the National Quality Standard.

• Managed the day-to-day operations of the kindergarten, ensuring smooth delivery of high-quality education and care.
• Maintained compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and all regulatory requirements, including child safety and workplace policies.
• Provided leadership and mentorship to educators, fostering a supportive team culture and driving professional development.
• Developed and maintained the Kindergarten Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to achieve continuous improvement.
• Facilitated effective communication with families, educators, and external stakeholders, building strong partnerships and promoting community engagement.
• Oversaw enrolments, staffing, and administrative tasks to ensure the efficient functioning of the service.
• Led the team in achieving excellence during the Assessment and Rating process, showcasing best practices and exceeding quality standards.

Assistant Educator and Inclusion Support - Landsborough Community Kindergarten - Landsborough

(2020-01 - 2020-12)

Actively supported teachers in developing and implementing the program, completing observations, and creating engaging learning stories. Played a proactive role in maintaining the Kindergarten QIP, managing day-to-day operations, and addressing individual learning needs. Focused on fostering a safe, secure, and enriching environment that supported the growth and well-being of all children and their families.

Teacher - Beerwah Community Kindergarten - Beerwah

(2019-01 - 2021-01)

Full-time Assistant Preschool Educator - Durack Primary School - Northern Territory

(2016-01 - 2018-12)

Teacher's aide - Driver Primary - Northern Territory

(2014-01 - 2016-12)

Staff Member - Aqua Marine Day Spa

(2003-01 - 2014-12)

Staff Member - PJ's Cheaper Choice

(2001-01 - 2003-12)

Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Teaching (2024-01)

Diploma - Early Learning Childhood Education and Care (2014-01 - 2016-12)

Diploma - Management (2011-01 - 2012-12)

Certificate IV - Beauty Therapy (2003-01 - 2006-12)

Certificate II - Retail (2001-01 - 2003-12)

High School - Year 10 (2001-01)