Little ones bring Teleah big moments of joy

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, they can now also add Teleah Laffey to that honourable task. For as long as Teleah can remember, she’s been told she ‘was born to do it’; looking after and nurturing our littlest minds who are lucky enough to be in her care.

A proud and resilient Aboriginal woman of the Kabi Kabi people, Teleah was born in Gympie and moved to Bundaberg at the age of 13.

After having already successfully completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) in 2020, Teleah was motivated to further her career options by continuing her studies with TAFE Queensland.

Teleah was determined to pursue her dream of becoming a qualified childcare worker. Despite facing personal challenges and setbacks along the way, Teleah stayed the course in her determination to succeed and was, thanks to her dedication and hard work, by the end of 2022, rewarded with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) in which she not only earned high marks but also the respect and admiration of her teacher and peers.

“Ever since I was little, I’ve always been drawn to being around and looking after children – there’s just something about their nature that brings out the best in me,” Teleah said.

“This course not only reinforced to me the value of what I can do but also opened up another incredible opportunity and taught me so much.”

Through her academic achievements which includes her success at TAFE Queensland and above all, through her passion and joy in working with and supporting the development of our youngest minds, Teleah does her family, friends and local community proud.

Her success is all the more impressive considering the incredible odds she had to overcome in 2022 to become a qualified childcare worker.

During her studies last year, Teleah was confronted with the devastating news when her mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May 2022. To further compound the pain, following the difficulty of finding out about this diagnosis and the subsequent stress of supporting her mum through this significant ordeal, Teleah broke both her kneecaps when she one day fell over while working.

“Both of these things were such a personal blow to me and I don’t know that I would have gotten through my course last year without the incredible support and understanding of my family and friends and my teacher, Jody Richter,” Teleah said.

“Things became quite difficult for me especially after the operation on my knees and this is where TAFE Queensland and my teacher Jody were such a blessing.

“Jody’s understanding and flexibility in allowing me to work through my studies at a different pace given my situation gave me the confidence and belief in myself that I could reach the finish line.”

Such was the pain of her injury that Teleah was forced to abandon all hope of attending her graduation at the TAFE Queensland Bundaberg campus at the end of 2022.

Despite the disappointment of having to miss her graduation, Teleah chose instead to focus on her recovery which was a slow three-month process and the positivity in her life that now included her being a professionally certified childcare worker with a very bright future ahead of her.

“I just decided that after all mum and I had been through and the year that we had been dealt, there are some things in life that we need to be grateful for and there are some things you just have to let go,” Teleah said.

“I personally couldn’t wait to get back on my feet – literally – and return to what I love most – working with children! And best of all, I’m just so grateful that mum is recovering really well from her diagnosis.”

One of the key reasons behind Teleah’s decision to return to TAFE Queensland to study for the diploma course was due to it being offered online.

“That definitely was a big plus as it meant greater flexibility in my life and also allowed me to continue working in my job at Acorn East Childcare Centre while I was studying.”

Not surprisingly, thanks to her commitment and skills in working with children, Teleah was offered a position as a childcare worker at Acorn East Childcare Centre, a local employer in Bundaberg that recognised her talent and potential even before she finished her diploma course.

Teleah was thrilled to accept the job, and she quickly got the opportunity to use her skills and training to help care for and educate the young children at Acorn East Childcare Centre.

“Being able to land a job there is really just the icing on the cake,” Teleah said.

“There hasn’t been a day since where I haven’t learned or discovered something new and wonderful.”

Today, Teleah is a highly valued member of the team at Acorn East Childcare Centre where she is known for her passion, dedication, and positive attitude in helping the 130 children enrolled there to flourish and develop. She loves her job and feels excited to have the opportunity to thrive and make a difference in the lives of the children she cares for.

Teleah is an everyday reminder of the possibilities and potential that can come from a fulfilling career in this demanding yet rewarding industry. Her success is not only a testament to her hard work and determination but also her ability to use life challenges as motivation to work harder, study more, and become the best version of herself.

As for her outlook on where she thinks her career may take her? “My future goal is continue to learn and grow, work with children and maybe one day, go to university to do more studying.”

Teleah, we think you’re ready to take on just about anything the future throws at you and we can’t wait to hear about the amazing children whose lives will not only be a bit brighter because of you but also flourish under your gentle guidance and loving hands.

Find out how you can define your greatness at TAFE Queensland by going to https://tafeqld.edu.au/.