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Meet the Team
At Ayr Community Kindergarten, our greatest strength lies in our passionate and highly qualified team. Get to know the friendly faces guiding your child's learning journey!
Passionate Educators, Lifelong Learners
At Ayr Community Kindergarten, our educators are our greatest asset. We believe that when hands-on, child-led exploration is supported by caring, responsive educators, children thrive in making sense of their world.
We take pride in the professional expertise and warm, nurturing approach of our team. Every effort is made to recruit and retain exceptional early childhood educators who deliver engaging, play-led learning experiences for your child.
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Our educators bring a wealth of qualifications and experience to our kindergarten, holding certifications ranging from Certificate III and Diploma in Children’s Services to Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. While formal training is essential, we know that practical, hands-on experience is just as vital. Our team embodies a perfect balance of educational foundations and real-world expertise, ensuring your child receives the very best care and learning opportunities.
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We are also committed to supporting ongoing professional development and encourage our educators to continue their studies or upgrade their qualifications. At Ayr Community Kindy, we believe the journey of lifelong learning starts with us—and we’re proud to model this for the children in our care.
Wanda Guy
Director / Nominated Supervisor / Teacher
Wanda brings a rich depth of experience to Ayr Community Kindergarten, having dedicated her career to early childhood education since 2006, following many years in state preschools across Charters Towers, Townsville, Collinsville, and Ayr. She holds a Diploma of Teaching (Primary and Preschool) from Mt Gravatt College of Advanced Education and a Bachelor of Education specialising in Early Childhood from the University of South Australia.
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Beyond her roles in preschools, Wanda has served as a district relief Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher, a relief primary school teacher, and a learning support teacher. She has also shared her knowledge by lecturing Early Childhood students at TAFE. Having lived in the Burdekin since 1994, Wanda is deeply rooted in the community. She feels privileged to be a guardian of a community kindergarten with such a rich history of play-based learning, guiding the centre's philosophy and operations with expertise and care.
Miss Mar (Marilyn)
Education Leader / Assistant / Compliance
Marilyn (Miss Mar) joined Ayr Community Kindergarten in early 2024, quickly transitioning from a casual assistant to a full-time, multi-faceted role encompassing Education Leader, Compliance Support Officer, Assistant Educator, and Inclusion Support. She brings an impressive 27 years of experience in educating and caring for children.
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Marilyn began her career in family daycare, nurturing children from six weeks to five years old, followed by a decade running her own home-based family daycare scheme. Her passion for early childhood development led her to long day care, where she earned her Certificate III in Children's Services and subsequently her Diploma of Children's Services (Early Childhood and Care). Over 15 years, Marilyn served as a lead educator in various rooms, honing her skills in creating engaging and supportive learning environments. She is excited to continue strengthening her capabilities and embracing leadership challenges within the Ayr Kindy team.
Erin Dwyer
Trainee Assistant Educator
Erin is a dedicated Trainee Assistant Educator at Ayr Community Kindergarten, currently undertaking her studies in Early Childhood Education. Notably, Erin is a past student of the very same centre, having attended Ayr Kindy between 2007 and 2012 – a true testament to the kindy's lasting impact!
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As a young and enthusiastic member of the team, Erin cherishes the opportunity to guide and observe children's development throughout the year, valuing the unique personalities she encounters. She understands the importance of building strong relationships not only with the children but also with their families. Erin is committed to fostering a supportive and engaging atmosphere where every child feels connected and eager to learn.
Miss Franca
Assistant Educator
Meet Miss Franca, a familiar and beloved face within the C & K Community. With deep roots firmly planted in Ayr, where she was born and raised, Miss Franca brings a lifetime of local connection and a warm, nurturing spirit to her role.
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Miss Franca's passion for early childhood education shines through her extensive experience and qualifications. After a positive relief assistant experience in 2011, she pursued her Certificate III in Children's Services in 2014 and her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in 2015, continually learning to benefit the children she works with. She's worked at a local daycare and served as Inclusion Support and Assistant at C & K, and she's so grateful to now be a Part-Time Assistant Educator.
Miss Tamara
Assistant Educator
Bringing over a decade of dedication to the Early Childhood sector, Miss Tamara offers extensive, hands-on experience that spans running her own successful Family Daycare business in Tasmania, formalising her expertise with a Certificate III in Childcare, and spending years in long day care and specialised inclusion support roles with organisations like C&K in the Burdekin.
With a deep passion for Early Childhood development and creativity, she is committed to guiding and observing the unique growth of every child. Her philosophy is centered on fostering strong, trusting relationships with children and their families, ensuring a supportive, engaging, and welcoming atmosphere where every young learner feels connected and eager to explore.
