Sam Rosenberg

Director

Sam’s wife, Gina introduced him to the childcare sector in the late 1990s. For over two decades, they have combined his love of business development and her passion for quality childcare to own and operate 12 childcare centres.

Sam – an ex-accountant – also runs a consultancy for people seeking to enter the childcare services sector. He provides strategic advice, while Megan handles operational support.

A respected member of the childcare services sector, Sam sits on the Board of the Australian Childcare Alliance Victoria. He’s committed to raising industry standards for everyone, from childcare workers, to centre owners and, of course, the children in their care.

Megan Sharman

Co-Founder and Director of Training

• Diploma of Children's Development 0-5

• Certificate in Child Psychology

• Adv Diploma of Children's Services

• Cert IV in Leadership and Management

• Cert IV Training and Assessment

Megan’s impressive career in Early Childhood Education and Care spans 23 years. Her dedication to the field has seen her career grow through all levels of management, from working on the floor through to centre management, and currently as the Area Manager for multiple centres. Megan is constantly updating her understanding of current policy and best practice, and brings a vast knowledge of the Early Childhood Education and Care industry.

As a leader, Megan’s skills lie in identifying issues and implementing change management strategies to improve service delivery. She believes that empowering educators in the field will not only influence the centre in a positive way but will enhance the education and learning of each child.

Megan is passionate about the sharing of knowledge, ideas and experiences. She loves creating opportunities for all leaders in the early childhood industry to come together and help navigate their way through the ups and downs of running a service or team.

It is important to Megan to research Early Childhood theorists, which has led to multiple visits to Reggio Emilia in Italy where she had the opportunity to fully immerse herself and the team in this pedagogy.

As the Founder of ECT, and also the director of training, Megan overseas curriculum creation and implementation and sets the tone for the organisation’s values and beliefs. The ECT difference is the focus on student welfare, accessibility and taking a holistic approach by the trainers to ensure all students graduate with an exemplary knowledge of how to teach and provide care in the Early Childhood field. Megan is a strong advocate for raising standards of learning, recognition of the importance of the field, and ensuring every single child is given the best possible start to their learning journey.

Baz Ilseven

TRAINER & Consultant

Diploma of community services, children’s services
Advanced diploma of children’s services
Certificate IV training & assessment

Baz is passionate about early childhood education & making a real difference. She sees herself an an advocate for children & endeavours to inspire all those who cross her path.

Her dedication to the sector has seen her rise through the ranks. Holding many tittles over a career spanning 20 years.

Baz's practical experience means she understands the challenges you face at each step of your career development.

Baz is best known for her love of leadership. She is able to manage large groups of educators, support, mentor and inspire them to be the best version of themselves.

She provokes thought, often challenges the norm and thinks outside the box.

As an ECT consultant & trainer of 9 years, she manages and mentors you, so you develop the skills to build and grow your career in early childhood education & care.

Brooke Barrett

Trainer & Assessor

Hi my name is Brooke! I am a passionate, motivated individual who believes in high quality education and care. Together with ECT we have made it our mission to try and endorse this quality into all communities and early Learning services.

I believe that the only acceptable rating should be exceeding quality care. I have over 10 years experience in the early childhood education industry. During this time I have obtained a wealth of invaluable knowledge and experience through a variety of roles which consist of cert III trained assistant, Diploma qualified team leader and then a management role in a long day care environment, before moving on to further my qualifications and skills with my certificate IV in training and assessment.

My qualifications together with my life experience has landed me in this desirable role where I have the opportunity to make a difference and help support our future champions and expert educators in this high demand industry.By starting your career in childcare you're opening up endless job opportunities and possibilities.

I believe starting from the bottom up gave me the insight, experience and skills required to become a successful educator. It taught me how everyone’s role is crucial and of high importance and that as a team we succeed. These life experiences have definitely been the most valuable.

Together let’s fill the gap in quality care and set a standard so every child no matter the circumstance has access to a quality education and nurturing supportive environment.

Let’s end disadvantage and promote equal opportunity!

Kate Purdie

Trainer & Assessor

Kate has worked in early childhood in a variety of roles since the end of high school over 20 years ago. Kate began her journey into early childhood at one of Sam and Gina Rosenburg's wonderful childcare centres Kinder Haven Lower Plenty. Sam is the CEO of ECT so it has all come full circle for Kate's career.  Kate has wonderful memories of working with Sam and his wife at that time who treated staff like family and were committed to staff and their individual growth. 

Since that time Kate has worked in a variety of early childhood roles and completed two degrees and a diploma. She has completed a degree in Media and Communications at Swinburne and bachelor of early childhood with RMIT as well as a diploma of early childhood with Swinburne. 

Kate has worked as a Certificate III staff member right up to her final on the floor position as a director of a standalone kindergarten teacher for seven years, so she understands the expectations of staff at the various levels of qualification. 

Her work has been varied and she has found the journey inspiring and loves teaching new students the value of the practise. 

Kate is committed to communication being key between all parties children, families and educators. Being committed to finding a way to create a sense of community and work together. She also has a strong philosophy that talks about sustainability, access to high quality learning environments and a program that allows all cultures and ideologies to feel valued and celebrated, 

Kate looks forward to her ongoing training with students at ECT. 

She is excited to continue training with ECT, an RTO that shares her vision for early childhood training.  A belief that we are training not only future educators but leaders in this dynamic field,.

Sarah Darcy

Trainer & Assessor

After gaining six years’ experience working in a variety of childcare roles, Sarah followed her passion to train and inspire future educators. Her bubbly, caring nature instantly puts students at ease.

As part of the ECT team, Sarah’s goal is to share her passion for the early childhood education industry with you. She has the practical experience to support you while you complete your studies, and make sure you’re ready for your role when you qualify.

Rachel Lyons

Trainer & Assessor

My name is Rachel Lyons and I have over 15 years experience working in the early childhood education sector as both a qualified educator and a centre manager. 

I have a passion for assisting educators to achieve their goal to become the best possible educator they can be. I believe all educators should strive to provide high quality education and care to all children. 

I have a caring and supportive nature that will help students feel at ease to approach me for any assistance they may need. 

I thoroughly enjoy working with ECT because they are a small RTO that provide wonderful support to their employees. The workplace has a family feel and students benefit from this, by getting to know the same qualified trainers throughout their studies. 

My advice for students is that communication is key. Good communication skills with families and colleagues as well as your trainers is a positive attribute to have.

Laura Yates

Trainer & Assessor

Diploma of Before & After School Care
Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care
Certificate IV Training & Assessment

My name is Laura Yates and I have 30 years' experience in most facets of our amazing industry. My passion is a little different to most trainers because I adore the babies and the toddlers. I love getting educators inspired to work within these age groups., to see the importance of play, exploring, brain development, sensory play and the importance of a positive interactive educator.

My belief in working with early childhood training is that usual trainer? I am here to guide you, support and encourage you, mentor and positively guide you to becoming the best educator that you can be remembering that all children need is a positive influence guiding them. I love delivering information face-to-face with educators either via professional development or one on one sessions.

I love sharing my experience within the industry and also draw upon my own motherhood experiences of my own four children. Together we can all make our industry and educators amazing.

Nic Croaker

Student Liaison Officer, Trainer & Assessor

I commenced with Early Childhood Training Pty Ltd in 2019, and have diversified into the Student Liaison Officer role, since working with ECT Pty Ltd. I commenced with ECT Pty Ltd originally due my Accounting/Bookkeeping and Admin background, and have very much enjoyed the transition into the world of compliance and Student Services, whilst assisting our amazing trainers in achieving ECT’s goal to provide exceptional training to our students.

Throughout my time with ECT Pty Ltd, I have recently obtained my TAE. I am passionate about students receiving quality Education, and I enjoy supporting our students in the journey to achieve their goals. I find my current role extremely rewarding, as I am able to engage with our student cohort whilst in my position as Student Liaison Officer. I love the areas of my profession, that require providing support to the organization, our staff, and our students.

I enjoy working within such a great team to ensure, at every step throughout the process, our goal to provide exceptional Early Childhood Education is achieved.

Karen Webster

Trainer & Assessor

Hello my name is Karen Webster. I arrived in Australia from Toronto, Canada over 8 years ago and am proud to say that I am an Australian citizen. In Canada, I acquired a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, which has been deemed ECT equivalent by ACECQA as well as a Masters of Education in Adult Education and Counselling Psychology.

I have worked for over 30 years in the Early Childhood Industry. In Canada, I worked in long day care with all ages for about 15 years, in special education consultation and support for over 4 years and as a Professor of Early Childhood Education. As an Early Childhood Trainer, I have a great passion and commitment to our profession. I believe very strongly in building connections and relationships with the children as well as with the educators. I really enjoy working collaboratively and use experienced knowledge to support and engage in best practice. I also feel that educator wellbeing is so important. I am always there to listen and support and

provide what is needed to help our students manage the very fast paced and busy teaching and learning environment, communicate in a positive and responsive way and practice in the best way they can. I want to give each new learner the opportunity to find their own passion and love for what they are doing and be able to bring who they are into the Early Childhood and Care Environment in a confident way.

I love watching the world from the child’s perspective. Through their eyes we can see the wonders of all that is around us. I have a strong passion for inclusion and diversity. I feel it is important for all to see themselves in the program and the service. The sense of belonging is key to connection and building trusting warm relationships I feel at ECT that I am part of a passionate, caring and committed team that recognises everyone’s strengths and supports collaboration and open communication.

The best advice I can give to students is to trust in your skills and knowledge. Everyone brings something to the table and can offer learning and perspective to others. Don’t be afraid to show your passion and just have fun. Be responsive, kind and present – build relationships and strong attachments and recognise that every child has his/her own strengths. Use those strengths to support their challenges.

Janine Bush

Accounts Manager

Janine is the friendly face managing our accounts. Her experience includes seven years at Sam’s Melbourne-based Chartered Accounting firm. She followed him into the childcare services sector in 2005 and has been here ever since.

Janine is currently studying a Diploma in Accounting to add to her impressive skill set.