How Ash Became a Centre Director in Her First Two Weeks

Career progression in early childhood education can move faster than people expect. Ashleigh joined Edge Early Learning as a Lead Educator and was promoted to Centre Director within two weeks. Now she’s led three centres and supported several more, crediting two mentors for shaping the leader she’s become. Her story shows what a fast-tracked career pathway in early childhood education can look like with the right support behind you.

What roles has Ash held at Edge Early Learning?

Ash has been with Edge since 2017, joining as one of the company’s original Centre Directors. Her path has taken her through some of Edge’s longest-standing centres such as Edge West End – Jane Street, Edge West End – Montague Road and Edge Grange.

Along the way, she’s also supported additional centres, including Edge South Brisbane and Edge Cannon Hill.

“My first week with Edge was as a Lead Educator. Four days later I was promoted to Second in Charge, and a week later I was promoted to Centre Director.”

What’s a “day one” story from an early learning Centre Director?

Ash’s first day wasn’t chaotic – it was the opposite, and it says a lot about the culture she walked into.

“My first day was very chilled. A baby known to be a difficult sleeper fell asleep on me quickly. I asked my colleague if she would like me to transfer the baby to the cot. She stood dead still and held out her hand saying, ‘No… do not move, she never sleeps, I will do everything.’ And there I stayed.”

What does a Centre Director actually do?

We asked Ash to explain her day-to-day duties, and her answer doubles as one of the clearest descriptions of a Centre Director’s role we’ve heard:

“I look after all the grown-ups who look after the children. I make sure everyone is safe, everyone knows what they’re doing, the rooms have enough toys, our parents and families are happy, and when something goes wrong… I teach our teachers to be kind and help them with puzzles. Basically, I’m the boss of the big kids while the big kids look after the little kids.”

It’s a job description that covers safety, leadership, family relationships, and problem-solving.

Who helped Ash progress into a leadership role?

Fast promotions don’t happen in isolation, and Ash is quick to name the two people who shaped her leadership from day one: Annie Bryce and Michelle Turner.

“Even though they were both in incredibly busy roles, I learnt so much simply by watching them. They taught me the importance of slowing down and being truly present. They listened, they cared, and they responded from the heart. Those are skills I have carried with me into my own leadership and the way I support my team.”

Their influence still shapes how she leads today.

“When I don’t feel empowered or I’m faced with a difficult situation, I often stop and think, ‘What would these two beautiful women do?'”

Each mentor gave her something slightly different. “Annie supported me as a leader, but she also gave me the warmth and friendship I needed while I was balancing my professional and personal life. She made me feel supported, believed in and capable.” Michelle, meanwhile, “took me under her wing, challenged the way I thought and encouraged me to see things differently. She helped me grow not only as a leader, but as a person.”

What advice would Ash give someone starting a career in early learning?

“Be compassionate. Be the change you want to see. Take accountability, even when it’s difficult, and never underestimate the difference you can make.”

She’s also candid about what she wishes someone had told her sooner:

“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to listen, learn, own your mistakes and keep showing up for your team and the children you care for. Lead with kindness, stay true to your values, and remember that the small things you do every day can make a really big difference in someone’s life.”

Why mentorship matters in early childhood education careers

Ash’s story is, in many ways, a story about paying it forward. The warmth and belief she received from Annie and Michelle didn’t just shape her early career – it became the leadership style she now offers her own team.

“I hope that through my own leadership, I can give others the same sense of belief, warmth and empowerment that they gave me.”

Find out more about careers at Edge or view our current opportunities.