Our G8 Education Experts@Play - Ali Evans

G8 Education’s Head of Early Learning and Education, Alison Evans has been fortunate to work in the early childhood profession for more than 30 years across a number of roles and organisations.  

Ali started her career as a Kindergarten Teacher in Central Queensland. After many years of teaching, Ali decided she wanted a new challenge and began working in a pedagogical advisory role across Queensland. Since then, she has held senior positions in different organisations, leading teams and programs which champion quality early learning and inclusion.  

Ali joined G8 Education’s executive team as our Head of Early Learning and Education in 2022.  

What drew you to early learning originally? 

Being with young children has always been so fascinating and intriguing to me, in the way they think, respond, learn and engage with their world, with each other and with us. I find early learning so rewarding and impactful. No two days are ever the same. Children and the unique moments in early childhood are so rewarding and often so misunderstood by society more broadly.  

Young children have so much to offer and to teach us if we take the time to be truly present and listen.  

What’s kept you invested in progressing your early learning career? 

The uniqueness of being with young children in high quality programs is so diverse and rewarding. The quality journey has gained momentum in Australia broadly across programs and providers, however there is still more to achieve to ensure our youngest citizens receive the best possible start in life. The teachers, educators, children, families and colleagues with whom I have worked have enriched my thinking, learning and being and I look forward to continuing to work in such a rewarding career that offers so much possibility. In recent years, I have held the position of Queensland Chair of Early Childhood Australia and find the collegiality and professionalism of working with colleagues across organisations so beneficial and supportive. 

What aspects of pedagogy are you most passionate about championing in our G8 Education centres?  

Championing quality to ensure every child receives the highest level of education and care in safe spaces with highly qualified teams. This includes advancing Reconciliation, inclusion and wellbeing for children, families, team members and G8. I also want to continue creating  diverse learning communities through initiatives like our recent study tour to New Zealand so we continue to learn, thrive and grow together.  

Our Education Strategy is transformative, and we think it will influence beyond G8 Education in shaping the programs of today, tomorrow and the future.  

What is your hope for the future of early learning?  

To create a more socially-just Australia where we all acknowledge and understand the true history of this country. This is critically important for all Australians. We need to strive for all children to receive the benefits of high-quality early childhood education and care in a more cohesive “joined up” system that brings education, health, schooling and other systems together in more complimentary and connected ways.  

At G8, we want to have impact beyond our organisation to shape a better world for all children. 

What are you hoping to learn and achieve as part of your involvement with Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership?  

I am very excited to join the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership Leadership Table in 2023. I strongly believe in ‘collective impact’ and how working together to champion the best outcomes for children has benefits for everyone. The leadership table offers new possibilities and learnings from other leaders from diverse backgrounds. Working in transdisciplinary ways across service systems is incredibly important. There are promising stories of great work across Queensland and real opportunities to work together to improve system delivery to have greater impact.