Alexia - Early Childhood Teacher, Belrose Children’s Centre
Early Childhood Teacher Alexia Pefkos always wanted to be a teacher - even when she was a little kid herself.
Now working at Northern Beaches Council’s Belrose Children's Centre, Alexia heads up a team of four staff who help her look after the needs of children of varying ages.
“This year, I am working with children ranging in age from 16-months-old to two-years-and-eight-months old,” she said.
This year marks Alexia’s 31st year of teaching and she says she loves watching the children “as they grow and achieve milestones.”
“I love watching them being challenged - and building resilience,” she said
Not that her work isn’t without its own surprises and challenges.
A recent mishap with a playground see-saw found Alexia giving extra attention to one little guy who cut his finger badly!
“I found the child, held him, applied pressure to the finger, sat in the ambulance with him and gave him all the love in me to help him get through the excruciating pain. Hopefully, never again!”
Alexia lives in Belrose and says she loves being part of the community.
“When I go up to the local shops, I see children who are currently at the service who are so excited to see me. I once had a two year old who recognised me and said to their mum ‘Why did they let Lexy out?’ Children think childcare is our home.”
And as for working for Northern Beaches Council?
“I love working for the Council because we are so supported in our profession on a day-to-day basis and also for our professional development.”
Alexia is especially appreciative of her co-workers at the Belrose Children's Centre
“They are much more than just a support. They inspire me because they believe in me unconditionally.”