Growth Pedagogy Early Childhood Consultancy
Growth Pedagogy is an early childhood consultancy dedicated to helping educators and leaders strengthen their pedagogical practice through reflection, mentoring, and purposeful action. Grounded in the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the National Quality Standard (NQS), and key theories of children’s development, Growth Pedagogy supports educators in connecting theory with daily practice, refining curriculum decisions, and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. Each collaboration promotes professional confidence, reflective thinking, and a shared commitment to quality improvement across early childhood settings.
Why mentoring matters in early childhood?
Over many years working as an educator, family day care coordinator, trainer, and RPL assessor, I have seen a pattern emerge across countless early childhood settings. There is often a significant gap between what educators learn during their studies and how confidently they apply that knowledge in real practice. Educators learn about theories of children’s development, the EYLF, and the NQS, yet many still feel unsure about explaining why they do what they do each day with children.
Across my roles, this became clear during professional conversations, training sessions, and RPL assessments. Educators often struggled to describe how their interactions linked to developmental theory or how their program decisions aligned with the EYLF or NQS. Many were working with great care and intention, yet without deep pedagogical clarity, their practices became routine-driven rather than truly reflective or intentional.
Seeing this repeatedly has shaped my understanding of what educators really need: ongoing, supportive, practical mentoring in the real context of their work. Theoretical knowledge is essential, but without guidance on how to interpret and apply it meaningfully, educators can lose confidence, and that affects the quality of interactions, planning, and children’s learning.
These personal observations are what inspired me to create Growth Pedagogy. Through tailored mentoring, educators receive support in finally making sense of the frameworks, connecting theory with practice, and deepening their professional identity. Mentoring goes far beyond compliance; it gives educators the space, language, and confidence to reflect, ask questions, and intentionally shape their practice.
This kind of professional support strengthens Quality Areas 1 and 4 of the NQS in a real and lasting way. More importantly, it empowers educators to feel confident, purposeful, and proud of their work. When educators understand the “why” behind their actions, children benefit from richer experiences, stronger interactions, and more meaningful learning.
Mentoring is not just a service; it’s an investment in quality, confidence, and continuous growth for the whole team.
Ivonne Mancilla
Founder
Pedagogical mentoring
Educators one-on-one
Each mentoring session is tailored to the educator’s individual needs, interests, and goals, grounded in real observations from the educator’s daily work. Each session is practical, relevant, and directly connected to the educator’s professional context. The focus is on strengthening pedagogical practice within their own context and supporting meaningful, evidence-based learning experiences.
Leaders and Teachers
Each mentoring session supports educational leaders and Early childhood Teachers to review and strengthen their curriculum in line with the EYLF, NQS, key theories of children’s development, and the service philosophy, focusing on continuous improvement within Quality Area 1 Educational Program and Practice. The sessions promote reflective leadership in guiding teams to embed intentional, high-quality pedagogy in everyday practice.
Educators small group
Interactive mentoring for up to four educators, focusing on real examples from daily practice. Sessions strengthen shared pedagogy, curriculum decision-making, and teamwork. Educators learn practical ways to embed the EYLF, NQF, and NQS consistently and high-quality across the service. Follow-up guidance supports the group in applying strategies and sustaining improvements.
Recognition of Prior Learning RPL
Personalised guidance for educators seeking to upgrade their qualification, provided in partnership with Traxion Training RTO # 32254. Educators receive clear, supportive direction throughout the process to help them move confidently toward their next qualification step.
Educators Career Development
Personalised career support for early childhood educators, new graduates, those starting a new role, or educators planning a career change. Includes resume and interview support, job search guidance, and mentoring to navigate transitions with confidence.
Interested in getting further information regarding our services?
Submit your enquiry and we will respond with clear options, pricing information, and how we can tailor mentoring to your needs, whether you’re an ECEC service seeking support for your team or an individual educator looking for professional development.
Explore our mentoring focus areas
Discover the key areas where mentoring can strengthen your practice and inspire meaningful change.
Ivonne Mancilla founder
With more than 20 years of experience in education, my early childhood journey began in Bogotá, Colombia, where I first discovered my passion for working with young children. As a teenager completing my community service hours at a local childcare centre, I witnessed a moment that changed my life. One educator’s gentle, joyful interaction with a group of toddlers showed me the true power of early education. I remember thinking, "How she inspired such calm and joyful cooperation. I want to be that kind of educator!"
In 2005, I completed my Bachelor of Children’s Education, and in 2010, I made a bold move to Australia to continue pursuing my passion for children’s learning and wellbeing. Over the past two decades, I have worked in diverse roles across the early childhood sector, including assistant educator, lead educator, early childhood teacher, family day care coordinator, vocational education trainer and assessor, and recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessor. Each experience has strengthened my understanding of what quality early learning looks like and how it feels for children, educators, and families.
Today, I’m extending my work into career development practice, supporting educators to find clarity, purpose, and confidence in their professional journeys. My goal is to empower educators with practical knowledge, reflective tools, and mentoring that bridges theory and practice, helping them make meaningful, lasting changes in their settings.
As a mother of a twelve-year-old tween and a four-month-old baby, I continue to live my passion daily. Watching my own children grow, explore, and learn reminds me why this work matters. The moments of wonder, discovery, and connection I once shared with children in my care also unfold at home, filling me with gratitude and renewed purpose.
At the heart of my work with Growth Pedagogy is the belief that learning begins with relationships built on trust, respect, and collaboration. Every child, educator, and family deserves the chance to move forward with confidence and support.
Interests in studies and work:
Communication development and language – innovative approaches to teach reading and writing (Bachelor's thesis)
Research in Education (research approaches, application of early childhood theories of development, socio-cultural research approaches)
Curriculum development based on: pedagogical projects, innovative approaches, holistic learning and learning through play and real-life experiences (pedagogical approaches during practice with children from 0 to 9 years of age)
Mentoring and training of culturally diverse pre- and in-service educators in Australia and Colombia (family day care mentoring, vocational education and training, teachers' professional development and RPL assessment)
Career development for migrants and culturally diverse people.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Children’s Education (Universidad Pedagogica Nacional - Colombia). Individually recognised by ACECQA as an ECT qualification in Australia.
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAFE)
Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Griffith University)
Graduate Certificate in Career Development and Counselling (QUT)
Master of Education (QUT in progress)
Professional memberships
Early Childhood Australia ECA
Queensland Association of Student Advisors QASA
Career Industry Council of Australia CICA
Languages
English and Spanish
Mentoring focus areas
Educators mentoring
Mentoring focus areas:
Applying theories of children’s development to everyday practice.
Embedding the principles of the EYLF planning cycle into programming and reflection.
Linking the EYLF Learning Outcomes to daily routines and experiences.
Reviewing the concept of practice from Quality Area 1 of the NQS
Applying the ECA code of ethics and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to practice
Strengthening and enacting the service’s pedagogical philosophy in practice.
Leaders and Teachers mentoring
Mentoring and reviewing focus areas:
Reviewing and strengthening practices in line with the NQS Quality Areas
Embedding the EYLF principles, practices, and outcomes into daily practice
Strengthening pedagogical leadership aligned with the service philosophy
Aligning practice with theoretical approaches (e.g. socio-cultural, constructivist, or ecological perspectives)
Discover how our mentoring sessions work
Learn more about how each session is delivered and discover the flexible, supportive approach designed to meet your professional goals.
Mentoring session packages
What is included in our mentoing sessions?
Each mentoring session includes:
• A 60-minute online mentoring session via Microsoft Teams (flexible times available: after hours, or Saturday mornings).
• A 20-minute follow-up session to review progress, reflect on implementation, and refine next steps.
All sessions are tailored to your professional goals and grounded in real practice, connecting with the EYLF, NQS, theories of children’s development and relevant industry documentation.
Mentoring Session Packages
1 Session - Individual. Perfect for educators seeking targeted support on a specific area of practice or curriculum challenge.
3 Sessions Package. Ideal for those wanting ongoing mentoring to set goals, reflect, and build confidence through guided professional growth.
6 Sessions Package. Designed for sustained development. A complete mentoring journey to strengthen pedagogy, leadership, and quality improvement practices.
Choose the package that best suits your service's goals, or contact us to discuss a customised mentoring plan for your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
Growth Pedagogy’s mentoring and consultancy services align strongly with the goals and priority areas of the Kindy Uplift program. The program is designed to strengthen educator capability, improve pedagogy, and enhance children’s learning outcomes, all of which are central to our mentoring approach.
Our sessions help educators:
• build confidence with the EYLF and NQS
• strengthen curriculum and planning cycle practices
• deepen their understanding of child development
• improve intentional teaching and interactions
• support Quality Area 1 and Quality Area 4
Because mentoring is tailored to each service’s needs, goals, and QIP priorities, it fits the requirements for high-impact, evidence-informed professional learning under the Kindy Uplift framework.
If your service participates in Kindy Uplift, Growth Pedagogy can be included in your funding plan to support sustained professional growth across your team.
All mentoring sessions are currently delivered online via Microsoft Teams, offering flexibility for educators and services. Educators can join using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and no special software is required, just a stable internet connection.
Online delivery supports compliance with ratios, allows educators to participate without leaving the service, and ensures mentoring remains accessible and convenient. On-site sessions may be offered in the future as availability expands.
Preparation is simple and stress-free. Educators don’t need to complete worksheets or bring documents; just come with a few real examples from their everyday practice that they would like to reflect on.
The mentoring process is non-judgmental, confidential, and supportive, creating a safe space for reflective conversations. Educators will be guided throughout the session, and strategies will be tailored to their chosen focus area to help strengthen their practice.