Every Child Deserves an Educator Who Feels Confident, Balanced and Inspired. That starts with you.
The Way We Grow is a proven mentorship that helps Family Day Care Educators to transform their service and themselves.
Trusted by Family Day Care Educators across Australia
Exclusive Program
Instant Access
Live calls with Steph
The Results You Can Expect, Starting Day One
Reclaim Your Time and Energy
Cut through the endless admin and compliance overwhelm with simple systems that give you hours back each week, so you can focus on what truly matters - the children.
Rediscover Your Joy and Confidence
No more burnout or second-guessing. You’ll reconnect with your “why,” step into your role with clarity, and feel proud of the work you’re doing every single day.
Feel Supported and Connected
Say goodbye to isolation. Inside The Way We Grow, you’ll join a supportive community of Family Day Care Educators who get it and walk this journey alongside you.
Build a Sustainable Service
Create rhythms and routines that protect your energy, reduce stress, and make your service feel not just manageable, but deeply fulfilling and sustainable long term.
The Struggle You Know Too Well
Compliance checklists that never end
Paperwork and admin are stealing precious hours from the children
The loneliness of carrying it all, with no one who truly understands
Burnout from giving everything, yet still feeling like it’s never enough
The creeping doubt — “Am I even making an impact anymore, or just surviving the system?”
Long nights of unpaid planning that leave you exhausted
Struggles to balance educator duties with your personal life
The pressure to “get it right” without proper support or guidance
Feeling invisible despite your effort and dedication
Watching your passion fade under the weight of admin and expectations
You didn’t choose this path to drown in paperwork and pressure.
You chose it to nurture children and make a difference.
As an Educator myself, I know the constant balancing act... and how overwhelming it can become.
After years in a corporate executive role, I stepped into Family Day Care and quickly saw how brilliant, dedicated educators were being pulled down by overwhelm, isolation, and endless compliance.
I knew something had to change.
That’s why I created The Way We Grow, a mentorship program designed to uplift Educator's across Australia.
Because when educators thrive, children thrive.
Hi, I’m Steph, the founder of Elevating Educators and the creator of The Way We Grow.
After years as a corporate executive, I traded boardrooms for playrooms when I followed my heart into Family Day Care. I quickly realised something important - being an FDC Educator is one of the most rewarding callings but it can also be one of the most overwhelming.
I’ve felt the late nights spent drowning in paperwork. The exhaustion of wearing a hundred hats at once. The isolation of feeling like no one else truly understood what I was carrying.
And I’ve also felt the joy of connection, the pride of building a thriving service, and the deep purpose that comes from shaping the lives of children.
That’s why I created The Way We Grow to mentor Family Day Care Educators like you, blending my corporate skillset with my real, lived experience as an Educator.
My mission is simple:
To help you streamline your business.
To give you tools and systems that actually work.
To help you rediscover the joy and confidence you deserve.
Because when you thrive, the children in your care thrive too.
From Burnout to Balance with
The Way We Grow
The Way We Grow is designed to help Family Day Care Educators reclaim their time, reduce burnout and fall back in love with the work they were called to do. Imagine stepping into each day with clarity, confidence, and joy, while still having energy left for yourself and your family.
We’ll walk you step by step through proven systems and compassionate mentoring that have already helped Educators like you create sustainable services, find their rhythm, and rediscover their purpose.
Testimonials
Moriah Lever
I had the immense privilege of working with Steph at a childcare centre in Port Lincoln. Steph was a calm, passionate educator who I enjoyed working with. I watched as Steph transitioned to the Family Day Care world and she had me immediately interested as I hadn’t really heard much about FDC before this. She was offering high quality care in her home where children's unique interests and needs were being met and I loved to see it! Without Steph's example I don't think I would be doing FDC today. She really set the standard for me and I am forever grateful for her support when I was starting my own FDC business. Her wealth of knowledge and genuine heart to see me do well, made all the difference in setting me up for success!
Lyn Kerr
Having worked closely with Stephanie in my role as her coordinator, I’ve seen first hand the passion, commitment, and lived experience she brings to her work as an educator. Stephanie doesn’t just talk the talk — she’s lived the challenges, felt the overwhelm, and come through with a clear purpose and a desire to uplift others in the same space. Steph assisted me in helping to inspire my educators, feel their frustrations, and work out practical solutions, and above all does this with accompaniment, walking beside, because she knows how isolating the FDC educator role can be.
I’m genuinely excited to know that Stephanie has created a mentorship program specifically for Family Day Care Educators — this is a much needed space, and she has done so with great understanding of FDC, with empathy, practicality, a wealth of life experience and infectious enthusiasm.
If you're a Family Day Care Educator wanting guidance from someone who truly gets it, I can’t recommend Stephanie highly enough. You won’t be disappointed.
Victoria Edmond
Big Hearted Education
Stephanie is one of those rare gems. She turns the complex into something achievable, all with this incredible sense of calm. She truly understands FDC and combines this experience with solid business sense. Working with Steph is a joy!
Kerrie Waters
DfE FDC Educator (Southern Districts)
“I have had the pleasure of working with Stephanie and have always found her to be supportive, professional, and passionate about Family Day Care. She has a wonderful way of making things feel clear and manageable, while also inspiring confidence and reminding us why we love the work we do. I truly believe her mentorship program will be a game-changer for Educators — helping them feel organised, supported, and re-energised in both business and care.”
Unlike generic business coaching or cookie-cutter strategies, The Way We Grow is built for Family Day Care Educators by an Educator who knows the challenges first-hand. It blends corporate-level strategy with the heart of lived experience in FDC.
Traditional “Support”
Generic small business advice that doesn’t fit FDC.
One-size-fits-all systems that leave you more overwhelmed.
Focused only on compliance, not your wellbeing.
Surface-level tips that don’t last
The Way We Grow Approach
Tailored mentoring designed specifically for Family Day Care Educators.
Practical tools that save you hours and reduce stress.
Supportive community so you’re never isolated again.
A balance of structure and heart, so you thrive as a person and a professional
Even If
You feel like you’re on the edge of burnout…
That’s exactly why we built simple, sustainable systems to protect your energy and restore your joy.You’ve tried “organisational tools” before that didn’t stick…
This isn’t another binder, checklist, or one-size system. The Way We Grow adapts to your rhythms and your service.You doubt you’ll follow through…
That’s why we combine accountability, community, and personalised mentoring. You’ll always know your next step — and have someone walking beside you.You feel isolated and unheard…
Here, you’ll connect with a circle of educators who understand your world and truly get what you’re going through
Because The Way We Grow isn’t about doing more, it’s about creating a Family Day Care service (and life) that feels balanced, fulfilling, and sustainable.
It’s time to thrive for you, and for the children who depend on you.
The Way We Grow Modules
Module 1 – The Reflective Learner
Personal and business review – where you are and where you want to go.
Reflect on your journey so far: What’s working? What feels heavy?
Identify your strengths as an educator and where support is needed.
Review your Family Day Care service: policies, paperwork, daily routines, compliance.
Set personal and professional intentions for the program.
Create a “snapshot” baseline to measure growth over 5 months.
Outcome: A clear understanding of your current reality and a roadmap of where to
focus energy first.
Module 2 – The Grounded Educator
Rhythm and routine reset – bring calm and consistency into your days.
Explore daily rhythms for both educator wellbeing and children’s flow.
Learn how to structure your day so paperwork gets done within working hours.
Create predictable routines that balance flexibility and structure.
Build in time for self-care so you’re not running on empty.
Tools for managing transitions smoothly.
Outcome: Days that feel less rushed, children more settled, and you able to leave work “at work.”
Module 3 – The Confident Practitioner
Confidence in decision making - trust yourself as a professional.
Shift from second-guessing to confident choices.
Use reflective practice to guide decisions.
Explore your values as an educator and how they shape your service.
Learn how to say no with confidence when something doesn’t align.
Practice using your voice with families, coordinators, and peers.
Outcome: A stronger professional identity and confidence to lead your service your way.
Module 4 – The Intentional Leader
Systems for flow and freedom – taking the mental load out of your business.
Learn how to set up simple systems for admin, communication, and curriculum.
Create predictable routines for compliance tasks (so nothing is forgotten).
Introduce tools for tracking children’s learning, paperwork, and family communication.
Design systems for personal tasks — meals, home routines, scheduling self-care.
Share strategies for reducing “decision fatigue” by automating and batching tasks.
Outcome: Clear, repeatable systems that save time, reduce stress, and give you freedom to focus on what matters most.
Module 5 – The Integrator
Flow and future growth -put it all together and build momentum.
Integrate your systems, routines, and values into a steady flow.
Reflect on progress since Module 1 (celebrate wins!).
Create a sustainable action plan for the next 6–12 months.
Identify your “next step” pathway — whether it’s continuing with Embody, joining Illuminate, or sustaining what you’ve built.
Set up accountability strategies so the changes stick.
Outcome: Confidence, clarity, and a service that feels lighter, more intentional, and sustainable long-term.
Choose the Plan That's Right for You
NURTURE
Group Mentoring
Investment:
$250/month for 5 months
OR
One payment of $1100
Monthly group mentoring calls
Practice prompts & goal setting
Peer pods for reflection & accountability
Group support sessions
EMBODY
1:1 Mentorship
Investment:
$500/month for 5 months
OR
One payment of $2200
Everything in Nurture
Fortnightly 1:1 mentorship sessions
Personalised action & reflection plan
Priority personal support
Sound Too Good To Be True?
Let’s Do the Math.
If The Way We Grow helps you reclaim just 2 hours a week by streamlining your planning, routines, and confidence as an educator… that’s over 100 hours a year.
At a modest $40/hour, that’s $4,000 of your time back, time you could spend with your family, investing in your service, or finally taking a weekend off without guilt.
Every. Single. Year.
And that doesn’t even include the hidden costs you’re already paying right now in late nights spent on paperwork, the stress that steals your joy, or the opportunities you’re missing to expand your Family Day Care because you’re stuck in survival mode.
This isn’t another quick-fix training or one-size-fits-all template.
And it’s definitely not more theory you’ll never use.
The Way We Grow is about rethinking how you run your service, how you perceive yourself as an educator, and how you consistently show up for your children.
Testimonials
Moriah Lever
I had the immense privilege of working with Steph at a childcare centre in Port Lincoln. Steph was a calm, passionate educator who I enjoyed working with. I watched as Steph transitioned to the Family Day Care world and she had me immediately interested as I hadn’t really heard much about FDC before this. She was offering high quality care in her home where children's unique interests and needs were being met and I loved to see it! Without Steph's example I don't think I would be doing FDC today. She really set the standard for me and I am forever grateful for her support when I was starting my own FDC business. Her wealth of knowledge and genuine heart to see me do well, made all the difference in setting me up for success!
Lyn Kerr
Having worked closely with Stephanie in my role as her coordinator, I’ve seen first hand the passion, commitment, and lived experience she brings to her work as an educator. Stephanie doesn’t just talk the talk — she’s lived the challenges, felt the overwhelm, and come through with a clear purpose and a desire to uplift others in the same space. Steph assisted me in helping to inspire my educators, feel their frustrations, and work out practical solutions, and above all does this with accompaniment, walking beside, because she knows how isolating the FDC educator role can be.
I’m genuinely excited to know that Stephanie has created a mentorship program specifically for Family Day Care Educators — this is a much needed space, and she has done so with great understanding of FDC, with empathy, practicality, a wealth of life experience and infectious enthusiasm.
If you're a Family Day Care Educator wanting guidance from someone who truly gets it, I can’t recommend Stephanie highly enough. You won’t be disappointed.
Victoria Edmond
Big Hearted Education
Stephanie is one of those rare gems. She turns the complex into something achievable, all with this incredible sense of calm. She truly understands FDC and combines this experience with solid business sense. Working with Steph is a joy!
Kerrie Waters
DfE FDC Educator (Southern Districts)
“I have had the pleasure of working with Stephanie and have always found her to be supportive, professional, and passionate about Family Day Care. She has a wonderful way of making things feel clear and manageable, while also inspiring confidence and reminding us why we love the work we do. I truly believe her mentorship program will be a game-changer for Educators — helping them feel organised, supported, and re-energised in both business and care.”
What's Included
The Way We Grow is created to lighten the load, so you can feel organised, supported and confident again. With the right mentoring, you'll rediscover the joy of your work and the impact you bring to every child in your care.
NURTURE
Group Mentoring | Redefine your 'why' and build systems for sustainable growth
"Grow your confidence. Strengthen your rhythm. Lead with clarity."
This is where momentum builds. In Nurture, you'll join group mentoring calls, connect in small peer circles, and receive structured guidance to help you find your flow. With clarity comes confidence, and confidence leads to care that feels joyful and intentional.
You'll strengthen:
Daily rhythms and routine
Confidence in decision-making
Curriculum planning that feels natural and inspiring
Get the majority of your work done in your working hours
EMBODY
1:1 Mentorship | Personalised Support & Reflective Growth
"Start where you are. Grow through reflection."
If you're ready for more personalised guidance, Embody is for you. Together, we'll explore your values, define your vision, and co-create a clear roadmap. This is a safe space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your purpose.
You'll explore:
What truly matters to you as an educator
Your personal and professional values
Daily practices that bring calm and clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
The Way We Grow is designed specifically for Family Day Care educators in Australia who want to streamline their service, reduce overwhelm, and rediscover the joy in their work. Whether you’re brand new or have been in the field for years, this program meets you where you are.
We get it, your days are full. That’s why the program is designed to save you time, not add more to your plate. Calls are scheduled with educators in mind, and the tools you’ll get actually reduce the hours you spend on admin and compliance each week.
No worries. Every session is recorded and uploaded to your private portal, so you can watch (or rewatch) at a time that suits you. You’ll never miss out on the strategies or support.
Most training focuses on ticking compliance boxes. This program goes deeper — it’s about building confidence, clarity, and systems that last. It’s not just theory, it’s practical mentoring from someone who’s walked in your shoes as both an educator and a former executive.
Every educator’s journey is unique, but past participants have reported:
Hours saved each week on paperwork and planning
Renewed confidence in their role
Stronger daily rhythms that reduce stress
Feeling more connected and less isolated
A clearer vision for their service and their future
Absolutely. In fact, many newer educators find this program especially valuable because it helps them avoid burnout early and set up systems that make their service sustainable from the start.
Yes! We offer flexible payment options so you can spread the cost across the program term. We never want finances to be the barrier to your growth.
Nope. If you can join a Zoom call and open an email, you’re good to go. Everything is made simple and easy to access.
We believe in the power of this program, but if after the first month you feel it’s not the right fit, we offer a no-questions-asked refund. Your growth and peace of mind matter most.
Now, It’s Your Turn…
Will you just sit on the fence?
When you look back on your years as an Educator, will you smile knowing you built a service that nurtured children and sustained your wellbeing…
Or will you remember the exhaustion, the endless compliance checks, and the loneliness of trying to hold it all together on your own?
The next term, year, and decade will pass no matter what you choose to do today. You can keep pushing through survival mode, buried in paperwork, second-guessing your decisions, and wondering if it’s all worth it…
OR ARE YOUR READY TO GROW?
The Way We Grow is your chance to step out of overwhelm and step into confidence to reclaim your energy, your clarity, and your joy as an Educator.
Because here’s the truth: if you don’t take care of yourself and your service, the system will continue to drain you.
You’ve got one chance to shape both your future and the futures of the children in your care. How will you choose to spend it?
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
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