Who is Little Learners Early Childhood Support?
By Libby Mahoney, Founder of Little Learners Early Childhood Support
A Personal Journey into Early Childhood Education
Hi, I’m Libby Mahoney, and I’m a proud mother of three boys—15, 7, and 4. In 2024, I created Little Learners Early Childhood Support (ECS) with a single goal in mind: to provide much-needed early intervention services to my local community of Mansfield, Victoria.
But my path to founding this company wasn’t linear. It’s been a journey of learning, personal growth, and finding my true calling. When I first became a mother at the age of 19, I put my studies on hold. I explored various career paths, but none gave me the same sense of fulfillment as working with children. At 27, I decided to follow my dream of becoming an Early Childhood Teacher—a decision that changed everything for me.
Building a Passion for Early Childhood Education
In 2017, after the birth of my second son, I had the chance to return to the early childhood sector as a trainee educator at a local daycare. It was a small, tight-knit community, and I knew everyone. This felt like the perfect fit for me, and over the next two and a half years, my passion for working with young children grew exponentially.
I didn’t just teach—I immersed myself in every aspect of early childhood education:
How to engage children and maximize their learning potential
Strategies for easing separation anxiety and setting up daily routines that reduce stress
The importance of emotional regulation and creating a safe, supportive environment
Exploring the benefits of nutrition, wellness, and creative arts
I wanted to know everything about how children develop, learn, and thrive. I studied, attended professional development sessions, and even completed a diploma in early childhood education while refining my teaching practices.
Academic and Professional Growth
In 2020, I took a huge leap forward by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in education (Birth-5 years). I was in heaven! I juggled my studies, my third pregnancy, and a wedding, all while soaking up every ounce of knowledge I could. I also pursued additional opportunities for learning, including a scholarship to attend the Early Childhood Australia National Conference in 2022, where I could learn from some of the leading experts in the field.
During my final year, I had the opportunity to work alongside experienced Kindergarten teachers, learning from their years of practice and refining my pedagogical approach. I completed my degree in 2023 and became a registered teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
The Need for Equity in Early Childhood Education
Throughout my career, one key idea has always driven me: equity. In early childhood education, we often hear about the importance of “equality,” but I believe equity is the true key to meeting the diverse needs of every child. Children are unique and develop at different rates, and we must acknowledge and support these differences rather than expect all children to meet the same milestones in the same way.
This has become especially true as we see increasing awareness of neurodiversity and the varying developmental needs of young children. Early intervention and individualized support are more critical than ever.
Little Learners Early Childhood Support
In July 2024, Little Learners Early Childhood Support was born. I founded this company with the goal of providing early intervention services to help children develop essential skills across all areas of life—physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. We believe in a holistic approach that involves not only working directly with children but also collaborating with families and allied health professionals to ensure that each child has the comprehensive support system they need to thrive.
At Little Learners ECS, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Mansfield and beyond. Through personalized support, we aim to give every child the best possible start in their early years.
Looking to the Future
As I continue to grow in my role as an educator and service provider, I’m excited to see how Little Learners Early Childhood Support evolves. My passion for learning, my commitment to equity, and my belief in the power of early childhood education will continue to guide me as I support the next generation of learners.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Little Learners ECS and my journey. I look forward to working with many more children and families as we help them take their first steps toward a bright and successful future.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to learn more about how Little Learners Early Childhood Support can help your child or family, feel free to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.