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Our Story – How Absolutely 4 Kids Came About

2023 Kirstin Harris.jpg

Hi, I’m Kirstin Harris,

Primary School Teacher specialising in Early Childhood Education

  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – James Cook University (2014)

  • Fully registered with the Queensland College of Teachers

  • Current Blue Card (Working with Children Check)

  • First Aid and CPR certified
     

📍 Founder of Absolutely 4 Kids – Tutoring & Early Learning in Mackay

A Calling to Work With Children

Although it took me some time to settle on a career as a teacher, I always knew I wanted to work with kids. Initially I wanted to become a doctor or a nurse and work with children to support their health. Little did I know that upon beginning my studies as a nurse, that this wasn’t actually my true calling.

 

After a couple of years of study I gave it up to work out what I really wanted to do. At around the same time my baby sister began kindergarten and it all became very clear.

It had not occurred to me before then what true impact a teacher can have on a child’s life and development.

 

I have always been passionate about supporting children to be their truest self and to grow up with as little imposition as possible. Each child I get a chance to work with I support to learn in a manner and way that is true for them. 

We all have our own unique set of gifts, talents  and natural expression. My goal is to support each child to explore their inner wealth and thus grow up to be content and rounded young adults.

After becoming a mother myself I have also observed that many women are looking for support and opportunities for themselves and their babies to interact with others to grow their supportive village, but they’re not always sure where to look for such support. That’s why I decided to offer classes for young babies and toddlers to freely play and interact, while their parents have the opportunity to be supported and learn strategies to support their child’s development without pressure and imposition.

I love working with children and supporting them to love learning.

From Classroom Teacher to Founder

In my years working as a Teacher in Primary School Classrooms, I taught Prep, Year 1, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6 – and that is where my inspiration and passion for this business comes from. Throughout those years I always felt I would move on from the classroom one day as I sensed a greater purpose calling.

I wanted to be able to work with children in a way that is truly supportive of them as a whole person, not just in academic, and deliver to each individual child in a way that helps them be confident learners. I was always aware that some children really struggle with the school system, however with true support they can navigate the school years with joy and ease.

As an Early Childhood Educator, I am passionate about play, development and learning. 

I saw how many children struggled to thrive in the school system, not because they lacked ability, but because they needed more personalised, supportive approaches.

My vision was to create a space where children could learn at their own pace, with confidence and joy.

That’s how Absolutely 4 Kids in Mackay was born — a place where learning feels playful, nurturing, and empowering. The early years are the foundation for lifelong learning. Whether your child is preparing for school, struggling in the classroom, or simply needs a nurturing space to grow, we’re here to help them thrive.

Motherhood Inspired a New Perspective
After becoming a mother myself, I realised how many parents were searching for safe, supportive spaces for their children — and for themselves. I wanted to create not just classes for babies, toddlers, and school-aged children, but also a supportive village for parents.

 

Today, Absolutely 4 Kids offers:

  • Tutoring in Mackay (individual and group).

  • School Readiness Programs for prep preparation.
    Play and Connect Sessions for babies and toddlers.

  • Infant Massage Classes to support bonding, sleep, and settling.

Absolutely 4 Kids bases its approach on play based learning by meeting the children where they are at at any given moment.

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