Mel Comerford

Background

About Mel Comerford

Mel, founder and Director of Astute Early Years Specialists and is an experienced early childhood professional with more than 35 years experience in the education and childcare industries and is passionate about and dedicated to the quality of education & care for all children. Mel has spent 10 years in senior executive roles with Goodstart Early Learning and C&K Association Limited, both large not-for-profit early childhood organisations that together deliver exceptional early childhood education and care to more than children nationally. As National Manager Professional Capability at Goodstart Early Learning, Mel was responsible for the integration of the delivery of Early Childhood Certificate and Diploma qualifications and management of the Goodstart Institute of Early Learning to over 1500 students, and the Professional Practice and Learning & Development functions to employees. At C&K as the Chief Operations Officer, Mel was instrumental in implementing the universal access goals for Queensland by her management of the opening of more than 100 services co-located on state school sites. In addition, Mel oversaw the development of the first independent birth to five early childhood curriculum that was approved for use by the Queensland Studies Authority As the Acting Chief Executive Officer of C&K Associated Limited, Mel managed and oversaw a budget in excess of $75 million per annum that includes more than 1200 employees and 1500 volunteers. Mel also has strong experience in working with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities, working with Commonwealth & State government departments and Minsters and other key stakeholders across our profession.