Jay Barr is the Chief Operating Officer at Sagewood Early Learning, who has worked in the early childhood education and care sector since 1997. Her work is shaped by both her professional background and her personal experience as a working parent, including returning to full-time work when her own child was very young, navigating the trust involved in choosing early learning and care.

Jay is responsible for the operational leadership of Sagewood, overseeing the planning and establishment of new services and the ongoing support of the seven Sagewood early learning centres, including centre operations, recruitment, and leadership development. She works closely with educators and managers to ensure centres are well-led, thoughtfully designed, and supported by clear policies, procedures, and training. Her work is guided by regulatory requirements and recognised best-practice standards across early childhood education and care.

Jay maintains close connections with centres and leadership teams to stay informed about day-to-day practice and family needs. A core part of Jay’s role includes supporting child safety and safeguarding across Sagewood services. This includes oversight of safeguarding policies, staff training, and leadership practices, in line with regulatory requirements and recognised sector standards.

Jay holds formal qualifications in children’s services, business, and leadership and management, and brings decades of hands-on experience across a wide range of roles within early learning centres. Her approach is grounded in collaboration, advocacy, and a strong commitment to quality outcomes for children, families, and educators.

Alongside her role at Sagewood, Jay contributes to the broader early childhood sector as Secretary of the Australian Childcare Alliance WA and as a committee member with Play Active through Telethon Kids Institute. She also contributes to sector discussion through published commentary and media, sharing practical insights on leadership, workforce, and quality in early childhood education and care.

At the heart of Jay’s work is an understanding of how important trust is for families. She is committed to creating early learning environments where children are nurtured, parents feel supported, and educators are valued reflecting the same care and consideration she seeks for her own child.