Early Childhood Education and Care at Bass Coast - Kate's story
FREE Tafe at Chisholm Bass Coast – Kate’s story
Free TAFE gave Kate the opportunity to return to study in Early Childhood Education and Care in regional Victoria.
“Free TAFE made the decision to undertake the course easier knowing I didn’t have to sacrifice financially to commence a new career” Kate says.
Kate had previously studied Remedial Massage and worked part time as a nanny to earn money while she was a student. It was this experience working as a nanny that led her to realise how much she enjoyed working with children.
Kate loves that everyday is different when you work with children and she knows that she is making a difference.
“Early childhood educators do so much for future generations” Kate explains. “We work hard but it’s very rewarding. There is more involved in planning and programming in the centres than is perceived, but you’re always guaranteed a laugh as what children do and say always puts a smile on your face.”
Kate has had a great experience studying in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Chisholm Bass Coast in regional Victoria and explains that “…being a smaller campus, our class was a smaller group which gave us the opportunity to spend more one-on-one time with our teacher Fran. Being a small class also made it easier to make connections with people as it was a relaxed atmosphere.” Kate says.
“My teacher Fran has been a huge help. She shared her extensive industry experience and knowledge with us (her students) and went above and beyond to support us. Fran also had connections with all the local centres which assisted us in building a strong sense of community.
Kate says “Staff in the placement centres have also been really helpful. Many were past Chisholm students and so they could relate to what I was doing on placement and what I was learning.”
Kate is now excited for the future and her next steps are to study a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education to become a fully qualified kindergarten teacher.
To those considering a career change, or wanting to study a new course, Kate says “Don’t worry if you don’t feel like you are on the right path, you will find your passion and the pathway to achieve that.
“Remember there as always a range of options to get you to your final destination. Don’t be afraid to give it a go, it can be challenging and rewarding”