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Taster courses a step in the right direction

UYCH student Lavinia Lyons had always wanted to work with children, however she needed to know more about the industry and what was involved in gaining a qualification to enter this popular sector. The first step was to complete a three day Taster Course in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). From participating in that short course Lavinia then went on to enrol in and successfully gain a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Yesterday we had the opportunity to catch up with Lavinia over coffee to discuss her learning journey with UYCH in order to share her experiences with our readers. Anja Laukart- UYCH Traineeships Team Leader caught up with Lavinia and here is what she had to say.

Anja (interviewer) – “Lavinia what was your experience in completing the taster in ECEC prior to enrolling in the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course?”

Lavinia- “The taster gave me an idea of what was required to successfully complete a qualification in ECEC (Early Childhood Education and care). I gained an understanding of what was involved in the accredited course and what it was going to cover. This gave me a realistic view of what to expect from being a part of the Early Childhood Education and Care industry and employer expectations which was really helpful.”

Anja (interviewer) – “How did the taster short course help you in deciding if the Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care course was right for you?”

Lavinia – “I liked what the course was about and was excited about doing my qualification. I knew what to expect before I started which was great. I found the environment positive and liked the fact that the trainer was easy to talk too.”

Anja (interviewer) – “Can you tell us some highlights of the course (Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care)?”

Lavinia – “I really enjoyed how the trainers made the course very interactive. Going to the child care centre next door to our training classroom was a highlight and a wonderful benefit to training with UYCH because the children’s centre (Long day care and OSHC programs) are right there outside the window. On our visit to the children’s centre the class walked around the centre to assess risks and observed the staff interacting with the children.  I also enjoyed book reading, playing with different toys, and understanding the importance of developmental stages of children. I really found the hands on activities cemented in my mind what the trainers were saying.”

Anja Laukart (interviewer) – “Since completing the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course what have you been doing?”

Lavinia – “I have continued learning with UYCH, I recently enrolled in the Next Step Computers course to gain more skills and knowledge in IT. This is being held at the Mt Evelyn campus which is really convenient. I plan to look for work in the Early Childhood Education and Care industry next year.”

UYCH Community College would like to thank Lavinia for her time and sharing her learning experience with us. Maybe we will catch up with Lavinia early next year to see how her career plan is going.

If you would like to know more about our Taster and VET Qualification courses select the industry sector below.

Early Childhood Education and Care
Aged Care
Horticulture
Animal Care and Welfare
Community Service

For discuss your option please call Nina or Anja on 03 9736 1457

 

Keeping it real – ECEC Training Dolls session

On a visit to our Mt Evelyn campus we found a lot going on in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) class. The day was all about simulation as the students were able to care for an infant during class, well not an infant in the human form, a training doll to be precise. The students were able to put themselves in real life situations as these state of the art dolls cried, slept, needed changing and got hungry just like the real thing.

Their tutor, Anja Laukart explained that over the years students were limited when it came to on hands experience with infants, so these training dolls have become an important part of the curriculum. Students learn more when they are able to practise real life scenarios and as the saying goes “Practice makes perfect”. Here is what some of the students had to say about the experience.

“The dolls felt realistic, not fake at all. One of the reasons for this is they are the same body weight as an infant, I thoroughly enjoyed the session” – Rebecca

“Having to still participate in class while looking after the doll was a challenge, but I like challenges so the session really highlighted the importance of multi skilling. I really felt like I achieved something today it was great.” – Merabel

“It was comforting just to hold the baby, whoops I meant doll.” – Megan

If you’re interested in working with children and could see yourself making a career in the Children’s Services sector, contact us today to find out more about your options. We are currently taking enrolments in both Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care for Term 2, scheduled to commence in April.