The chance to be a positive influence on young lives led Nadia Coles to an early childhood education career.
A BECT16 Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching* graduate, Nadia lives her dream job each day as a Grade 2 teacher at a Victorian primary school.
“As a primary school teacher, I have a strong understanding of how children learn and can appreciate the uniqueness of each individual based on their personal backgrounds and experiences,” Nadia says.
In the Holmesglen classroom, Nadia gained the specialist knowledge to guide and teach children from birth to 12 years old.
“The passion of my lecturers for strong, positive relationships with children and a high quality learning environment has really stuck with me,” she says.
The degree also gives students the chance to complete practical placements. Practical learning opportunities are available during every semester of the course, which include work experiences at kindergartens and primary schools.
“Practical experience in a course that requires you to work with children is vital. I’ve already used so many of the great strategies my supervising teachers used on placements in my own classroom in the short time that I’ve been teaching.”
Nadia’s tips for a successful early childhood education career
What do you need to be an early childhood education worker?
“Passion, patience and respect. Passion will drive you to provide quality education and care, patience will help you get the most out of your children, and respect will ensure you’re doing everything in their best interest.”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to study an early childhood education course?
“Bring your passion and your curiosity. I knew early on in my degree that the early years in childcare and kindergarten weren’t for me, but I never regretted the experience and insight my experiences in those environments gave me. If anything, that background knowledge has made me a much more understanding, empathetic and responsive teacher in primary school settings.”
The BECT16 Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching is accredited by the Tertiary Educational Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA), the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Find out how you can help teach our next generation of students at our early childhood education courses page.
*Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) prior to undertaking professional placements (practicums) as part of this course.
The BECT16 Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching is subject to entry requirements. Please check the course page for more information.