Goodstarter Ivana followed in her mother’s footsteps, embarking on a career in ECEC

Northern Territory based Goodstart Early Learning educator, Ivana Schober, chose a career in early childhood education and care (ECEC) after watching her mother, who is a teacher, make a difference in the lives of others. 

She began working at Goodstart as an intern, and has recently commenced a full time role at the provider’s Wulagi centre. 

“I love children and I come from a massive family,” Ms Schober, a Wuthathi, Yadhegana and Yindjibarndi woman explained, “so I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather do as a career. Growing up I always liked hearing (my mother) talk about how the children she taught had succeeded. I thought, ‘Wow, I’d love to do that. To help kids become what they want to become.”

Currently studying towards a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Charles Darwin University, Ms Schober has been with Goodstart for two years, and works three days a week at Wulagi, spending her remaining days studying. 

The mix, she said, is ideal as it allows her to put her studies into a practical setting, and also to learn from colleagues. 

The flexibility offered by the provider is appreciated, she said. 

“If I need extra time for study, they’re understanding. They don’t overload me. If I have online lectures at a certain time, they allow me to work my hours around that.”

When asked what she enjoys most about her role is the children she has taught coming back to visit once they transition to school. 

“They take the time to say thanks, I think that’s awesome,” she said. 

Engaging children in play based learning experiences is also a highlight. 

“It’s much more engaging,” Ms Schober explained. “The kids want to learn when they have fun learning something. They definitely listen more.”

Watching the children learn, grow and change is also a key element in what keeps her engaged in the role. 

“We do monthly observations and can see how well they progress in literacy and numeracy and how their confidence grows. The majority of our kids go to a school linked to our centre, and it’s great to see them develop, ready for that transition.”

To learn more about Goodstart Early Learning, please see here.