ECEC educator Cathy shares her story ahead of Adult Learners Week

Freya Lucas

Aug 31, 2021

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Early childhood education and care (ECEC) professional Cathy has shared her story about making the transition from primary school teaching to working with younger children as part of broader conversations about Adult Learners Week, which runs 1-8 September 2021.

The 2021 theme, Change Your Story, is reflected in Cathy’s journey, which began when she relocated to Australia from China last year. Her earlier teaching qualification is not recognised in Australia, so she needed to start from scratch.

Cathy began studying at Macquarie Community College, earning a CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Cathy’s trainer, Sabina Keppel, described her as “an exceptional person and educator - she studied full time whilst parenting her son who has additional learning needs (autism). Cathy’s outstanding work ethic secured her a verbal job offer during the first few days of her childcare work placement.”

“She goes above and beyond with the children she works with, deliberately choosing to focus on children that were quiet, needing a little extra love or seemed like they may have processing issues.”

During her three-week placement she bonded quickly with children and families, liaising with them in English and Mandarin.

“During work placement she supported her fellow students, even worrying about her job offer for fear of her friend being offended. Cathy has such an endearing, caring and wonderful nature where adults and children just love being in her presence,” Ms Keppel shared.

To learn more about Adult Learners Week please see here.

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