Affinity launches Lifelong Learning Certification

Affinity Education Group has progressed with a formal certification process for employees aligned with the Affinity Values of Going Above and Beyond and Delivering Outstanding Professionalism through a sector-first professional development program.

More than 5000 employees will be eligible, with more than 1200 educators and teachers already achieving the first stage of certification as of May 2024. 

How Lifelong Learning Curriculum (LLC) Certification Works: 1st Stage: Theory Certification – Educator completes online Learning Hub Module 2nd Stage: Environments Certification – Educator sets up a room and shows evidence of Lifelong Learning Curriculum in their room. 3rd Stage: Articulation Certification – Educator is able to articulate and explain the Lifelong Learning Curriculum benefits and elements for that age group. 4th Stage: Program and Planning Certification – Educator gives evidence of the Lifelong Learning Curriculum incorporated into their program and planning cycles, and is using at least two of the relevant programs Affinity provides. 

Upon completion of all four certification stages, the educator is recognised as a Lifelong Learning Curriculum Specialist for that age group, with the first LLC Specialists expected to graduate in September 2024.

 

After achieving Specialist status in all three age groups, the educator is recognised as a Lifelong Learning Curriculum Expert. 

 

LLC Experts will be eligible for additional senior educational leadership roles within Affinity, including Senior Educational Leader and other roles which attract above award wages.  

 

The decision to progress to the formal certification process is an additional way of recognising the invaluable role of early childhood education professionals, Affinity CEO Tim Hickey said.

 

“We are extremely proud of the work our people are doing, and the difference in our centres when our Lifelong Learning Curriculum is in action is unmistakable in terms of quality and outcomes for children,” he added.  

 

School-based trainee Madeline Adams is just 16 years old and is completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education through the Affinity Learning Academy.  

 

In addition to her standard study clusters making up the Cert III, Madeline is concurrently studying the Lifelong Learning Curriculum through Affinity’s online ‘eLearns’ – self-paced learning modules which deepen educator understanding of early childhood theory and practice. 

 

“I loved that the babies calmed down when I picked them up, so when I learned about the Circle of Security in my Lifelong Learning Curriculum training, my mind was kind of blown,” she explained. 

 

“Because of the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, we have set up special zones for the babies like the Stretch and Grow Zone, and I feel I am connecting better to the children.” 

 

Lifelong Learning Curriculum Education Manager Jola Sung said the Certification program recognises and celebrates the theoretical knowledge and outstanding professionalism that Affinity hopes to instill in our Educators and Teachers. 

 

“Ensuring our educators and teachers are taught the Circle of Security, the Abecedarian approach and how to conduct inquiry-based projects, along with encouragement to treat environments as the third teacher is our way of supporting our Educators and Teachers to go above and beyond in how we implement the EYLF in everyday practice with children,” Ms Sung said.  

 

Commencing May 2024, Affinity Education Group is offering all trainees and educators the opportunity to become Lifelong Learning Curriculum Certified.