3 week ‘pop up’ early learning service allows TAFE students to get hands on experience

Students studying early childhood education and care (ECEC) at TAFE NSW Griffith recently had the opportunity to develop hands-on experience when a three week ‘pop up’ early learning setting operated at the campus. 

Dorothy Waide Centre for Early Learning brought children in daily over a three-week period to give students a real-life taste of the job – nappies and all. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, with extensive renovations being undertaken at Dorothy Waide at the time. 

TAFE NSW Griffith Head Teacher of Early Childhood Education and Care, Bobbie Whittaker, said students immersed themselves in the opportunity, interacting with the children and getting a real-time lesson in everything from behaviour management to health and hygiene.

“This really put into practice what the students had been learning in theory,” Ms Whittaker said.

“For example, if a parent is in a rush to get to work and upset at having to leave their child and the child is showing signs of separation anxiety, this can be a difficult situation and along with the theory of how to deal with this, the hands-on experience for students is invaluable.” 

“Students got to experience some really high-quality interactions and practices, and it was our close relationship with local industry that allowed this event to happen.”

The ‘pop up’ service was made possible thanks to the ongoing reciprocal relationship between TAFE NSW and the centre, Dorothy Waide Centre for Early Learning co-manager Alisha Bradshaw explained. 

“Over the years, we have hosted many TAFE NSW students with placements at Dorothy Waide and it’s great for the sector, and for the broader community, that we have key relationships like this,” she said. 

TAFE NSW Griffith is offering both the Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care for semester two, starting in July. Interested parties can learn more here.