Paw feels blessed to be a voice for young children through her career in ECEC

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) professional Paw Say Hei has been driven by her life experiences to work with young children, and says it is a blessing to be able to be a voice for young children. 

“I have always loved children,” she shared recently with Victoria University (VU), where she studied her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. 

“I grew up in a refugee camp, and we didn’t really have a good education. I wanted to stand up for children who don’t have a voice.”

Paw arrived in Australia as a 10 year old, and completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education during year 11 and 12. 

“I enjoyed it so much that I continued on to study for a Diploma and Bachelor,” she continued. 

“In the diploma I learnt so much – about safety for children, children’s development. You do observations and look at the outcomes. And in the Bachelors, it is all about theory – linking it to the readings, and child psychology. It is very different. I did it online, which was more flexible.”

During her three placement experiences – two with VU and one in a sessional kindergarten – she drew inspiration from fellow ECEC professionals. 

“At first, even though I didn’t have a lot of experience, working with colleagues opened my mind to new perspectives, watching them interact with children in a positive way,” she explained.

Having completed her Bachelor qualification just last month, her advice to others considering a career in the sector, or studying with VU, is to follow their heart.

“I loved it,” she said. 

“I would recommend VU with all my heart. My lecturers were so supportive. Even now if I want help with something, I will still email my lecturer, and they get back to me so quickly.”

“Come and join early childhood.  Be the voice for young children who can’t speak for themselves. Stand up for children with special rights and support children to have healthy development.”

Ms Hei is now working at Werribee Children’s Centre, with children aged six weeks to three years of age, an experience she is cherishing. 

“Right now, I really enjoy working with children in the zero to three age range: their personality, the learning, you know. Because they are still developing.” 

Learn more about VU here. Image supplied.