Occupational therapy students complete successful placement at Y WA Kalgoorlie Early Learning Centre

A successful partnership between the Y WA and the Goldfields University Department of Rural Health (GUDRH) has delivered lasting benefits for children, families, educators and future allied health professionals, with two third-year Occupational Therapy students completing a four-week placement at the Y WA Kalgoorlie Early Learning Centre. 

The collaboration provided children with additional developmental support in a familiar learning environment, while giving students invaluable real-world experience applying their skills in practice.

The partnership provided university students Tara Savage and Jasmine Oldenburger with valuable hands-on experience while delivering additional developmental support to children attending the centre.

Working directly with children aged between 2.5 and 4.5 years, and under the supervision of GUDRH Occupational Therapists, the students completed developmental screening reports using a range of motor, visual and cognitive play-based activities. Based on each child's needs, they delivered individual and small group sessions focused on developing gross motor, fine motor, visual perception and functional skills over the course of the placement.

The students also developed recommendations for families and educators to continue supporting children's development beyond the placement, including strategies for home and the classroom, referrals where appropriate, and a professional development session for educators on co-regulation.

Y WA Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza, who oversaw the collaboration, said partnerships with universities were creating meaningful outcomes for children, families, educators and future allied health professionals across multiple Y WA Early Learning Centres.

"These placements are a wonderful example of how partnerships can create shared value. Our children and families benefit from additional developmental support and tailored strategies, while university students gain invaluable experience working in a real early learning environment alongside experienced educators.

"This collaboration also strengthens our School ReadY Program by supporting children's development across literacy and language, and social and emotional wellbeing. By working alongside our educators, the students help build the confidence and foundational skills children need for a successful transition to school. It's another way the Y WA continues to create opportunities for young people to flourish at every stage of life."

Y WA Kalgoorlie Early Learning Centre Director Cindy Hopkins said the impact of the placement had been evident throughout the centre.

"We've seen children become more engaged in activities, build confidence and develop new skills through the additional support provided by the Occupational Therapy students. Educators have embraced new ideas and practical strategies they can continue using, while families have appreciated the extra guidance and communication about their child's development.

"Our educators have also seen first-hand the value Occupational Therapy can bring to an early learning setting. It's been fantastic to watch everyone learn from one another, and we're grateful to the GUDRH and their students for making such a positive contribution to our centre."

The collaboration reflects the Y WA's commitment to creating opportunities for children and young people to flourish by providing high-quality programs that support learning, wellbeing and development. By bringing university students and their supervisors into early learning environments, the partnership not only enhances children's learning experiences but also helps develop the next generation of allied health professionals equipped with practical, real-world experience.