What made you apply for a Fraser Foundation scholarship?

I have been with Little Scholars Yatala campus for nearly nine years, since it opened. I was running the kindergarten studio while the campus was recruiting a new ECT, when Mel Excell, operations manager, was visiting and suggested that I should do the graduate diploma as I was teaching well and there was plenty of evidence in the learning outcomes. I took Mel up on this offer and completed the application.

I thought at my age it may be too late to do the course! But Mel convinced me to apply. This scholarship has opened avenues to further my career. It also has enhanced my knowledge of understanding various teaching strategies for the kindergarten I am in at present. I have been in kindergarten for approximately five years. I’m nearly to the end of my diploma now and I have learnt so much! I understand far more about the childcare industry and the ECT role in with I would like to do. 

When you’ve completed your program, what would you like to do?

I would like to become an ECT or an assistant ECT in the kindergarten studio.

What do you like about working in early learning?

I love to see children have fun while learning. Children seem to have endless energy, honesty, creativity, flexibility and resilience. Childcare is extremely gratifying. Every day is not alike, and you get to be a part of the community that helps children learn, grow and develop to their greatest potential. Working as a childcare educator, you can give children a good start in life by assisting them in developing social skills in a safe and caring atmosphere that fosters learning through play.

I just want to thank the Fraser Foundation for giving me the opportunity to do this course!