Early Childhood Educator
Shine Bright (Strathfieldsaye)

**Please contact the Goldfields LLEN directly to organise this placement, please do not contact the employer directly with dates to be negotiated**

Are you interested in pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education? If so, this is a perfect opportunity to gain experience and learn about career pathways with Shine Bright.

Shine Bright EYM has 15 sessional kindergartens across Bendigo, all with their own unique settings and staff teams. The kindergartens run educational programs and practices in line with the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standards. Through play-based learning opportunities kindergarten offers children quality early education while supporting and responding to individual needs of all children.

Indoor/outdoor play is encouraged to allow children agency in their learning. Educators carefully curate the learning experiences to be grounded in play with strong intentional teaching focuses. While children play and have fun, they are building essential skills and the foundation of all future learning. All of the play spaces incorporate age-appropriate equipment and resources, while enhancing the children’s awareness of their greater environment, as well as their understanding of the importance of sustainability. The environments may consist of sandpits, veggie patches, garden beds, a balance of manmade and natural play surfaces, cubby house, dirt patches as well as plenty of shade and opportunities for quiet moments of solitude.

The team includes passionate, caring, and talented educators who pride themselves on implementing engaging and holistic programs that meet the needs of the children in their care.

Skills You Might Learn

Whilst on placement general employability skills may include:
• Communication and teamwork
• Time management and punctuality
• Problem solving and planning
• Working under supervision and following instructions
• Broader understanding of what an Educator’s role involves on day-to-day basis

Whilst observing and learning from industry qualified and experienced professionals, industry specific skills may include:
• Liaising and working with supervisors and colleagues
• Understanding how to create an educational program based on child’s interests and goals
• How to evaluate students’ progress
• Learning policies and procedures for allergy management and sun safety
• Observing how to deal with ‘challenging’ behaviours
• Maintaining a safe and hygienic workplace
• Administration and procedures associated with the running of the centre

Typical Tasks & Duties

Students may undertake the following tasks including:
• Assisting Educators with planned activities and experiences
• Reading and working directly with children to create a painting, story, or creative item
• Setting up of education learning spaces in both the indoor and outdoor environment
• Engaging with children and parent/guardians as instructed by the Educator in charge
• Engaging in play-based learning and creative play activities interacting at a child’s level
• Completing some cleaning and set up and pack away related tasks as assigned by the Educators
• Lunchtime and snack routines
• Playing with children and encouraging social interactions and communication

Student Requirements

Students should have a genuine interest in working with children, be responsible, have good interpersonal skills and a warm and friendly personality.
Throughout the placement students are expected to:
• Be punctual
• Dress appropriately
• Maintain interest and participate where appropriate
• Be well mannered and behave in a respectful and responsible manner
• Listen and take direction from supervisors and colleagues
• Be aware of confidentiality and privacy considerations when working with children and families.
• Personal mobile phones are not required and should only be used out of work hours or on meal breaks.

In addition to having the work experience forms signed, students will also need to fill out the Shine Bright Application form https://www.shinebright.org.au/ninja-forms/38h5k4/

Dress Requirements

Wear neat casual attire for indoor and outdoor play and comfortable shoes that you can move in quickly e.g., no short shorts, spaghetti straps or revealing outfits. In the warmer months Sunsmart clothes are essential. Wear clothes that are appropriate for sitting on the floor and be mindful of potential paint spills or mud stains. Hair up and discreet jewellery preferred for reasons of safety (e.g., no dangly earrings).

Special Transport Requirements

Public transport is available.