Early Childhood Educator
Country Way Early Learning

Broader Horizons Program – Community Services and Early Childhood Education and Care, Elderly Support, Disability Support and Educator Assistant.
Aim: This program gives Year 9 students the chance to explore a career option and discover an industry and vocation of interest locally.
Program Overview: Hands-on Learning where students will take part in placement preparation at school and visits to workplaces to learn about the industry and vocation.
Who is Involved: Year 9 students.
Tertiary/RTO Visit: After completing the industry sessions, students will visit Tafe or University to learn about related courses and training to support career ambitions.

Host Employer: Country Way Early Learning.
Industry: Early Childhood Education and Care (Early Childhood Sector).
Vocation: Educator Assistant.
Work placement Location: 274 Twelfth Street, Mildura.

Country Way is a local family owned and managed business, owned by four family members that will be working within the centre as the Directors and Admin. Being Diploma qualified allows us the opportunity to be hands on within the rooms. This enables us to provide the highest quality of service to our families and really get to know the children in our care. We offer care for children age 6 weeks to 5 years including a kinder program run by a qualified kinder teacher, we also offer a school holiday program for the older children. Our curriculum is developed using the Early Years Learning Framework. We offer a safe and supportive environment for children to learn through play while forming new friendships.

This is a great opportunity for a student looking to gain knowledge in the Early Childhood Education and Care Industry (Early Childhood Sector) as an Educator Assistant.

If you are interested in applying for this program, please share this opportunity with your Careers Transition Pathway Officer or Careers Coordinator.

Skills You Might Learn

The student may have the opportunity to attain a broad range of skills while on work placement. These may include valuable employability skills such as;
• Communication.
• Teamwork.
• Attention to detail.
• Punctuality.
• Presentation.
• Hygiene.
• Problem solving.
• Planning.
• Initiative.
• Follow instructions.
• Work under supervision.
• Industry specific OH&S.

The student may also attain vital industry specific skills which will relate to their secondary school studies they include:
• Hands-on practical experience.
• Observing and learning from industry qualified and experienced professionals.
• Working in real-life scenarios.
• Working with equipment necessary to the occupation.
• Liaising and working with supervisors, colleagues and industry personnel.

Typical Tasks & Duties

Students will attend in a group setting to participate as an Educator Assistant at Country Way Early Learning. Students will observe and participate in a hands-on activity in a work experience placement during the session.

Session includes:
• Workplace induction and facility tour.
• Hands-on activity with a lead in demonstration: assisting with the delivery of Meals on Wheels to the local community.
• Career pathways and entry-level opportunities presentation.
• Question and Answer with workplace staff.
Post Session includes:
• Students complete a workbook to record insights, career options, and next steps.

Student Requirements

Students with a positive attitude towards the Early Childhood Education and Care Industry (Early Childhood Sector) as an Educator Assistant. who are self-motivated, willing to listen and follow instruction are encouraged to consider the program.

Whilst the student is attending the work placement they are expected to:
• Students must be interested in the Early Childhood Education and Care Industry (Early Childhood Sector) as an Educator Assistant.
• Students must be willing to spend periods of time observing and to undertake necessary tasks as requested.
• Dress appropriately.
• Maintain interest and participate in the session.
• Be well mannered and behave in a respectful and responsible manner.
• Be punctual.
• Follow supervisor instructions.
• Act in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
• Work within the team.
• Listen and take advice.
• Respect other people’s belongings.
• Complete their work book for the program.

Dress Requirements

The student will be required to present at work in the following work attire;
• Enclosed shoes.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the tasks and duties carried out by the student, will be supplied by the Host Employer.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the tasks and duties carried out by the student, will be supplied by the Host Employer.

Special Transport Requirements

The students will be transported to the placement site by the school.