Early childhood education is family tradition for NZCA degree student

Early childhood education is family tradition for NZCA degree student- Publication date: 9 May 2011

Growing up with early childhood educators played developed an early passion for early childhood teaching says Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association (NZCA) degree student Phoebe Carter, currently in her first year of the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) at NZCA's Wellington teaching base.

"I have been around early childhood my whole life. My mum is an ECE teacher and I used to go with her to centres as a child. I really believe in the ECE profession and know that qualified teachers make a difference to children's lives. Before I started studying I had been working in a centre. This time working in a centre made me realise I wanted to make this my career. I am studying to improve as a teacher and learn to be the best I can be for the children in my care."

Choosing to undertake NZCA's Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) was an easy choice for Phoebe. "I know people who have completed their training with NZCA. I had heard great things. NZCA was always my first and only choice."

"As a young Māori woman, it is inspirational to see that the NZCA degree is Aotearoa-focused. I have been immersed in Māori culture and education my whole life. I believe that as a bicultural country, it is crucial to teach our young children about our bicultural heritage, culture and concepts. Māori knowledge is interwoven into every paper in the degree programme and we are shown ways to incorporate it into our daily teaching."

Wellington teaching base coordinator Emma Daly is excited about teaching the degree programme to students like Phoebe. "It is great to see a young Māori student with this much potential. Phoebe is a fantastic role model to the other students, in particular with the bicultural aspects of the programme. Everyday, Phoebe works with her peers in class to mentor them and assist them in their understanding of Māori knowledge and tikanga."

NZCA is currently preparing to offer a mid-year intake of the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) at their Wellington teaching base. Studying with NZCA is great way to get qualified says NZCA Base Coordinator Emma Daly, "Our well appointed teaching base offers intimate, face-to-face classes and a welcoming supportive learning environment. Students can access library, learning resources and support online 24/7 via our e-learning site. We are one of the few education providers who offer a mid-year intake for our degree programme, so this is a great opportunity for prospective students."