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We talk to an nzgirl with a rewarding job as an Early Childhood teacher. If you've got a passion for children, this could be the career for you too... Name: Charlene Joslen Age: 20 Job title: Early Childhood Teacher Salary range: $35,000 - $45,000 Dress code: Casual (you get very messy!)
What inspired you to go into this field? I have had a passion for children ever since I started high school. I've never thought of any other job.
Tell us a bit about what your job entails:
Educating children
Building relationships with children’s whanau
Working alongside children as they make new discoveries
Programme planning for children's development and learning
Creating new and exciting experiences for children that enable them to explore, contribute and feel valued in a centre.
Describe a typical day at work? Busy! Setting up programmes and environments that are developmentally appropriate, keeping on top of routines such as setting up morning tea and lunch, nappy changing, planning mat times and meaningful experiences for children and of course having fun with the kids!
What are the best perks of the job? Being able to joke around with children, learning from them and watching as they make new discoveries.
And the mundane aspects? Because our children are so busy, tidying up every half hour can be very tedious at times!
Most memorable moment since getting your job? I have a special relationship with all the children but there was one child in particular who started when I did. Just recently she turned five and headed off to school. I gave her a big hug and said I'd miss her and she replied; "Don't worry, I made mum take a photo of my teddy [her favourite toy]. You hug the photo when you miss me." It's a privilege to be able to share in children's lives.
What do you enjoy about your job most of all? It's very rewarding watching children grasp a new concept and knowing I was able to be a part of their discovery. I also enjoy the conversations I have with children; they can be hilarious!
What qualifications and experience got you the job? I had no experience coming into my job as I was just out of high school. Training through The Open Polytechnic by distance has been really great for me because I was able to learn my practical and theory at the same time. It also got me into the field a lot quicker and easier (not to mention I was able to earn money at the same time, very helpful!). The Open Polytechnic offers a three year Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and is currently developing a degree. I have one more week to go before I will qualify.
I still have a social life, you don't have to be a geek and sit in your office to finish early, The Open Polytechnic provides flexibility. My employer has encouraged and supported me throughout the three years of distance learning.
What personality traits/skills/attributes help a person to get a job like yours?
Being confident so you can talk with family members and do mat-times because for some this can be quite scary.
Not being afraid to make a fool of yourself. For example, dressing up silly or acting out characters.
Building relationships with every child and planning experiences for them.
Being creative! (thinking what children would enjoy doing, what art activities they may like or finding different ways of making their environment different daily).
Being able to laugh with the children and at yourself.
Advice for people wanting to get into your industry? Well, of course, you've got to have a passion for children! You also need a sense of humour and have to know that every day will be different and spontaneous. You work with a team of educators who are committed to giving children the best possible education and care. Distance learning through The Open Polytechnic is a great way to learn theory and apply it to your job straight away. It meant I could still earn money while I studied. I am very motivated in wanting to achieve my diploma, so doing it by distance meant I could work at a pace that suited me.
What sort of job could you go to from here? I could work towards head teacher which is overseeing all other teachers and the centres’ daily routines and then move to a supervisor position where they oversee the whole centre.
If you'd like to find out more about studying at The Open Polytechnic, check out their website here.
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Describe a typical day at work?
What qualifications and experience got you the job?
Advice for people wanting to get into your industry?