A study tour to Vietnam has inspired a Kempsey early childhood educator to engage in further study to enhance the quality of care she provides to local children.
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Next month Stacey Trickett of Crescent Head will complete a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care through TAFE NSW Port Macquarie, after two years of on-the-job training at Dalaigur Pre-School in Kempsey, where she has been employed for eight years.
Ms Trickett had an opportunity to further develop her skills when, as part of her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care studies.
She and nine other students from TAFE NSW Port Macquarie travelled to Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam for ten days in October 2017 to experience education practices in another country.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care students worked with children with disabilities and volunteered through International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ) and travelled as part of Endeavour Mobility Grants, which is administered by the NSW Department of Education.
Ms Trickett said the experience was eye-opening.
“I had never been outside Australia, so it was amazing to see the difference in how they manage childcare over there.”
“Going to Vietnam was amazing, but a bit confronting, with quite a few tears. We have so much here and they have so little, especially for kids with special needs.”
“The best thing was bringing joy to the kids’ faces. I’ve come away with not taking anything for granted.”
Now Ms Trickett plans to integrate the new skills developed while studying the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care into her work.
“I’m keen to apply the skills I’ve learned while I keep working at Dalaigur. Hopefully I’ll move up in my role and focus on how I can best work in childcare and the education of children.”
Ms Trickett initially completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2007 because her family inspired her to study.
“My grandmother and mother really encouraged me to be whatever I wanted to be. I decided to study early childhood because I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and support their growth.”
“I decided to study the Diploma to upgrade my knowledge. A lot has changed in the industry in the last eight years, so I wanted to develop my existing skills as well as learn new skills,” Ms Trickett said.
“I like the fact that I don’t have to take time off to study. My employer is very supportive and I’ve found it easy to do on-the-job training, as I can do assessments in the workplace.”
