EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION DEGREE

Childminding Network Co-ordinator

SeminarWednesday 24 January 2007

A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

GAIL NICHOLSON

CHILDMINDING NETWORK CO-ORDINATOR (STAFFORD & DISTRICT)

A PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL JOURNEY

WHY? Professional Development

– Follows NVQ3 qualification– Develop Early Years Management skills– Achieve Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) by 2010

Personal Development–Fulfil personal ambition–Raise self esteem–Develop theoretical thinking–Widen career opportunities

HOW? Professionally

– Partial funding 50% from Local Authority– Day release from workplace– Free use of laptop and printer

Personally–Family support–Commitment–Self discipline–Organisation

WHERE? Professionally

– University of Worcester (UCW) via an approved college– Assessment visits from Practice Mentor– Termly tutorials with tutor– Practical activities carried out at my workplace

Personally–Taking over the dining room table!–Endless visits to the library–Hours spent researching on the internet–Lots of night time reading

BENEFITS Professionally

– Gain increased knowledge and understanding– Learning to look from a different perspective– Increased confidence – Enhance career opportunities

Personally–Acquired new skills–Developing expertise in new areas

ProfessionalCarrying out your work roleCarrying out practicalsRaising your game to meet deadlines Remain focussed

PersonalBalancing home life, work and studyWorking through the night!Accepting criticismRemaining enthusiastic

CHALLENGES

SUCCESS!

WHAT NEXT? Professionally

– BA Hons top up – To achieve Early Years Foundation Status (EYFS) by 2010

Continue to climb the proverbial staircaseof training

Personally–Set new personal goals–Wish to remain a lead professional in early years –Show a commitment to training