Students undertaking Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) at the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) prepared activities for more than 15 children (up to five years of age) during playgroup sessions that were held on 18-21 April and 27-29 April.

The playgroup sessions are a part of the training for students to allow them to discuss and better understand development of children with their trainers and the parents.

ECEC trainer, Ms Riyaz Rauf said that the playgroup provides a safe and fun environment for children and allows students to study aspects of child development.

“The students put to practice what they had learnt in class, and were assessed on their attention to proper hygiene, healthy eating and safe sleeping practices as well as keeping the playing environment tidy and safe,” she elaborated.

The ECEC course offered by APTC is targeted for individuals who develop and facilitate programs in the early childhood sector through a range of programs designed to address the development and learning needs of children from birth to six years of age.

ECEC student, Ms Katarina Mukai said that she learned to plan and prepare activities which were appropriate but challenging for children of different ages.
 
She added that the sessions were an opportunity to develop communication and organisational skills, such as learning to put information on children’s progress charts.

Ms Mukai, who has worked in early childhood education sector in Fiji for five years, said that her training at APTC has helped her to understand a child-focused curriculum aligned to Australian standards.

“I have learned that letting children observe and freely explore their surroundings allows them to be more creative and confident,” she said.

There are plans to hold another playgroup session next semester.