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Introduction to Early Childhood for School Students
Get a glimpse into what a career in early childhood looks like. For Year 10-12 students from government schools. Register for our webinars.
A free five-week program (one day per week) for Year 10-12 government school students to explore careers in early childhood education and care.
Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered on behalf of the Victorian Department of Education, where students will spend time observing and working alongside educators at Gowrie’s Minindee Road Kindergarten in Manor Lakes, Broadmeadows Valley, or The Harbour in Docklands. Over the five weeks, they’ll gradually move from observing daily routines and educator practices to guided and supervised time with children in indoor and outdoor programs, where they’ll design and deliver their own learning experiences. They’ll hear directly from educators about their work, then connect with potential career pathways at our career expo, where they can talk with Headstart, universities, RTOs, and recruitment representatives.
For more information, attend one of our webinars on:
- Wednesday, 22 July at 1:00pm
- Thursday 23 July at 6:00pm
- Wednesday 29 July at 1:00pm
- Thursday, 30 July at 6:00pm
Enrolment enquiries must be made through the School to Work portal.
Details
Group A
Location: Gowrie Broadmeadows Valley, 30 Johnstone Street, Broadmeadows
Dates: Mondays, 17 August – 14 September inclusive
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Group B
Location: Gowrie Minindee Road Kindergarten, 52 Minindee Road, Manor Lakes
Dates: Tuesdays, 18 August – 15 September
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Group C
Location: Gowrie at The Harbour, Level 1, 1 Seafarer Lane, Docklands
Dates: Fridays, 21 August – 18 September
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
What You Need to Know
- A taste of what teaching and working in early childhood could look and feel like
- The foundations of communicating respectfully and attentively with young children
- The importance of play-based learning for under-fives
- ECEC career pathway options
Week 1: Introduction to ECEC
Guided observations of children and educators; Guided tour of the service; Introduction to Child safety, WHS, service policies and regulations and professionalism; Meeting ECEC educators and professionals.
Week 2: Communicating With Children
Child led tours of the service; Learning the fundamentals and practicing communicating with children; Spending time in indoor and outdoor programs with children.
Week 3: Play-Based Learning
Introduction to fundamentals of play based learning, standards, curriculum, and reflection; Making educational resources from recycled materials; Observing, participating in and reflecting on outdoor and indoor programs with children.
Weeks 4 & 5: Implementing Learning Experiences & Career Expo
Design and deliver several learning environments and experiences for small groups of 3-5 year old children.
ECEC career and pathway options with department, Headstart, University & RTO representatives and Gowrie talent recruiter.
- Year 10-12 students from government schools wanting to see if a career in early childhood education and care is for them
- Students who want to learn about the next steps in pursuing a career in early childhood education and care.
The Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Care Phase 2 Pilot 2026 is funded by the Victorian Government’s Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships program. Gowrie are specialists in training educators and providing professional learning to the Early Childhood workforce. Our early learning services are rated very highly and so students will be immersed in high quality early learning environments.
For enrolment enquiries please consult the School to Work portal School to Work Home
For more information email enquiry@gowrievictoria.org.au
Sue Plowright
Program Manager
Sue has over 35 years’ experience as an educator and educational manager, with at least 20 years focused on adult learning and teacher education in the community, VET, TAFE and university sectors. Sue joined Gowrie in March 2025 to manage new and existing adult learning programs, bringing a wealth of experience in, and knowledge of, curriculum development, educational and pedagogical theory, learning and assessment design and educational research.
Nancy Polykandritis
Program Officer
Nancy is an experienced program and operations manager with over eight years of experience in the not-for-profit sector. She brings a strong foundation in education, having worked closely with government school educators to support high-potential VCE students facing financial hardship. Nancy’s expertise spans program management, stakeholder engagement, and event management, with a proven ability to lead initiatives that drive meaningful impact.
Nancy is supporting the delivery of various programs, including Early Years Learning Networks, School Readiness Funding, Traineeships and Professional Learning initiatives.
Karen Newton
Trainer
Karen has extensive experience in the Early Childhood sector which includes 35 years of teaching in sessional kindergarten, teaching in both 3 and 4 year old programs. During her career Karen has held numerous leadership and director roles including Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader. In conjunction to her mentoring role Karen also does occasional CRT work in sessional kindergartens.
Teagan Ziemer
Trainer
Teagan is an experienced and passionate Early Childhood Educator. She has 15 years experience in the early years sector in varied age groups and dynamics. For the last 9 Teagan has been at Gowrie Broadmeadows, as a Leadership Support, Room Leader and now a Practice Coach. She holds relationships with children and families at the core of what she does and ensures children’s sense of agency and voice is heard. In her current role she coaches and mentors the team to best understand pedagogy, inquiry-based learning and education using a trauma informed lens.