Studying childcare has just become easier for young people in Hay thanks to an innovative collaboration between Hay War Memorial High School and Hay Children’s Services.
The school recently launched a fresh elective subject, Child Studies which is tailored for Years 9 and 10 students and offers a deep dive into the factors that influence a child’s development and wellbeing from conception through the early years, covering ages zero to eight.
The Child Studies curriculum gives students a multidimensional understanding of child development, exploring the physical, social, emotional, personal, creative, spiritual, cognitive, and linguistic domains.
Students will examine the interconnectedness of these aspects, gaining insights into how social, environmental, genetic, and cultural factors shape early childhood.
The course includes a comprehensive overview of each developmental stage, from preconception and family preparation to newborn care, early childhood nutrition, and the impact of play, media, and technology on growth.
“This subject opens up an important window into the field of early education, helping students see how these early years profoundly impact lifelong health and development,” Child Studies teacher, Dimity Comb said.
To provide a hands-on component, Ms Comb recently visited Hay Children’s Services where she met with Cas Tidey, Education Supervisor and Director of the Early Learning Centre.
Their collaboration will give students access to various local Early Education and Care settings, including three centre-based services, the HCS mobile service, Bush Kinder, and farm-based education programs.
Students will have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals, applying their classroom knowledge in real-world environments.
Ms Comb said students are eager to explore the Early Education sector and gain valuable experience caring for children, a highly valued skill set within the community.
“There is a growing need for childcare skills in Hay, and we hope this program encourages our students to consider future roles in this rewarding field,” said added.
This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 27 November 2024.
