THE Loddon Mallee Preschool Association is hopeful that a new partnership with
the Mildura Aboriginal Corporation and a local high school will help curb
ongoing staff shortages in Swan Hill.
Through the partnership, they are
hoping to identify senior school students in Swan Hill who want to get involved
in early childhood education, and support students in the commencement of their
studies.
The ultimate goal is to have students commence a TAFE certificate
while still at school.
Loddon Mallee Preschool Association (LMPA) chief
executive officer Sandra Houlahan said it they hoped the program would meet the
growing need for qualified childcare employees in the region.
“The one thing
that we do find a bit of a challenge is finding enough qualified staff in Swan
Hill,” she said.
“Swan Hill is coping but still need more staff — it’s the
same for all childcare centres in town and statewide.”
For more on this story, see The Guardian’s Education Week feature in Friday’s paper (17/5/13).
