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New Zealand’s leading in-home childcare provider, PORSE, is gearing up to deliver a range of early childhood education courses online, having successfully piloted its first online course in Nelson.
Parents and educators in the Nelson region were keen to attend the ‘Growing in Connections’ course, but with no local course facilitator, the cost to deliver the programme was not viable.
PORSE Learning and Development Architect Michelle Martin said the organisation didn’t want anyone to miss out on continuing personal or professional development due to cost, so the Company decided to pilot delivery of the course through online learning.
“We are passionate about helping parents and educators develop their knowledge and skills in early childcare and education, so we are excited by how online learning can extend education opportunities to parents and PORSE educators outside of main city centres.
“For those people who want to develop a career as a PORSE nanny or in-home educator, they can now access training regardless of location, and fit the study around their family or work commitments.”
Nelson Nanny, Meghan Arps was quick to take part in the online pilot programme.
“When the offer came to upskill on the internet, I jumped at it, because I can do the training and manage the learning myself. I can just go online and do the course anywhere, anytime, ” Meghan said.
The 31-year-old is a full-time nanny to Valencia, four, but found it simple to fit extra early childhood training into her day.
“It was so easy to get online and to sign up. I could work full time and then jump on the computer for a few hours each week to upskill. We are all so busy now and its difficult to find time to get into the classroom – I think online courses are the way forward.” said Meghan.
While learning online, Meghan was able to translate on-screen information into reality during interactions at work and in her personal life.
“It was good to be reminded how important nurturing and eye contact is in brain development. I was able to see how Valencia has already grown and look for the signs to connect.”
Mrs Martin said online courses offer all the support of a classroom with more freedom.
“The online option lets people manage their learning themselves, whilst being fully supported by our PORSE consultants are just a click away, ready to answer any questions quickly, and participants can also connect with each other through an online forum.
“It’s the way of the future, we want to be on board with that and give everyone the opportunity to take advantage of our programmes.”
For more information contact
Catherine Wedd
0212886770