ECE Grant That Helps You To Qualify While Working

18 April 2013


ECE Grant That Helps You To Qualify While Working

Tim Holgate is proof that you can hold down a demanding job and study towards an early childhood teaching degree.

In his second year of a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) at Manukau Institute of Technology, Tim also works 32 hours a week at Penguins School of Early Learning in Botany.

“I’m not saying it is easy. There are days when I feel a little overwhelmed, but my centre is very supportive and so is MIT,” Tim says.

Early childhood centres are encouraged to apply for a government grant which funds for unregistered staff members to study towards an education degree.

Centres funded at less than 50% registered teachers, offering a Maori or Pasifika bilingual or immersion programme, in lower socio-economic areas, or in rural or isolated areas will be given priority.

Aimed at helping early childhood centres reach the 80% registered teacher target, there are 1000 $3,375 grants available in 2013, with applicants able to apply again in 2014 and 2015.

Tim Holgate says the benefits of studying towards a degree while working are huge.

“The depth of knowledge I now have is so helpful in my everyday dealings with the children in the centre. I’m working in the over-4s room, and their social and emotional learning is phenomenal. I’ve got the theory and knowledge to back up all the practical experience,” Tim says.

Tim studies for one full day and one evening each week at MIT. His assignments are done after hours and on weekends, and are fitted around his work commitments.

MIT programme leader for Early Childhood Education Cheryl Greenfield says she believes many early childhood centres are unaware of the grants, and the opportunity should be ceased before the application deadline of 20 May.

For more information search “Early Childhood Education Service Teacher Education Grant” on the Ministry of Education website.

ENDS

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