Education and support are key to achieving Tiffany’s goal - Identitywa - Registered NDIS Provider

Education and support are key to achieving Tiffany’s goal

• Posted on 26 September 2018

A love of children has inspired 22-year-old Tiffany to pursue her dream to work in Early Childcare.

Tiffany accesses weekly support from Identitywa.  In 2017, she expressed her strong interest in gaining a qualification in Childcare to Identitywa Team Leader, Helen Monaghan.

Together they researched options relating to qualifications which would enable Tiffany to eventually gain employment in the sector.

“Tiffany is a lovely, kind young woman,” said Helen.  “She had a pretty negative experience at school and her confidence in her literacy skills had held her back from approaching any formal teaching facility.

“She has had to overcome some real challenges in her life so I was very keen to support her in her dream to work in child care.”

Helen found a suitable course for Tiffany being offered by the North Metropolitan Tafe in Midland.

“I met with the Tafe Disability Support Officer, Bec Elsegood, to discuss what practical support they could offer Tiffany if she undertook their Early Childhood Education and Care Certificate lll,” said Helen.

“After speaking with Bec, we were able to identify the appropriate assistance Tiffany needed to complete the course.

“The support for Tiffany and the communication between TAFE and myself has been phenomenal.   So far, we have been able to overcome any obstacles to ensure Tiffany successfully passed three units and completed her work placement in an Early Childcare centre,” said Helen.

“For example, TAFE provided Tiffany with a note taker for her classes and ongoing support with any issues that arose. Our support workers were there then to assist her with her assignments and any extra tasks that were required.”

Tiffany is very pleased and proud of her progress.  She loved her work placement and volunteers at the Tafe’s weekly playgroup held onsite.

“As well as working with the mothers and children, I have had the chance to learn about health and safety and providing nutritious food for the children,” says Tiffany.  “I even get to cook which is fun!”

“I have also made some good friends,” she added.

Helen said that she has received great feedback from Bec about Tiffany’s skills and her caring nature when working with the children.

“It has been such a positive and life-giving experience for all of us,” said Helen.  “Tiffany has really come a long way and is well on her way to ultimately achieving her dream, which is just fantastic.”