Family Day Care Workforce Development - Community Services ...

Family Day Care Workforce DevelopmentResearch Project Final Report, June 2011Face to faceParticipants that were enrolled in face-to-face learning predominately found it a positiveexperience due to their ability to participate in peer group learning, share their experiences, andhelp each other along the learning journey. Participants commented that the social aspect wasparticularly beneficial as they work in isolation with children.FDC educator comments included:• “I attended classes one day per week; I enjoyed the interaction and ability to share ideas withother students”• “Excellent for networking and peer support”• “I enjoyed getting together with other participants”.The difficultly with face-to-face delivery however, was engaging with an RTO that scheduledclasses at suitable times that did not interfere with their work.DistanceThere was a mixed response in terms of FDC educators participating in distance learning withsome FDC educators finding the experience extremely isolating and difficult whilst others thrivedin the ability to undertake study when it suited them.A common theme attributed to their positive experience was the ability of the students toparticipate in workshops facilitated by their RTO or their scheme.FDC educator comments included:• “I would attend one day a month on a Saturday and I found this to be an enjoyable experience”• “I enjoy attending workshops in conjunction with distance delivery.”• “The workshops provide rich learning experiences and opportunity to network and sharelearning”.Online learningA small number of FDC educators participated in online learning. There was a mixed responseto this learning approach. Some FDC educators thrived in this environment whilst others feltrestricted and frustrated with the lack of trainer support. For example their trainers were onlycontactable during business hours however most FDC educators would undertake their onlineprogram outside business hours when the children in their care had gone home.A large number of distance students were offered online learning however did not feel comfortabletaking this option. A lack of familiarity with using computers as well as LLN issues also cited ascreating barriers to participating in this learning approach.FDC educator comments included:• “I chose this mode of delivery because of the flexibility and convenience. However I wouldhave liked assessor to come to my home to undertake workplace observation. Instead I had togo to a centre to undertake placement”• “I did not choose to go online due to learning difficulties”.Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council: www.cshisc.com.au29