Everyone has a different approach to study and here at EPEC Education we encourage our students to find the system that works best for them.

There are now over one million children in Australia going through a family breakdown. This almost always causes stress for children, with over 25% of children experiencing long term trauma as a result. Reduced access to once familiar extended family, the introduction of stepparents and step siblings, and the reduced presence of once consistent parents, can all contribute to children feeling fearful and uncertain. This week, Dr Mary Anne Hall from EPEC Education, provides five ways teachers and carers can assist children in transition while they are at school and at day care.

Supervising children adequately is the most important skill an early childhood educator can have. While having the ability to provide children with a safe and secure environment may seem like an easy task, there are over 1000 cases annually, whereby Australian children are seriously hurt in the early childhood setting. These accidents range from fingers being jammed in doors; dislocation and broken bones; choking; scalds and burns; to children having adverse allergic reactions. These accidents can and do, have dire consequences. This week, Dr Mary Anne Hall from EPEC Education, highlights five factors that should be considered when supervising children.

How parents and caregivers communicate with children in relation to stressful situations will have a direct impact not on just how children feel, but how they build resilience going forward. Dr Mary Anne Hall from EPEC Education provides 6 tips below for talking to your kids about the Coronavirus. 1. Don’t be afraid to discuss the Coronavirus. Children will be hearing information from both friends and the Internet. You may be their only source of reliable information on this topic. 2. For pre school age and under, it is important to keep your tone light and calm. For children who are no longer attending child care, you need to explain it in a way they will understand. “You need to stay home with Mum and Dad right now as there are extra germs around”; “Being home with Mum and Dad is the safest place for you now, but soon all the silly germs will be gone and you’ll be able to go back to School/Kindy/Daycare, and see your friends again”. 3. For lower grade primary school children, keep information brief and simple. “Remember the last time you had a cold? This is kind of like that”; “Remember, doctors and nurses are all working hard to keep us safe”. 4. Higher grade primary school children will require more accurate information. Highlight to them what measures their school and family unit are taking to keep them safe. It is important to always be available to your child, even if you do not have all the answers. “While I might not have the right answers to your questions right now, I will tell you when I do”. 5. For high school children, refer them to credible sources of information. Let them know that what they read on the Internet is not always accurate. Provide reassurance while providing clear and honest information. “I am always here to talk if you need me”; “Scientist are busy working on a vaccine”. 6. Keep the lines of communication open. Focus on what your family is doing to stay safe. Children will feel more in control and reassured if they are taking actions to keep themselves healthy. Incorporate self care routines such as hand washing and general cleaning into family routines and make sure the children are involved in this. For more strategies on helping children cope emotionally with the Coronavirus, you can access our COVID-19 Webinar HERE .

Embarking on a study journey can seem like an insurmountable task. Long hours of study, reduced time doing pleasurable activities, and less opportunities for hanging out with your peeps. Your mind may become muddled with unanswered questions which slowly chip away at your inner drive and self-esteem. Am I smart enough? Will my friends still like me if I am more qualified than them? Will I have enough time to still exercise, go to work, spend time with my intimate other? While these questions are worth asking, they have absolutely no bearing on your ability to finish your studies. In fact, all you need to propser is a good dose of motivation, some true grit, with a big dose of self-belief thrown in for good measure. This week, EPEC Education Director Dr Mary Anne Hall debunks some myths about learning and shows you that all you need is sheer self-will and determination to get you across the finish line. She highlights the following five factors as irrelevant to your success and stresses the importance of not getting hung up on the details. 1. A lot of spare time to study We have all been led to believe that study requires enormous amounts of time. News flash: It doesn’t! In fact, by accessing help from your trainers and tutors; joining study groups; making some connections with other students; and getting up close and personal with Google, you can have your assignments knocked over in no time at all. 2. Access to all the latest technology Today’s advertising agencies would have us all believe that we need all the latest gizmos to even be a worthwhile member of society. Absolute nonsense! All you need to get back in the saddle is a reliable Internet connection and some paper and a good old lead pencil to take some notes! If you have limited coin to purchase Internet access, pop into your local Library or other government funded agency for a hand up. 3. A good track record at School Just because you failed dismally at School, this in no way indicates your future success. That was then, this is now. With maturity, the adult ability to ask for help and problem solve, and the dozens of training colleges relying on your success for their financial survival, you are already on your way to your graduation ceremony. 4. Support from family and friends While it’s nice to receive high fives from your family and your sweetheart, this is in no way necessary to be a top-notch scholar. In fact, many experts note that family and significant others can sometimes impede a student’s progress through fear of competing life goals and jealousy about your impending success. You have everything you need inside of yourself. If your inner circle are on board with that, great, if not, just keep sticking to your path. To kickstart your career in the early education and care industry, contact EPEC Education on Ph: 07 4616 8111 E: hello@epeceducation.com.au W: www.epeceducation.com.au

Hi, I’m Mikayla I’m 18 years old and I work in the childcare industry as an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Coordinator. In my spare time I love camping, fishing, nature walks and spending time with my friends, loved ones and my cat. The best thing about working with children is watching them grow and adapt in being confident in the environment around them. I love watching children’s faces light up when they master a new skill, as well as seeing their curiosity and interest when learning about something new. At first, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for my career. I've ventured into hospitality and retail but in the end these jobs didn't fulfill me. It wasn't until year 11 work experience that I found my passion for caring and educating children. I am currently studying my Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care with EPEC Education. To juggle my work and study commitments I have had to work on my time management skills and not take my work home with me. This means I have more of my free time for study and me time. For me the environment I am in reflects on my mood and concentration levels. I make sure I’m in a clean, organised environment with no distractions to optimise my study. My advice to others that are thinking of studying is, don't see it as something you have to do, it should be something you want to do. Study doesn’t last forever, it should be cherished, as you gain a wealth of knowledge and a life time of career opportunities.

Do you work in the childcare industry? Yes, as an assistant educator in a long day care centre. What is the best thing about working with children? Watching children learn and grow and being a part of developing the future generations. Have you always wanted to work with children? Yes, since I was in high school. Any tips for juggling work and study commitments? Even if you only have an hour to study. Just get started small progress is better then none. What advice would you give to other students thinking of studying? Always remember to ask your peers for help if you get stuck. Do you have any study tips to give to other students thinking of studying? Sometimes its nice to sit outside and study. A bit about Rebecca I’m 23 years old, and I live in Toowoomba. I have worked with children for almost 5 years. In my spare time I volunteer with Rosie’s- friends on the street.

Everyone has a different approach to study and here at EPEC Education we encourage our students to find the system that works best for them. Being in the study game for so long we know a lot of tricks. For many of you studying at home it can result in procrastination, laying around in your jarmies and watching a lot of reality TV. We also know that being flexible really pays off in the study arena. So how can you be flexible? To start with, you can mix up your study locations to get the juices flowing. Here are 5 great tips to get you powered up. 1. Incorporate your study into your exercise routine When you’re sweating it out at the gym, pop your head phones in and tune into a study webinar. When you’re pounding the treadmill in your garage, log in to your online study materials. 2. Visit your local Library Studying at the library gives you access to free computers, WiFi, and books, as well as food and coffee to keep the munchies at bay. Even better there are other people studying in the library too and this gives you a feeling of support. 3. Tap into the WiFi at your local coffee shop For some students, the chatter of people and clanging of cups instils a sense of calm. Taking your lap top to a coffee shop and tackling a few assessment questions can make good sense. While this isn’t for everyone, don’t be fooled into thinking that you need perfect peace to study – this is actually a myth, and many people actually get more achieved amongst the familiarity of noise and activity. 4. Relax with your books at the park There is something special about nature that makes us realise we are just a small part of a larger Universe. This helps us keep things in perspective, and for some, reduces study fear and anxiety. Don’t underestimate the healing powers of getting down in the dirt! 5. Catch up on study on your commute to work For those of you who have heavy home life commitments, the train or bus ride to work may be your only break in the traffic. If this sounds like you, crack the whip first up, and tackle some of your study problems on your early morning commute. We each have our own unique way of effectively studying, but if you are having trouble getting motivated it is essential you give various methods a shot. Sometimes a simple change of pace and venue can give you the push you need to stay on track. To kickstart your career, contact EPEC Education, Ph: 07 4616 8111 Email: hello@epeceducation.com.au