OAC’s Unique Education Assistance Program

Through Only About Children’s Education Assistance Program, team members get access to:

• Pathways to study their Diploma including OAC’s Diploma Traineeship and an option to study as an independent student
• Support to those who would like to undertake a Bachelor’s Degree
• Financial assistance
• Access to study leave

We share stories from our team members who have been provided with the opportunity to learn and develop through our Education Assistance Program for employees.

Completing an Early Childhood Degree while working full time:

Maddison Abbott – Only About Children Warriewood

I started with Only About Children in 2011 as a Trainee. I finished my Certificate III that year and went straight into my diploma in 2012. I was encouraged to join the Education Assistance Program and study my ECT. I took up this offer and have recently graduated.

I would never have completed my ECT if it weren’t for OAC’s Education Assistance Program. Through the program, I was given 5 days a year towards study leave, which was very helpful in getting assignments in on time. Working full time was a challenge but Only About Children are very supportive in ensuring you get the time to dedicate to your studies as well as work. 

Read more about Maddison’s career journey 

Applying theory into practice:

Grace Pyke – Only About Children South Melbourne 

Only About Children has continued to support me throughout my learning journey. I have enjoyed being able to work in Early Childhood Education, while I complete my studies and have found it incredibly beneficial as I am instantly applying knowledge from my studies in my practice. Throughout my Certificate III I attended classes once a fortnight, and now completing my Diploma, I’m allocated three hours a week to complete my assignments at work. This has taken away the stress of finding time to study between full-time work.

My Campus Director and the team at Only About Children have also been incredibly supportive in assisting me with my studies. I’ve continued to feel comfortable in asking questions or advice, which has then assisted me in my overall performance as a student and an educator.

From Room Assistant to Assistant Campus Director:

Diana Norrish – Only About Children Seaforth

I started working as a Room Assistant in 2017. Six months later, I took the acting Room Leader role in the Preschool Room, and I have been a Room Leader for the Preschool room, Toddler and Tiny Tots rooms. Currently, I am the Assistant Director at Seaforth Campus.

I’ve always had the Directors’ support and help to continue my studies (first with the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and recently with a Graduate Diploma in Education to become an ECT). I am also part of the Education Assistant Program, which has been a massive help to strike my professional goals and relief that the only thing I needed to focus on was my studies. 

Learning & development with full campus support:

Leila Ilkhanipoor – Only About Children Wahroonga Eastern Road

Only About Children provide a lot of career opportunities in early childhood education. They first assisted me to finish my Diploma financially and gave me weekly time off the floor for study. After I finished my Diploma course, OAC supported me to apply for an Early Childhood Teacher Degree at Charles Sturt University, and since then with great support from my Director, Renee Connaghan, I am studying and extending the knowledge required for my job.

Read more about careers with Only About Children From a student placement to an awards finalist! and Cassie’s career growth at Only About Children