Giving children the best start in life

Chris Moy is aiming to make the community a better place – starting with its youngest citizens.

Chris is among the first cohort of students to undertake a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at Southern Cross University’s Lakeside campus in Tweed Heads. The course is being offered from SCU Lakeside and the Lismore campus of the University for the first time after being run successfully at the Coffs Harbour campus last year.

The Gold Coast-based student said his father was one of the inspirations for his choice of degree.

“I went to school at Elanora State High where my dad is also a teacher and seeing the way he helps young people, as well as some of the great teachers I had as I was growing up, inspired me to want to become a school teacher too,” said Chris.

“I’m looking forward to learning how to create a professional teaching environment that allows children to see you not just as their teacher but also someone they can turn to for guidance.

“I think it’s important for children to have positive male role models – particularly in cases where children do not have a father figure in their life. I hope I can help provide them with that.”

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) enables graduates to teach children from birth to eight years in the private or public sectors.

Associate Professor Karen Martin, from the School of Education at Southern Cross University, said the roll-out of the course was timely.

“Early childhood education has become a strong focus for the Federal Government, so the decision to introduce this course at new locations has been welcomed by the early childhood care and education profession,” said Professor Martin.

“There is increasing demand for university qualified staff in this field and this is a great opportunity for students on the Gold Coast, Tweed and in Lismore and Coffs Harbour, to study locally.”

Chris said he had mixed feelings about the coming four years but was enjoying the course so far.

“I’m excited about the course, but the assessments and the practicum are a nerve racking thought,” said Chris.

“It will be a challenge, but I chose this course because it is recognized in both Queensland and New South Wales, and I plan to go on to work with children either on the Gold Coast or in the Northern Rivers.

“I love working with children, so the hard work will be well worthwhile in the end.”

Photo: Chris and other students from the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) course investigate how children learn through play. (L-R): Erin Davoren, Anna Healy, Helen Odins, Jess Powell, Chris Moy (high resolution image available on request).