From student to pre-school head
Thirteen years ago, Julianna Barnes took her first steps towards being an early childhood educator. Now, she is Head Teacher and Licensee of Whanganui’s Juni Uni Pre-school, a private preschool facility catering for children aged two to five.
Julianna explored early childhood education in a STAR (Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource) programme with Training For You, while she was still attending Whanganui High School. STAR programmes provide a ‘taster’ for secondary students one day a week, at a training provider of their choice.
After finishing school, Julianna enrolled with Training For You, completing the (then ) National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, Level 3. The 20-week course provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills involved in the education and care of infants, toddlers and children in New Zealand. Graduates of the programme gain 60 credits, and are awarded an NZQA-approved New Zealand Certificate. During the course, students gain practical hands-on experience in a local ECE Centre. The course provides essential learning for those who want to move on to higher education in the subject, as Julianna did.
Julianna graduated from the Training For You course, then completed the Level 4 ECE qualification through Workforce Development.
A couple of roles in retail and hospitality followed, then a year spent working as a self-employed home-based educator with Paua Early Childhood
Home Based Care. By then she was ready to return to study, commencing a Bachelor in Teaching, Level 7.
“Any opportunity, I would grab. I had always wanted to do the Bachelor in Teaching — I always wanted to teach — but other opportunities popped up and I just grabbed them,” she says.
While studying her Bachelor’s degree, Julianna completed student placement hours with TopKids Harrison Street. Relieving work followed, and in the second year of her study, she was offered a full-time position with TopKids.
When her qualification was completed, Julianna continued working at TopKids, before going on maternity leave. At that time, Juni Uni was establishing itself in Whanganui and Julianna saw another opportunity.
“I do love a challenge.” When Juni Uni opened in January 2018, Julianna was a founding staff member. Starting with just one child, the centre now has a role of 26, with a license for 42. Julianna was the first teacher employed, and now has two colleagues, Vanessa and Melissa, also fully registered teachers.
Another staff member, Eden Henare, is also a Training For You graduate of the Level 3 qualification. She has since completed the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education, at Level 5 with Whanganui UCOL. Eden joined Juni Uni as a student on placement, and now works part time at the preschool as a reliever. She will take on a full-time role covering Vanessa’s upcoming maternity leave, before returning to UCOL next year to continue her studies towards a Bachelor of Teaching. While studying, she will likely continue to do her placement hours with Juni Uni.
“We’re familyorientated. We have very strong family values here. Accommodating students is a part of that. We have a wonderful team here,” says Julianna.
One of Eden’s classmates at Training For You (and one before her) also completed the Level 5 Diploma at UCOL, and there are another four recent Training For You graduates working through the Level 5 Diploma now — three at Whanganui UCOL and one at Vision College in Hamilton.
Julianna and the team at Juni Uni have been assisting Training For You with student placements for early childhood education trainees.
“We’re very into supporting students, and supporting the community, Julianna says. “They’re the next teachers-to-be.” Michaela Newman, Early Childhood Education Tutor at Training For You, appreciates the hands-on experience trainees gain from working alongside qualified educators.
“I truly value our local centres who support our students through this important component of their certificate. Work placement is an opportunity for our students to experience working alongside children and teachers in a safe and supported learning environment.” Julianna has been teaching for eight years, and is a good role model for supporting trainees.
“We love having students. They’re here to support us as well — they are an extra hand. And we hope that we give them something to take back as well.” *Warranty only validated if Scheduled Servicing is met through an Authorised Toyota Dealer or Service Agent. Capped price service coverage applies to servicing carried out at 15,000km, 30,000km, 45,000km and 60,000km only or time intervals of 12 months, 24 months, 36 months and 48 months, whichever occurs first under normal operating conditions. Finance offer available on new Toyota vehicles purchased and delivered at TDP, Bronze or Farmlands Shareholder pricing between 1 October 2019 and 31 December 2019 or while stocks last. Prices and specifications are subject to change at any time. Toyota Financial Services lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. See toyota.co.nz for full T&Cs.