Rosalia Jilg - Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies
Rosalia Jilg has worked with children since she was 15 years old, from babysitting and swimming lessons to internships in schools and day-care centres. Before moving to New Zealand, Rosalia decided to volunteer in a bilingual day-care centre for a year, providing her, not only with hands-on experience, but further insights into early childhood education.
This experience reassured her decision to continue working with children, their families and to start her learning journey to expand her knowledge.
“One of the greatest highlights of my first year of study has been getting to know the people around me. Another has been exploring the Te Whariki curriculum and gaining insights into New Zealand’s early learning centres through our placement.
“Through lectures, I had the opportunity to learn and evolve further with the help and support of my teachers, broadening my horizons regarding New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum. I particularly enjoyed the developmental and psychological aspects.
One of the greatest highlights of my first year of study has been getting to know the people around me. Another has been exploring the Te Whariki curriculum and gaining insights into New Zealand’s early learning centres through our placement.
“Throughout my first practical placement, I gained valuable insights and had the opportunity to apply and observe several elements of my studies. After I completed my first practical placement, I continued working at the centre as a relief teacher, discovering how much I love working with the age group 0-2 years.
“Practical placements are, in my opinion, the most valuable part of the BECST programme. Through insights into different and diverse centres we can get an understanding of how more experienced teachers work, how a centre operates and how the different aspects of Te Whāriki are woven into everyday teaching.
“After I graduate, I’m looking forward to working in an early learning centre and applying my knowledge and experience in day-to-day teaching. Over the following years, I’m looking forward to future placements in diverse centres.”