Chisholm Online Early Childhood Education and Care teacher and course content writer, Linda Skrgatic, has an incredible passion for early childhood education. She brings with her 20 years of experience in the industry a​​nd holistic vision for the education of our future generation.

What led you to teaching and writing Early Childhood Education course material?

I've always had excellent rapport with children so I started working in early childhood centres – I felt it called me. I then moved into more managerial roles in early childhood centres and I became surprised at the lack of knowledge and skills in some of the staff.

I really wanted to make a difference to children's lives and I could see that by educating adults, I could train the educators to be the best they can be. I realised there was only so much I can do to help individual kids, but by getting to the core and shaping the way educators teach children, the difference I could make is limitless.​

What do you currently do with Chisholm Online?

I currently write course content for Chisholm Online's Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, write assessments and occasionally teach the subject. I work from my home in New South Wales alongside my little work mascots, two gorgeous Pomeranians. While I enjoy all aspects of my job, the content writing is my passion as it enables me to channel my holistic vision of industry and share it with others.

It's clear to see you have a passion for the subject. Tell us what you believe are the most important teachings educators can deliver to children.​​

The first five years of childhood are so crucial for shaping who a person becomes, so it's important that we teach young children to respect others, respect the environment and to be culturally competent during this time. Children are our future and given the changing nature of the world, I stress to our educators the importance of teaching our children new ways to think and behave in this world, resilience and adaptability.

Tell us about some of the things Chisholm Online students are learning through the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care​.

Students are learning how to be mindful educators with a focus on reflective practice through forum discussions and assessment tasks. The course gives a deeper understanding of child development and learning processes and gives students the skills to design and implement early learning curriculums. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework (NQF) are discussed throughout the course giving students a well rounded understanding on how the framework fits together across all aspects of a service.

What are the best aspects of the course or the delivery?

The best aspect of studying the Diploma with Chisholm Online is that students have the opportunity to be self-learners whilst still being engaged in an interactive learning environment through forums, live question and answer sessions and webinars. The course also offers many interesting documentaries and reading materials along the way that students will find beneficial throughout their practice. There is a Pinterest assessment that runs through the course which offers an exciting way for students to collect and share resources with each other. As well as experienced, friendly and supportive teachers who are willing to support students the whole way throughout their studies. I believe the delivery of the Diploma through Chisholm is of the highest standard in adult education.