Strong bonds with instructors set the foundation for Early Childhood Education grad
Jill Birdsbill is a natural with kids. If you’re going to pursue a career as an Early Childhood Educator and enjoy the wild energy of kids, you kind of have to be.
As an Early Childhood Educator (or ECE, to save you some time), Jill gets all the hugs, goofiness, and tantrums that kids can bring at Peguis Free Spirits Child Care Centre in Peguis First Nation. It’s a job she got just weeks after graduating from MITT’s ECE program in 2023.
She quickly became a source of knowledge as the only ECE II level staff member in the room with the kids. Her educational foundation gave her the confidence to lead.
“I often get asked what children should be able to do at each age by other staff. Because of the child development courses I took, I’m able to share exactly what children should be able to do and when.”
Those lessons were reinforced through practice. Work placements are a key part of MITT’s program, and getting to work with children of all ages set her up for success.
“I’ve faced difficult scenarios in my role, but I’ve never been overwhelmed. I’ve felt prepared in what to do, and how to handle the different situations that come up thanks to the lessons I learned in class and through work placements.”
Some areas have required a little more preparation and learning than others. For Jill, figuring out how to structure a day despite scraped knees, potty accidents, and disruptions was a challenge. But it’s also a skill she’s used every single day in her career, and one she’s grateful to have mastered early.
Learning how to communicate with parents was Jill’s biggest hurdle.
“I got a pep talk from one instructor on needing to be better at talking to parents about challenges with their child. With that guidance, I’ve gotten a lot better at it. Often, you just have to share the challenges with the parents and reassure them that a lot of the challenging behaviours are normal for kids.”
The candid conversation from her instructor is just one example of the strong relationships the ECE faculty provide students.
“The instructors at MITT were so willing to help all the time, were available for students, and were so easy to talk to. I remember crying with one instructor because I was stressed, but she was just there to help me through it.”
That prime example of relationship building was a lesson in itself, and one that Jill has carried throughout her career. She shows love to the kids in the centre each day, and it comes right back to her.
“If you’re having a bad week, the children just run up to you and hug you and are just so happy. You can’t help but be happy around them. I get children from the daycare coming up to me in the community to say hi and share things about their day with me, too.”
With those kinds of bonds, Jill knows she’s doing more than just educating children and providing childcare.
“It’s obvious that our interactions with the kids can change and impact their lives and how they treat other people.”
Looking for your chance to impact the lives of the next generation? Explore MITT’s ECE program.