Virginia Church has always prioritized family. What started as a job offer to be closer to her children, led her to become the coordinator for a family-based childcare program.
“Back in the day, my children were going to the Head Start Program, and now my grandchildren are in the program,” Virginia said. “So, it has become a family program.”
Virginia has been the Coordinator for the Aboriginal Head Start Program in Swan River for almost five years. She received her advanced Early Childhood Education levels from the University College of the North (UCN). Although not direct, she says her journey shaped who she is today and what she does.
Virginia originally discovered UCN through her daughter, a UCN Nursing Alum. She was drawn to UCN because of her daughter’s positive experience of having a baby in August and returning to classes in September.
“UCN is really family-oriented, which is something I really like,” said Virginia. “It is all I strive for and believe in.”
Virginia says she tries to create a similar model of support in the Head Start program that she experienced at UCN. She is quick to mention how her instructors guided the way for her transition back into school.
“She always made time after class and was very patient. She went above and beyond and outside the classroom to help us and would make sure that you had help beyond the classroom, like in your own personal work, life, and stuff.”
When talking about her studies, Virginia highlights the importance of learning administration and how it applies to her role now. These included courses in finance and human resources. Although challenging, she says it was beneficial to learn and to have support during her studies from a Child Care Centre director and involved instructors and classmates.
Virginia took her Level Three certification virtually in the evenings.
“The evening classes worked out well because then you can still go to work and still get your education afterwards. So that was nice to be able to balance it.”
Virginia continues to keep in contact with her instructor.
“I can call her anytime. I can e-mail her anytime. I have that connection, and if I have to, if I’m stuck, I know I can go there and see her at school or whatever. I don’t feel like I’m not allowed to go there now that I’m not taking a course there. I just feel it’s a welcome open environment.”
Family members have a strong connection. Virginia’s focus on family and her experience at UCN shows how there is more than one way to build a family