Blog

It’s no secret that time waits for no one, and when you’re trying to juggle a job, studying, family commitments and keeping the house in order, this can certainly become very clear. Life can feel incredibly busy and, at times, overwhelming. Learning some effective time management strategies can be a game changer. Time management doesn’t […]

National Reconciliation Week takes place 27 May until 3 June and is an important time for us all to learn and reflect on our shared history as Australians. This week marks the successful referendum in 1967 that paved the way for laws protecting the rights of Aboriginal people as equal members of the community, and […]

Life can sometimes throw the unexpected our way. No matter how perfect our plans or how good our intentions are, circumstances can change suddenly. Having an element of flexibility is important to the success of any plan, that’s why flexible study options are so essential. Despite the upheaval of the COVID-19, flexible study options have […]

As parents take on roles as educators, and educators are educating both at work and with their own children at home, it is unsurprising that the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a stressful time for many. Currently, moments of peace and quiet may seem few and far between, and productivity and patience increasingly challenging […]

While some people have enjoyed a slower pace of life, for others the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated challenges have had a negative impact including resulting job losses, increased parental pressure, health fears, loneliness and more. As we begin to move towards less restrictions and a new normal, it is still important to be patient […]

While loneliness and isolation are often areas of concern for older Australians’ wellbeing, the social distancing restrictions are likely to have had a further negative impact. According to research, a lack of social connection can carry health risks equivalent to other high risk behaviours such as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Supporting seniors’ mental health […]

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday 10 May, and while it’s going to be a little different this year, there are still many ways we can make mum feel special and show her how much she is  loved and appreciated. Each year Mother’s Day presents an opportunity to show mum’s how loved are appreciated […]

Working from home can be challenging, and if you’re working from home with children you know that the struggle – and the juggle – is real! Many of us are facing the reality of trying to get our work done from home while keeping children busy and engaged. As we all adjust to this new […]

During the current coronavirus (COVID-19) global crisis, protecting the elderly has never been more important. It is imperative that we now take the time to look after and connect with older individuals within the community. While COVID-19 can affect anyone, it has been found that our older generations and those with underlying health conditions are […]

With COVID-19 impacting us all in many varying ways, and many continuing to adjust in an uncertain landscape, it’s ever important to stay connected and have a good network of support and resources to tap into. Thankfully, whether you have a strong direct network around you or not, there are some fantastic organisations and resources […]

The opportunity to study online means that you can continue to pursue the qualifications you are after even during the COVID-19 pandemic. When you choose the right training provider, online learning offers an innovative, effective and supportive way of studying your chosen course. With a few study tips and the right attitude, you can make […]

Continued youth population growth in Australia, increasing female participation in the workforce, government reforms and increased government spending on the sector, combine to see Australia’s early learning sector boom and with that plenty of child care jobs for the foreseeable future. According to the Australian Productivity Commission, in 2019, throughout Australia there are almost 1.3 […]

Working in early childhood education and care was a natural career path for trainer Anna Connor, who has a family background in early childhood education and has always had a love of children. So, when the opportunity to be a trainer with Selmar came up, she jumped right in. An educator and room leader in […]

Aged care is one of Australia’s fastest growing industries. With our increasingly ageing population, aged care jobs continue to rise too. In fact, it is predicted that by the year 2050 around 3.5 million Australians will be accessing aged care services, calling for a workforce of almost one million aged care professionals. A recent report […]

With strict social distancing regulations in place and schooling moved to online, many parents have found themselves juggling between work and ensuring their children are staying motivated and entertained. To prevent boredom from creeping in, we’ve put together a number of fun activities for children that you can try out while everyone is at home! […]

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about many changes in the way we approach life. The shift to working from home has been significant, and while it may have been the dream for some, it is suddenly the norm for many. Working from home brings with it a number of challenges, especially when you’re juggling […]

Aged care work is rewarding, challenging and a great career path for many. But how much is an aged care salary? And how can you go about getting a job? Aged care is a sector that is growing rapidly in Australia, and with the high demand for quality aged care workers to care for the […]

Now is the time to learn, with fee free traineeships available for NSW students and employers. With Government-funded traineeship courses on offer in the booming aged care or early childhood sectors, this is the perfect opportunity for students to gain qualifications and start a meaningful career. Fee free traineeships means the NSW Government will pay […]

Sometimes it takes time to find your passion in life, and that holds true for Selmar aged care trainer Daniel Hau. For over 20 years, Daniel worked in management roles in hotels and catering, among others, but only found his true calling once he began working within the community sector.     While Daniel carved […]

The Australian Government has announced the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package in direct response to the impact of COVID-19, to support childcare centres to remain open and keep educators within their jobs. This is to ensure that quality education and care can continue to be available for essential workers and disadvantaged and vulnerable […]

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of your body, mind and feelings in the present moment. It involves paying attention to where you are, what you are doing and the sensations you are currently experiencing. When practicing mindfulness, you do not pass judgement but simply pay attention and acknowledge your […]

While we navigate through this challenging time, it is important that we stay safe, connected and offer care and compassion to one another. Our dedicated team of trainers remain available to provide support throughout your learning journey, from start to finish. We are in this together.  Training team, Selmar Institute of Education For any further […]

How we’re currently supporting you with your learning journey – Frequently Asked Questions Can I continue with my studies? Yes. You’ll be able to continue the theory components of your course, just not the practical assessments. Your trainer will ensure you have access to everything you need to do your projects and quizzes. What happens […]

Practical placement is a hugely beneficial element of your early childhood course, which gives you the opportunity to apply what you have been learning in a real-life setting. With the guidance of early childhood professionals as well as your trainer, placement offers you the ability to gain new knowledge and skills within a workplace environment. […]

Practical placement plays a crucial role in our early childhood education programs to ensure that learners gain relevant, real-life skills for an impactful career. Hence why we have created a placement journal which focuses on the essential skill of critical reflection. While practical placement involves a lot of hands-on training presenting an opportunity to develop a […]

Music has a universal effect on humans and has been reported to evoke the full range of emotions. For those living with dementia music could be integrated into care programs to bring back memories from their past and thus improve the quality of life. With almost half a million people in Australia living with dementia […]

The level of support and empathy provided to a learner are two key ingredients for a successful learning journey. Selmar’s dedicated, passionate trainers connect with student support and practical placement teams to take a holistic approach in supporting learners to ensure no-one is left behind – whether it’s training in early childhood education and care […]

More than just a job, working as a personal care worker or personal care assistant in aged care means you fulfil the important role of enhancing the lives of those who are potentially vulnerable and in need of compassionate and empathetic care. In an industry that is growing and changing, with more support from the government […]

Achieving an NQS Rating of ‘Exceeding’ is the goal for most childcare centres when undergoing their assessment under the National Quality Framework. Your NQS Rating helps your centre to recognise that you are delivering a high standard of education and care. In addition, your NQS Rating can have an impact on your service’s occupancy, with […]

There are many reasons to pursue a career in early childhood education and care. Careers in early childhood education can be rewarding, diverse and fun. The impact you have on young people can transform their lives and enrich yours, and the industry itself continues to grow and thrive too. Government legislation such as the National […]