Student placements make a difference

This week we said thank you to Margie Malone and Claire Shea, two mature age students from University of Wollongong who chose to complete their 10-week placement with Muddy Puddles. Both are studying a Bachelor of Education - Early Years part-time and needed a local organisation to do their Family and Community placement with.

Working closely with our educator Chris Lowe, the students gained knowledge of the types of services provided by Muddy Puddles and how they link to the community. They were involved in planning and organising activities for our Jump in early intervention group, working with children in the early years group and in our Gourmet cooking group. They also had the opportunity to contribute to progress reports for the children. When asked about her experience with us, Claire said “My placement at Muddy Puddles was an amazing opportunity to see how disability services are being provided in the Eurobodalla Shire. Where there was once a serious lack of services, Muddy Puddles has done and continues to do an incredible job at ensuring the children and families of the Eurobodalla are receiving the support they need and deserve.” Margie also had a positive experience with Muddy Puddles, saying "It was great to get an insight into the wonderful work that Muddy Puddles provides...I was very impressed with the high level of professionalism and commitment to families."

Margie and Claire are both local to the Eurobodalla and work in our community. Margie works at SDN Batemans Bay Preschool and Claire works at St Peter’s Junior School. It was a pleasure to have two very competent students working with us and it was a great experience for all involved. Margie and Claire have completed their report of the placement which includes several recommendations that can be considered by management to enhance our service.