For Alana Stockdale, early childhood education wasn’t always the plan.
“I initially started off in aged care… then I fell pregnant with my son,” she explains. “Looking at child cares, talking to my sister, I was like, you know what? I actually really like the look of this.”
Living out near Bendigo in regional Victoria, Alana wanted an accessible study option that didn’t require commuting to campus or relocating. She chose to complete her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care online with us here at Practical Outcomes.
“I chose Practical Outcomes because I had heard really good things about them.”
Studying online gave her the flexibility to train in early childhood education from home without sacrificing the quality of her studies.
Flexible Online Study for Regional Learners
For many regional learners, access is the biggest barrier. There isn’t always a TAFE nearby, and travelling long distances simply isn’t practical.
By choosing to train with Practical Outcomes, Alana was able to enjoy the full study experience including practical, hands-on learning in a centre, while still receiving consistent trainer support.
“When things got really challenging for me, the fact that I was able to just reach out and ask for help… I always had someone to contact that was always available.”
Alana also appreciated the structured layout of the course.
“It wasn’t too overwhelming… You had to finish something before the next thing was unlocked.”
That pacing helped her avoid burnout and focus on mastering one component at a time.
“You need time to flow through it nicely to be able to get the best learning that you can.”
For regional students balancing family and work and many other life commitments, this flexibility is incredibly valuable.
The Power of Placement: Where Learning Became Real
While Alana studied online, the placement component of her early childhood education course was where everything clicked.
In fact, Alana applied to continue working with the centre she was undertaking placement with and was offered a position as an employee!
The combination of structured online study and real-world placement creates a powerful learning experience. As Alana explains:
“You can do so much reading and training online, but you’re never going to learn properly until you’re actually face to face with all of it… You understand it better when you’ve been in there and actually experienced it yourself.”
Her placement didn’t just build her confidence, but it launched her career.
“My confidence just went through the roof… I ended up getting put on as the room leader in the pre-kinder room pretty early.”
From that point on, she was studying and working simultaneously: earning while continuing to build her qualifications.
From Diploma to Bachelor of Education
Although Alana had often considered that becoming a teacher was a goal for her, it wasn’t until she was working in the pre-kinder room that the direction became clear.
Watching the kindergarten teachers at her service, seeing how they guided children through their final years before school, really shifted something for her. It wasn’t just about care and fun anymore. It was about impact.
“I was watching all the teachers in the kinder room and I just felt like it was what I wanted to do.”
Seeing children grow in confidence and then head off to school ready for their next chapter cemented the decision.
When the timing was right, Alana used her existing Early Childhood Education qualifications as a pathway to her Bachelor of Education. And she’s clear about one thing: the Diploma made that step possible.
“I don’t think I could have done my Bachelor without my Diploma first!”
The vocational pathway didn’t just give her a qualification, but offered Alana practical, grounding confidence and clarity before stepping into higher education.
A Career With Depth, Purpose and Pathways
Now working as a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, Alana sees just how significant those early years really are.
“I see more deeply now how important it is for getting them ready for everyday and educational life, meeting certain milestones, and getting children ready for school.”
For Alana, one of the most meaningful parts of her career has been supporting children with additional needs. She speaks passionately about working alongside early intervention services and collaborating with families to ensure every child is supported in ways that suit them best.
“My passion is helping children with additional needs, and being able to support the families and the children.”
Early childhood education is not a short-term role. It is a career with progression, from educator, to room leader, to teacher, and beyond, evolving with your interests and strengths.
“As a teacher, you’re never just limited to the one kind of role.”
Advice for Regional Learners
For anyone in regional Victoria wondering whether study is possible without relocating or giving up work, Alana offers reassurance.
“I know it seems like a lot at first, but there is support to achieve your goals.”
Alana’s journey from regional online Diploma student to Early Childhood Teacher shows what’s possible when flexible study, strong trainer support and meaningful placement opportunities align.
If you’re based in regional Victoria and considering a career in early childhood education, you don’t need to relocate or commute long distances to access quality training.
With Practical Outcomes, you can undertake workplace training so you can earn an income at the same time as gaining qualifications for the in demand early childhood sector. With the support of our team of experienced trainers at Practical Outcomes, explore the pathways available and discover a fulfilling career.
