Araya’s journey shows how adult learning can help people rebuild confidence and start a new career in Australia. After moving from China to Australia, she chose Child Care course at Macquarie Community College to build practical skills, understand Australian early childhood frameworks and create a pathway into work as a child care educator.
When Araya moved to Australia two years ago, she was entering a completely new chapter of life.
Born in Thailand, Araya had spent 16 years living in China, where she worked in accounting for seven years. She had built a comfortable life there — with friends, neighbours, colleagues and a familiar community around her.
But after moving to Australia with her husband and family, everything changed.
A new country. A new routine. A new future to think about.
“The first year was not my time,” Araya shared.
Like many adult learners starting again in a new place, Araya felt uncertain. She was waiting for permanent residency, adjusting to life in Australia, and thinking about what kind of career would suit her future.
Then she found a new direction through Child Care.
Through her studies at Macquarie Community College (MCC), Araya found more than a course. She found support, confidence, practical experience and a real pathway into employment — continuing as a casual educator after completing her work placement.
Key Takeaways
- Studying at MCC helped Araya to understand Australian Child Care laws, frameworks and child protection practices
- Work placement gave her the chance to apply her learning in a real early childhood setting and led to casual work as an educator
- Her story shows how adult education can help build confidence, direction and new career pathways
Starting Again in Australia
Before moving to Australia, Araya had built a comfortable life in China.
She had worked in accounting for several years, but deep down, she knew it was not what she wanted to continue doing.
“I did accounting for seven years,” she said. “I did not quite enjoy it. It is not something I want to do.”
After becoming a full-time mother to two boys, Araya began to think differently about work, family and the future.
When her children went to kindergarten, she realised she wanted a job that allowed her to spend time around children while still supporting her family life.
“I like to work, but my work must be flexible enough to spend time with my family,” she shared.
That realisation helped guide her towards Early Childhood Education and Care.
Why Araya Chose Child Care
For Araya, choosing Child Care was closely connected to her life as a mother.
She wanted work that felt meaningful, practical and connected to children.
Child Care offered the opportunity to support children’s learning and development while building a career with purpose.
It was also a path that felt more aligned with the life she wanted in Australia — a career where she could care, connect and grow.
Returning to Study as an Adult
Coming back to study was not easy at first.
Araya felt nervous on her first day at Macquarie Community College.
“Nervous because coming back to be the student again,” she said.
But that feeling began to change when she met her classmates.
“Then I met good people. My classmates were so nice. We chatted, I feel it is a good vibe.”
That first impression mattered. It helped Araya feel that she was not alone.
For adult learners, especially those returning to study after many years, feeling welcome can make a big difference. A supportive classroom can turn uncertainty into confidence.
Why Araya Chose MCC
Before enrolling, Araya considered several study options.
A friend who had studied Barista at Macquarie Community College encouraged her to look into MCC.
Araya liked that the course felt focused, practical and suited to her needs.
“I like it more intense and short, so the course was perfect for me and I enrolled.”
For Araya, flexibility was important. It gave her time to study, review what she learned in class and still be present for her family.
“The studying was so flexible for me,” she said. “I have time to review what we did in the class and I have time for my family.”
What Araya Learned in Her Child Care Course
Although Araya had previously worked in a kindergarten environment in an administration role, studying to become an educator was very different.
She quickly realised there was much more to Early Childhood Education and Care than she had expected.
“What I did not know before, it was all about child protection and regulation,” she explained. “After we studied it, I realised how many things are there.”
Through her course, Araya learned about the laws, frameworks and responsibilities that guide educators in Australia.
She also learned the importance of understanding diversity in early childhood settings.
“In Australia there is a lot of diversity,” she said. “I need to know and be aware of different things. And this course was very helpful to understand that framework.”
For Araya, this knowledge helped her feel more prepared and more confident about working with children in Australia.
How Work Placement Led to Casual Work
Work placement became an important part of Araya’s learning journey.
It gave her the chance to take what she had learned in class and apply it in a real early childhood setting.
“During my work placement I interacted a lot with children,” she said. “I implemented my knowledge when playing with them, talking to them.”
This was a turning point.
The learning no longer felt like theory only. Araya could see how the knowledge she gained at MCC connected directly to everyday practice with children.
“I adapted what I learned and used that knowledge,” she shared.
Through placement, she began to understand what it means to work as an educator — how to communicate with children, support their development and follow the professional frameworks that guide safe and inclusive care.
Her placement also opened the door to employment. After completing her placement, Araya continued working as a casual educator — a proud step forward in her new career journey.
Building Confidence in a New Country
One of the strongest parts of Araya’s story is the change in confidence.
After 16 years in China, she had built what she described as her “safe zone.” She had good friends, neighbours, colleagues and a familiar community.
Moving to Australia changed that.
She was in a new environment, without the same support networks, and for a time she felt lost.
But studying helped her begin to rebuild confidence.
At MCC, she found structure, support and a learning pathway that helped her move forward.
Her journey shows that confidence does not always arrive all at once. Sometimes it grows slowly — through attending class, asking questions, learning new skills and realising you are capable of more than you thought.
Advice for Future Child Care Students
Araya’s advice to anyone thinking about studying Child Care is simple and honest:
“You need to know what you want. If you feel that Child Care is what you want, just go for it.”
She also encourages future students not to be afraid to ask questions.
“Do not be afraid to ask — can I do this? Can I try that?”
For Araya, learning also means reflecting on yourself and your progress.
“You need to reflect — am I doing the right thing? Am I good enough?”
Her message is a reminder that returning to study is not about being perfect from the beginning. It is about being open to learning, asking for help and giving yourself permission to try.
How to Study Child Care at Macquarie Community College
Araya’s story reflects what many adult learners experience when they choose to study at Macquarie Community College.
They may begin with uncertainty, but with the right support, practical training and welcoming environment, they start to build confidence and new opportunities.
MCC’s Early Childhood Education and Care courses are designed to support students who want to begin or grow a career in Child Care.
Whether you are changing careers, returning to study, balancing family responsibilities or looking for your first Australian qualification, MCC can help you take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study Child Care as an adult?
Yes. Many adults choose to study Child Care when returning to work, changing careers or looking for more meaningful employment. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.
Is Child Care a good career for parents returning to work?
Child Care can be a meaningful career option for parents who enjoy working with children and want to build practical skills for the early childhood sector.
Does MCC support students from migrant backgrounds?
Yes. Macquarie Community College welcomes students from diverse cultural and language backgrounds and provides supportive learning environments for adult learners.
Is work placement part of Child Care training?
Yes. Work placement allows students to apply what they learn in class in a real early childhood education setting and build confidence for future employment.
Can work placement lead to employment in Child Care?
Yes. Work placement can help students gain real experience, build workplace confidence and make industry connections. In Araya’s case, her placement helped open the door to casual work as an educator.