Trena Larocque was 15 years old when she got a job as a babysitter and found herself making money. She dropped out of school to work full-time, but it wasn’t long before she realized that, without an education, she had put limits on her own future.
Why did you leave school?
My family all lived with my grandparents in Uranium City. When I got offered a job as a babysitter, I thought, this is a way to help out. That was important to me, because I wanted to be able to afford to buy things myself.
What made you decide to get your GED?
After our family moved to Prince Albert, I found out pretty quick how important education is for getting a job. Without my grade 12, I couldn’t get anywhere. I finally realized that quitting school wasn’t the smartest decision, but it was a lot harder to go back in my twenties. I started by taking a GED prep program through the Friendship Centre.
What was the biggest challenge in going back to school?
Not knowing if I could do it, after almost 10 years out. It was scary but I did it anyway because I knew I needed it. I wanted a career. I was a self-doubter, so I didn’t think I’d get my GED. When I did—I was 24 when I graduated—I realized I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to.
How did you decide on a career in early childhood education?
I had a work placement at the Aboriginal Head Start Preschool and just loved it. That’s how I knew this was what I wanted to do with rest of my life. They offered to send me to SIAST to take the Orientation to Childcare program. Then they hired me full-time, with the understanding that I would pursue my education.
How do you work and go to school at the same time?
I enrolled at Credenda Virtual College, which offers an online program in Early Learning and Child Care. It takes longer to complete when you’re working and taking classes, for me two years to get a certificate instead of one, but I passed with honours and distinction. Now I’m in my final year of getting my diploma. I’m pretty sure I’ll take the Educational Assistant certificate, because I only need another four credits.
Did your GED success make taking college courses easier?
At first, Credenda seemed even more scary. It freaked me out going to school with all these really intelligent people. I wondered if I’d be able to handle the workload, but I really surprised myself.
What was the most exciting thing about graduating?
My mom, my kids and my grandparents all got to see me get my certificate. That was exciting.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to be here at Head Start; I love my job. If not, then I’d like to be in the school system, probably the pre-kindergarten years. I like being connected to kids, so I always see myself working with them. My ELCC diploma will allow me to start my own daycare or be a daycare director, and my EA certificate will let me work in the schools beyond preschool. I’ve got a lot of options—that’s what I wanted to get with my education.
What advice would you give someone starting out?
Your heart has to be in it, because the pay isn’t as good as it should be for the amount of work that goes into it. If you don’t love it, you won’t stay in it long. And who wants to start a career and not be happy? Feel it out: go volunteer, see if it’s something that puts a spark in your eye. These little people are very important and we have to give them the best start while they’re young.
Job Prospects – Fair. In Saskatchewan, early childhood educators plan and organize activities for pre-school children and lead children in these activities to encourage their intellectual, physical and emotional growth. They are employed in day-care centres and preschools. Average hourly wages range from $10.24/hour to $13.26/hour.
Education Options – Degree, Diploma, Certificate. Certificates and diplomas are available through SIAST and regional colleges. Credenda Virtual College offers online certificate and diploma programs, and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) offers certificate and diploma programs in First Nations Child Care. You can also pursue a Bachelor of Education degree with a focus on elementary education at the U of R, U of S, FNUC and through the Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) in La Ronge.