MCAST’s Institute of Community Services (ICS) organised a seminar for childcare professionals on 3 May. The seminar with the theme, ‘Connections at Heart’, focused on connecting through ‘professional love’, a concept developed by international researcher Dr Jools Page, who was also a keynote speaker during the event.

The seminar addressed the local Early Years practice within childcare centres with children aged 0 to 3. Moreover, a presentation outlining how the College prepares students enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning, and Development to become skilled professionals in this field and research undertaken by students and staff in this arena was presented.

This seminar provided the opportunity to explain how the College prepares students for work within the childcare industry. It also served as a communication channel to discuss work-based placements and current practices.

Opening the activity, Principal and CEO Prof Joachim James Calleja said, “The Institute of Community Service plays a key role in preparing and training future professionals in the Early Education sector. Investing in quality early childhood education is necessary as the early years represent a crucial window of opportunity for learners and a means of realising a lifelong learning culture.”

The Institute of Community Services Director, Ms Ann Marie Cassar, said, “This seminar helped to consolidate our understanding of current childcare practices and ensured that our learners are prepared following current practice in childcare centres.”

Attendees provided positive feedback on courses and training offered by MCAST to students. Discussions during the seminar centred on current issues within the childcare sector, the latest policies, and how to better understand the way forward by infusing good communication channels between childcare professionals and educators.

Around 150 students follow childcare-related courses at the Institute of Community Services (ICS).