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Your
education |
Continuing
your education
In Victoria, under The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995, you have the right to stay at school if you are pregnant. You can ask your principal, student welfare coordinator, school counselor or nurse or other school staff for information about staying at school during pregnancy. Before talking to anybody at school, it is important to find out if they can keep your information confidential for as long as you choose. After the 34th week of pregnancy, a doctor needs to write a letter to say whether you are well enough to go to school. Some schools may have childcare facilities, or be able to assist with childcare.
There are different options for pregnant young women and young parents who want to stay at school or train for a job.
Upper Yarra Community House also offers CGEA (Certificate of General Education) equivalent to year 10 and the VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) program to young mothers. The program is specifically set up for young mothers to support their needs. It is run two days a week and has the option to either bring your child along or alternatively, childcare can be organised through the centre. Funding is available through the Youth Pathways program for 13-19 year olds not in mainstream school. The youth pathways program assists young people to continue with their education. For more information visit the Department of Education, Science and Training website (internet connection required).
Technical and further education (TAFE) TAFE offers a wide range of pre-vocational and vocational programs. Pre-vocational programs include:
The courses you can study include all those accredited courses offered by Swinburne TAFE. This usually means any Swinburne course except so-called 'short courses'. Information on courses is available at http://courses.swinburne.edu.au/ (internet connection required) or ring 1300 368 777. As well, at times TAPiT organises specially designed courses to run that are not in the regular Swinburne information booklets. Examples include courses in:
TAPiT staff can also help if you can't find the course you want, or are unsure which course would be best. If you want to find out more, call TAPiT on 9726 1621 or email tapit@swin.edu.au.
The Distance Education Centre Victoria (DECV) provides education to students who are unable to attend school, using resources through the internet, mail or by phone. DECV provides supported education for students completing year 9 and 10 as well as VCAL and VET to assist students in leading onto practical employment. |
Get
Help
First
Stop (Swinburne TAFE)
Distance
Education Centre Victoria (DECV) |
There are
a number of options available to help you continue your education while caring for your new baby at the same time. 
