Zealand

This study examined the experiences of students in the six New Zealand colleges of education who undertook a 3-year course of training to work in early childhood centers. The study aimed to find out students ' expected employment following their training among child care, kindergarten, or other early childhood services, monitor any Lhanges in the students intentions during training, and establish the employment patterns of students in the first year after training. The students in the training were surveyed by the same questionnaire at the end of training year or at the first year of employment. The findings showed that while in the beginning of training the majority of students had preferred work places, 78 percent favored working in kindergartens when they had completed their preservice courses. Generally the training courses provide students with a wider range of services, and this encouraged students to think more positively about working in services other than kindergartens. Students appeared to be committed to work in early childhood and believed that their training prepared them well for their chosen profession. They were also appreciative of the opportunity provided for their own personal development, especially in the areas of human relations, communication skills, and awareness of equity issues. (AP) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the c,riginal document. **********************************1%**i.AA*;%A.%***AAAAAA**A**7'..%;.AAA:,AA.*1%*