I started studying for my Bachelor of Early Childhood in 1994 and I studied part time for that year. Then found out early 1995 that I was pregnant with Emma. I finished Uni in the November and she was born in Dec. I went back to Uni part time the following year (I also worked part time). When Emma was 8mths old we moved to country Vic so I studied part time externally and continued to do that through 3 moves and another baby. My XH's Mum would come and stay and look after the kids for me while I was on placement or my Nanna and Granddad would come. I seperated at the end of 1999 and put my placement for the end of that semester on hold until school started again the following year and I had moved back to Adelaide and got settled. I was lucky enough to find a place close to Uni and studied full time for 2000 and completed my degree. The kids went to day care and because I was studying full time and on my own I got JET payments for day care which meant that I only had to pay $4 a day or something like that. I managed to work my timetable (being a single parent meant I go the pick of tutorials etc) into 4 days which meant that the kids were at home with me on Fridays. I got through most of the subjects at Uni with credits and p1's until my final year where I got mostly distinctions and credits. I always left everything to the last minute and remember one day where I took in my file of quotes form articles that I had typed out at home and in 2 hours (just in time to get it in!!) I completed a 5000 word essay but just putting sentences between quotes!!!

It can be done and does require some juggling. I don't think my kids suffered any ... they were both young and didn't know any different ... full time day care when I was on pracs didn't hurt them any ... it was only for a few weeks! If it means getting the prac done and not then do you really have a choice?

I am planning on going back to Uni to get my Masters in Educational Leadership when Asha is full time at school ... 2009 or 2010!

Cheers