Jeff joins industry
Jeff Bevan is a hands-on dad who loves nothing more than playing catch or watching his children on the basketball court.
However, he is one of very few males who has made it their career working in early childhood education.
After more than 20 years of working in customer service, O¯ taki father of two Jeff Bevan decided it was time for a change after no longer getting the same enjoyment from his job.
Knowing how much enjoyment he got from spending time with his children, he looked into joining the early childhood education (ECE) industry, an industry where male teaching staff account for just 2.6 per cent of the workforce, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Education.
This led to Jeff becoming an in-home educator in 2016 e.
PORSE programme tutor Deb Bean said it was a bit of a surprise to parents when Jeff started attending local playgroups, but said he has since built “such a good reputation” that families are seeking him out.
“He has an awesome way with the children, he’s so engaging and responsive, the children really enjoy his energy. Hopefully the fact that’s he built a successful business inspires more men to enter the industry.”
Megan Qaranivalu saw how good Jeff was with the children and knew it was what her son Junior needed after becoming unsettled at the early childhood centre he attended when his father left the family home.
“Junior absolutely loves going to Jeff’s place and his confidence has come a long way. Jeff is a great male role model for Junior.”
Jeff said he joined the industry fully aware that he wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but most people have been positive about the move.
“PORSE has been really supportive and paid for me to complete my NZQA Level 3 ECE Certificate and I intend on enrolling in the Level 4 Certificate to keep progressing my professional development.”
The job means Jeff is able to see his own children Ethan and Kiara more often and get outside while guiding the children’s play and development.
“We’ve spent a lot of time working on ball skills, learning to catch, throw and kick a ball which has helped the children’s hand-eye co-ordination immensely.”
Jeff does it because he loves it and can earn a good income while working from home, but he’d also like to see more men in the industry. “More men should get on board as it’s a fulfilling job.”