Taking one of our nationally accredited child care courses opens up an exciting variety of child care career possibilities! Explore some of the options below or contact our course advisors on 1300 799 610 to find out more.
Early Childhood Educator
Early childhood educator is an inclusive name for many roles that involve working with children but usually in an early learning setting. It is an essential role in communities and can involve caring for children right through from birth through to school age. The role of an early childhood educator means you care for children during a time of significant development and can contribute to shaping the lives of the children in your care. Depending on the setting you are employed in as an early childhood educator, you may work on a full time, part time or casual basis, offering you choices to suit your work life balance.
The best bits
Working with children during these vital developmental years is very rewarding, as you play a role in their lives as they discover the world around them. Through your role you’ll relive some of your favourite childhood books and get creative with paint and craft activities. Children at this age can have interesting and often hilarious ideas, so you’ll make some very special memories. There’s never a dull moment working as an early childhood educator and in a child care setting there is lots to do to keep you busy and having fun.
Responsibilities
- Employ a working knowledge of the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework.
- Maintain records of children’s ongoing development and time in your care.
- Provide the highest level of care for children from birth to school age.
Related courses
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Nanny
As a nanny your role can vary depending on the family who employs you and your services. Nannies generally work in or around the home of the child or children in their care. You may care for young babies, toddlers, primary school aged children or a combination of a few different aged siblings. As such, your responsibilities can vary but might include readying children for school and walking them there in the morning, caring for babies during the day and returning to collect the older children at the end of the day. Some household duties can be included, and hours may change from day-to-day. You could choose to work full time, part time or casually, or perhaps do overnights or even live in.
The best bits
Being a nanny can be like becoming a part of another family and in many cases the children in your care create strong attachments to you and you to them. Watching as children develop can be highly rewarding as you see them singing songs you’ve taught them or counting independently after helping them practice. For some, a live-in nanny role can be a lifestyle choice that suits and isn’t widely available in other jobs. For those who are passionate about working with children and creating close bonds, being a nanny is the ultimate role.
Responsibilities
- General child care requirements such as feeding, playing, nappy changes, dressing, settling for naps, maintaining activity schedule and supervising.
- Depending on the employer, household duties may be required including washing, shopping, cleaning and cooking.
Related courses
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Kindergarten Assistant
Kindergarten, sometimes known as pre-school or 4-year old kinder, usually takes place in the year leading up to commencing a formal primary school education. As a kindergarten assistant, you’ll be working with children aged 3-5 years old focusing on play-based learning and school readiness. The role of kindergarten assistant is in line with the expectations of an early childhood educator, upholding the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework. Working alongside a kindergarten teacher, you will guide children through the basics of literacy and numeracy, assessing their readiness to begin primary school and helping to plan learning experiences throughout the year.
The best bits
Ensuring children are adequately prepared to commence their formal years of education is vital for their futures. As a kindergarten assistant, you will have the responsibility and privilege of embedding a lifelong love of learning in children. This can be life-changing and makes your job one that is incredibly meaningful. Kinder aged children can be challenging, so your role will keep you on your toes and give you the chance to have a positive impact on young lives just as they move on to the next big chapter in their lives. Aiding this transition is highly rewarding.
Responsibilities
- Focus on school readiness in children and preparing them for formal primary schooling.
- Record the ongoing development of children in your care and their kindergarten journey.
- Employ a working knowledge of the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework.
Related courses
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Family day care educator
Family day care educators generally deliver care to children from within the educator’s home. If working from home is an option you would like to explore, then family day care educator gives you that opportunity. Working as a family day care educator, you will need to ensure that you meet the standards required in providing a safe care environment for children. Your days will be designed to maximise the care delivered to the children in your care based on their age. This role can be very flexible as it enables you to choose which hours you deliver care and by creating a high quality care program along with positive relationships your services could become in demand within your community.
The best bits
When you’re running family day care from your home, you can say goodbye to the morning commute in peak hour traffic. No more early alarms and rushing about – your whole family will benefit. You can choose to offer as many or as few hours of care as you would like. As you will work closely with families who utilise your family day care services, you can make arrangements with them that best suit everyone. A huge aspect of the role of a family day care educator is to nurture and guide children as they explore and learn, making this role a fulfilling one.
Responsibilities:
- Employ a working knowledge of the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework.
- Deliver a high quality, developmentally appropriate program.
- Maintain a safe care environment.
- Provide the highest level of care for children from birth to school age.
Related courses
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
