How To Become a Childcare Worker
Do you love kids? Are you eager to work in a rewarding sector where you shape the young minds of Australia’s youth? If yes, becoming a childcare worker could be perfect for you! With fulfilling roles, high worker satisfaction ratings and projected job growth, now is the perfect time to start your childcare career.
Childcare workers nurture children’s social, physical and emotional development. You can work in daycare, after-school care centres or pre-schools in various roles, such as an early childhood educator, nanny, playgroup supervisor and more.
Friendly people with an affinity toward young children and natural caring types are great candidates to excel as childcare workers. But there is also specific training for childcare workers you will need to complete to work in this industry. If you ask yourself questions like can you work in a daycare without a degree or do you need experience to work at a daycare, Insight Training is here to help!
In this article, we will cover the three qualifications you can get to become a childcare worker in Australia:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Working With Children Check and First Aid
- Upskill To a Diploma
So, if you’re interested in becoming a childcare worker but unsure where to start, this guide can help you.
Get Certified In Australia
The decision to pursue a career as a childcare worker is a noble one. It isn’t an easy path to take, but it’s certainly a fulfilling job for compassionate people looking to make a difference in the lives of children. In Australia, there are strict childcare worker requirements, including formal qualifications. To work in early childhood education in Australia, here are some steps you can take:
1. Certificate III In Early Childhood Education And Care
In order to work as a childcare worker in Australia, certification is necessary. Undergoing the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will teach you the essential skills to get into many entry-level childhood education roles. This certificate will teach you how to care for children, nurture their development and make sure their environment is safe and supportive.
To get this certificate, you will undertake 15 core courses alongside 2 electives. You will also complete 160 hours of work placement in a regulated children’s education and care service, giving you plenty of work experience to leverage once graduating from the program.
2. Working With Children Check And First Aid
In order to work in early childhood education in Australia, you must first possess a valid Working With Children (WWC) check and First Aid certification. These checks will show that you are safe to work with children and ensure you have the skills necessary to deal with any situation that arises while working.
A WWC is obtained after a National Police Check (criminal history check) and your state’s government conducts a review of workplace misconduct. Fees and application processes can differ by state, so make sure to include your location when researching your application options. In Western Australia, you can obtain an application form from your local post office, with the application fee rates as follows:
- For employees and self-employed people: $87.00
- For unpaid people and students on unpaid placement: $11.00
Being First Aid certified is vital in order to ensure you can appropriately respond in sudden emergencies, such as anaphylaxis or asthma responses. Through the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care certificate, you will be able to take First Aid as a unit of study, leaving you qualified to begin working in entry-level childcare work!
3. Upskill To A Diploma
If you are looking to take your career to the next level and open up further opportunities for more fulfilling work with a higher salary, the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will be the next step in your career journey. This qualification helps you take up leadership roles in the childcare industry, like a Childhood Education Manager or Children’s Service Director. Your previous experience working in childcare will also help you.
You will complete 12 mandatory courses along with 3 potential electives and over 280 hours of work placement, teaching you to plan, implement and manage programs in early childhood services.
To enter this course, you must first complete the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
How Long does It Take To Become A Childcare Worker?
Depending on the level of education you complete, childcare worker qualifications will generally take two years. At Insight Training, we understand the importance of getting qualified and into employment quickly, and we are glad to say that on average, our students start work between 6 and 9 months on completing their course.
However, during your studies, you will gain work experience in real childcare centres that will prepare you for full-time work. After completing your chosen education, you will be ready to embark on your fulfilling career in childcare!
Join Us And Become A Qualified Childcare Worker In Australia!
There’s never been a better time to become a childcare worker. Following these steps, you can easily begin your career in a growing industry that will allow you to shape the young minds of tomorrow.
At Insight Training, we have a strong community service program for those interested in becoming a childcare worker. Whether you’re someone leaving school or wanting to change your job, we’re here to help you achieve your dreams. We have professional trainers, great facilities, and strong connections with local businesses, all built to make sure you succeed!
If you want to be a qualified childcare worker in Australia, look for training providers with nationally-recognised courses, like Insight Training. We provide cost-effective courses that result in a greater employability rate for all our students.
Visit our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course page to learn more.
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How To Become a Childcare Worker