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An early childhood educator, sometimes called an early childcare worker, provides care, support, and learning experiences to young children who are not yet in school.
What do they do?
What do they do?
Interaction
Interaction
Helping children play together and develop relationships.
Work in teams
Work in teams
Working with others to make sure the children’s needs are met..
Help with learning
Help with learning
Assisting in activities that help children learn and grow, like playing and doing art projects.
Watch children
Watch children
Making sure that children are safe and okay.
Take care of needs
Take care of needs
Helping children with everyday tasks like going to the bathroom, washing their hands, and eating.
Talk to parents
Talk to parents
Letting them know how their children are doing and what they did during the day.
Keep places safe
Keep places safe
Making sure spaces are hygienic and knowing what to do if there is an emergency.
Documenting
Documenting
Writing down what they see children doing and if anything special happens.
What skills are needed?
What skills are needed?
Patience: The ability to stay calm and patient, especially when dealing with challenging behaviours.
Patience: The ability to stay calm and patient, especially when dealing with challenging behaviours.
Empathy: A deep understanding and compassion for the feelings and needs of children and parents.
Empathy: A deep understanding and compassion for the feelings and needs of children and parents.
Good organisational skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks and be flexible with the different needs of each child.
Good organisational skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks and be flexible with the different needs of each child.
Communication Skills: The ability to read, write and speak English to communicate clearly, both with children and their families, is important for building trust and strong relationships.
Communication Skills: The ability to read, write and speak English to communicate clearly, both with children and their families, is important for building trust and strong relationships.
Enthusiasm: A genuine passion for working with children and helping them learn and grow.
Enthusiasm: A genuine passion for working with children and helping them learn and grow.
Responsibility: A strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the safety and well-being of the children in their care, keeping compliance with NSW regulations.
Responsibility: A strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the safety and well-being of the children in their care, keeping compliance with NSW regulations.
Teamwork: The ability to work effectively with other child care professionals, teachers, and staff members while respecting diverse backgrounds and ideas.
Teamwork: The ability to work effectively with other child care professionals, teachers, and staff members while respecting diverse backgrounds and ideas.
Creativity: The skill to develop creative and interesting activities that support children's learning and development.
Creativity: The skill to develop creative and interesting activities that support children's learning and development.
Attention to Detail: Carefully meeting children's needs, schedules, and requirements according to NSW guidelines.
Attention to Detail: Carefully meeting children's needs, schedules, and requirements according to NSW guidelines.
Physical Fitness: Ability to stand for long periods and give first aid in emergencies.
Physical Fitness: Ability to stand for long periods and give first aid in emergencies.
Computer skills: The ability to use a computer including typing with a keyboard and mouse, sending and receiving email, creating and editing documents, searching the internet, using games and apps, understanding online safety, using video calls and understanding how to keep information private.
Computer skills: The ability to use a computer including typing with a keyboard and mouse, sending and receiving email, creating and editing documents, searching the internet, using games and apps, understanding online safety, using video calls and understanding how to keep information private.
Where do they work?
Where do they work?
Long Daycare Centers provide care and education to children in group settings from 7am to 6pm, Mon - Fri, typically from baby to kindergarten age.
Long Daycare Centers provide care and education to children in group settings from 7am to 6pm, Mon - Fri, typically from baby to kindergarten age.
Family Day Care offers child care services in the worker's home. This type of care is a more home-like environment, and workers often care for a small group of children.
Family Day Care offers child care services in the worker's home. This type of care is a more home-like environment, and workers often care for a small group of children.
Before and After-School Care Programs provide child care services before and after school hours for preschool children at school.
Before and After-School Care Programs provide child care services before and after school hours for preschool children at school.
Kindergartens and Preschools prepare young children from the age of three for school. These settings focus on education, and child care workers help children develop important skills.
Kindergartens and Preschools prepare young children from the age of three for school. These settings focus on education, and child care workers help children develop important skills.
Nanny or In-Home Care providers work in the homes of families. This setting offers one-on-one care and often involves a close relationship with the family.
Nanny or In-Home Care providers work in the homes of families. This setting offers one-on-one care and often involves a close relationship with the family.
How to become a Child Care Worker
How to become a Child Care Worker
Step 1. Decide if its the right job for you
Step 1. Decide if its the right job for you
+Pros and Cons
+Pros and Cons
WHY CHOOSE THIS JOB?
WHY CHOOSE THIS JOB?
Helping children grow, learn, and develop is incredibly fulfilling.
Helping children grow, learn, and develop is incredibly fulfilling.
To make a lasting, positive impact on young lives.
To make a lasting, positive impact on young lives.
Workers are in high demand, meaning good job security.
Workers are in high demand, meaning good job security.
You can work in different settings (Long Daycare, preschool, OOSH, schools).
You can work in different settings (Long Daycare, preschool, OOSH, schools).
THINGS TO CONSIDER
THINGS TO CONSIDER
It can be physically demanding
It can be physically demanding
Paperwork can be time-consuming and complex
Paperwork can be time-consuming and complex
The pay is lower than other jobs
The pay is lower than other jobs
You can only work in child care if you have the right qualifications
You can only work in child care if you have the right qualifications
You will need to pass a Working with Children Check and a Police Check (this isn't the job for you if you have problems with identification)
You will need to pass a Working with Children Check and a Police Check (this isn't the job for you if you have problems with identification)
Child care settings can be noisy, chaotic and stressful
Child care settings can be noisy, chaotic and stressful
+ Self asssessment
+ Self asssessment
Begin by assessing your suitability for working with young children, considering your patience, communication skills, and passion for child development:
Do you you have the right skills for the job?
Are you willing and able to complete the educational requirements? (See Education and Training below)
Are you able to pass the checks required? (See Checks below)
Do you have the English and computer skills for the job? Are you able and willing to work on them? (See Other Skills below)
Step 2. Prepare for the job
Step 2. Prepare for the job
+ Education and training
+ Education and training
You can only work in child care in NSW if you have a recognised qualification or are enrolled in a course that lets you work while you study. Enrol in a recognised early childhood education program offered by TAFE institutions, Registered Training Organisations (RTO'S), or Universities.
Depending on your career goals, this could include a:
Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care (through TAFE or an RTO)
Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care (through TAFE or an RTO)
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (usually through Universities)
SCHOLARSHIPS AND SUBSIDISED COURSES
Certificate III courses offered by TAFE and RTOs are generally subsidised (free) for people seeking asylum.
Universities charge asylum seekers full fees which are very high. Some Universities offer scholarships. Contact the University Program for more information.
REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS
+ Experience
+ Experience
Work placement: Your child care course will include a work placement which will give you practical experience you can include on your resume.
Volunteer or Gain Experience: If you have completed your Child care studies and have limited experience, consider casual roles in child care settings to build your skills and experience.
Stepping stone jobs include: Babysitter, Nanny, Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), Child Care Kitchen Hand.
+ Other skills
+ Other skills
Language Support: You will need reasonable English to communicate with children and their parents. Look for English language courses or programs to improve your language skills. We can help you find a class that meets your needs.
Computer Support: You will need skills in using a computer to complete paperwork and help children with activities. We can help you with computer tuition. Ask for a referral through the Asylum Seekers Centre.
Step 3. Look for work
Step 3. Look for work
+ Prepare your resume
+ Prepare your resume
Your resume needs to highlight your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Keep it clear and straightforward, and consider having it reviewed by a fluent English speaker for accuracy. Online translation programs are also a good way to check your language is clear.
+ Prepare for interviews
+ Prepare for interviews
Practise answering common interview questions and seek help from a language tutor or mentor if needed:
Why do you want to work in childcare? - Be honest and show your passion for working with children.
Tell us about your experience working with children. - Make sure it is positive, talk about experiences you planned, interests you got involved in etc.
What age groups do you prefer to work with? - Be ready to explain why.
What qualities do you have that could add to our centre? - Read the job description and provide examples of something unique that you can bring to the centre. Such as speaking another language.
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation involving a child in your care.
Are you aware of child protection procedures and regulations? - Make sure you answer based on your state, being a mandatory reporter and what you would do if you suspect abuse.
What strategies do you use to encourage positive behaviour in children?
How do you communicate with parents about their child’s progress and needs?
+ Build your networks
+ Build your networks
Connect with professionals in the child care field through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Join groups or associations related to child care and education. Ask friends and family if they know people who work in child care. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and improve your language skills.
+ Contact Child Care Centres
+ Contact Child Care Centres
Reach out to local child care centres, preschools, and schools directly. Send them an email or call to inquire about job openings and express your interest. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates who show initiative.
Check the acecqa website for centre contact details and rating.
Search the Yellow Pages for child care centres in your area.
Search Service NSW by address to find centres closest to you.
+ Register with Child Care recruiters
+ Register with Child Care recruiters
Search for recruitment agencies specialising in education and child care placements.
+ Checks
+ Checks
You will usually need the following certificates and checks:
Working with Children Check (WWCC) - is required for anyone who works with children. The ASC Employment Service can help you to apply for a WWCC.
First Aid Certificate - this gives you the skills to respond to a medical emergency. Check whether it is included in your course.
Police Check - is required to make sure you have a clear criminal record. Your employer may provide this if you are offered a job.
Vaccinations - are needed to keep children and staff healthy.
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