Becoming a Child Care worker – A Complete Guide

What does a childcare worker do?

A Child Care Worker provides care and supervision for children under the age of 10. They usually work in centers, kindergartens hospitals, or even women’s shelters.

Due to the age of some children, sometimes your role will differ depending on what center you work at. Lessons that are created by the Educator need to be stimulating and grab the student’s attention.

Teachers may find themselves:

• Providing nutritious meals/snacks
• Communicating with parents
• Dealing with hygiene and behavioral issues
• Monitoring development
• Preparing games and other activities
• Performing cleaning duties
• Accept legal responsibility for the health and safety of the children in your care. This means you need to be familiar with the code of ethics.

Outlook

Around 49% of people employed as Child Care Workers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined.

Full-time workers work an average of 40 hours per week in their main job. This is 4 hours less than the all-jobs average (44 hours per week).

The projected growth rate for the industry is currently sitting at 19%, and there are an expected 182,000+ positions to be available from 2024. This is most likely due to the increasing population of Australians and both parents returning back to work quicker than the usual 12 months of parental leave.

Top 6 tips for returning to work after parental leave

Most employees who are working in Child Care, typically hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or a Diploma.

When you complete this qualification, you can become a:

• Child Carer
• Early Childhood Educator
• Nanny
• Home Daycare Business Worker
• Education Aide
• Child Care Centre Manager
• Director

Why is this career so rewarding?

By watching the children grow – you can gain a sense of achievement knowing you are teaching the future leaders of tomorrow.

When you pursue a career in Child Care, whatever your lifestyle, the flexibility/hours will cater to you.

Is being a Child Care Worker right for me?

If you have a love for children and you are super patient, then this career is right for you.

• Do you love everything about kids?
• Can you communicate with young and older people?
• Are you patient and flexible?
• Are you the dependable type?
• Is your salary the driving factor for your career choice?
• Are you willing to pursue more education and training?

If you said yes to any of the above, then Child Care should be your career choice.

Requirements:

Some requirements that you need to fulfill are:

• Police Checks
• Working with Children Check
• First Aid Certificate

Speak to our Course and Career Advisors today to see how you can get started on your career in Child Care.