Career in Childcare

FAQs on qualifications, starting a childcare business, starting a new job, contracts etc.
Forum rules
Please read: Forum Rules and Regulations and Where to Post What
Post Reply
dee.kaur
Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2015 5:46 am

Career in Childcare

Post by dee.kaur » Thu Jun 18, 2015 3:53 pm

Hi,

I have few questions regarding the childcare course. I am 28 years old female living in Sydney. I did my Bachelor of commerce from overseas and worked in Administration profile in overseas only for more than 3 years. Now, I am thinking of getting into the childcare industry as I love being with children but don’t know from where to start.
I am wondering if I can still do traineeship program as this will give me hands on experience working with children. If not, should I go for Certificate III or can directly do diploma to start a career in the Childcare. Can you suggest from which institutes I can study which gives the best practical experience so that I should be having some when getting into the job market. Or how can I gain experience while studying?

Another concern, we are planning for baby in 6-7 months’ time from now and the course is starting later by next month July. In that case, I may not able to work immediately after finishing of childcare course so just worried due to that break time , is there any challenges to find the child care job.

One last thing, I am a permanent resident so I am not eligible for vet-fee help. Could you please advise what are the other best options to pay the course fees?

Thanks.


User avatar
Lorina
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 14281
Joined: Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:36 am

Re: Career in Childcare

Post by Lorina » Fri Jun 19, 2015 5:37 am

Welcome to Aussie Childcare Network! :wave:

Starting off with a traineeship is a great way to gain experience and knowledge as well as get qualified at the same time. While completing a traineeship at a centre you need to work there for a minimum of a year or until you complete your qualification.

In regards whether you want to study the cert 3 or the Diploma the following article may help:
Cert 3 Being Phased Out

During your study, you would need to do practical work placement which means you would need to go to a centre and work there so you can complete some of your assignments and gain some experience. For cert 3 it's 120 hours and for diploma it's 240 hours. You will not be paid for this as you are a student. You would not be able to complete your course until work placement is complete. If you happen to fall pregnant then you may not be able to complete work placement. There is also a risk to you and the baby from contacting infectious diseases if you work in the first 3 months of your pregnancy (in childcare)... So, your option is eiher to finish your qualification (within 2 years) then have a baby OR have a baby then complete your qulaification aftr the baby is 6 months or so.

In regards to paying for the course you can probably work out a payment plan with the course provider. You can do monthly payments maybe or pay for every 3 months etc. It really depends...

Working in childcare is really demanding both physically and mentally. You have to do alot of manual work of moving furniture, picking up and holding children, bending down alot etc. IF you're planning to get pregnant it can really take it's toll on you. Of course, you will be restricted to do some tasks and activities but it's still demanding!

So, have a really good think and try and work out what you want to do...

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Hope this helps,

:geek:,
Lorina

dee.kaur
Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2015 5:46 am

Re: Career in Childcare

Post by dee.kaur » Mon Jun 22, 2015 2:25 pm

Thanks Lorina. Appreciate your detailed response.

Could you please let me know more about the traineeship program?
What is the eligibility criteria for it? What are the options through which I can commence my traineeship?What all documents are required to submit?

I am not sure if I am eligible as I have done my graduation from overseas.

Thanks.

User avatar
Lorina
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 14281
Joined: Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:36 am

Re: Career in Childcare

Post by Lorina » Tue Jun 23, 2015 3:59 am

IN regards to the traineeship program, you sign a contract with your centre where you will be at the centre until you complete your traineeship which is a minimum of a year. Your centre will typically pay for your fees although you may have to pay for the upfront cost (student cost). I'm not too sure and it varies from each centre. Then you basically work and study until you complete your qualification. Before you start, you will need to get a working with children's check/blue card done. It's compulsory for everyone working with children and it's a background check done on you to see if you have any convictions etc. It's no big deal. You just fill in a form and send it in... You can google "childcare traineejobs (area)" to get an idea of what centre are offering traineeships at the moment and maybe you can start applying if you're interested.

Hope this helps,

:geek:,
Lorina

dee.kaur
Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2015 5:46 am

Re: Career in Childcare

Post by dee.kaur » Wed Jul 01, 2015 2:39 pm

Hi Lorina,

Thanks again for the reply.
As far as traineeship program is concerned I have contacted couple of Childcare centers but they said like I am not eligible for it as I have done degree in commerce from overseas. Is that right? Please advise.

Thanks.

User avatar
Lorina
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 14281
Joined: Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:36 am

Re: Career in Childcare

Post by Lorina » Thu Jul 02, 2015 6:47 am

Is your overseas qualification recognised here in Australia? If yes, then you may not be able to complete a traineeship but if it isn't valid or can be used in Australia then I think you still should be able to...

:geek:,
Lorina

dee.kaur
Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2015 5:46 am

Re: Career in Childcare

Post by dee.kaur » Thu Jul 02, 2015 1:59 pm

How can I check my overseas qualification is recognized in Australia?

Thanks.


LeaCherry99
Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2015 2:14 am

Re: Career in Childcare

Post by LeaCherry99 » Tue Sep 29, 2015 12:31 pm

Hey Dee

I looked for a job during a few month in Childcare industry and couldn't find any. I therefore chose to enrol an online diploma of Early childhood education and care. I was looking for a job while studying, and finally found a job 8 weeks after completing my diploma! It really made a difference on my CV. If you are looking for an online diploma as well, here is the organisation I called: SNA.. When I put For you it could be easier to find a new job if you have the skills for this work. You want work in Childcare industry, I council you this course with SNA. I did it and I find a new job 2 weeks after I complete my course.

Lea :D

User avatar
socialispiice
Helper
Helper
Posts: 63
Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2015 6:29 am

Re: Career in Childcare

Post by socialispiice » Thu Oct 01, 2015 4:44 pm

Hello,

As per my research, For Career in Childcare you need to do following things:
  • Select the place
  • Go for the right qualification
  • Time and Dedication
  • Select the right placement organization
i am also going to take startups on childcare soon.

Post Reply