Aussie Childcare Network Forum • Diploma VS Degree??
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Diploma VS Degree??

Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2014 9:25 pm
by racheli
Hello lovely people.....

I'm having a hard time deciding where to go next.

I already have a Diploma of Children's Services BUT I've been out of work force for years having a family. I'm completely out of the loop and have no connection within the child care industry anymore. I've contacted a few colleges about ups killing and redoing some of the new Diploma so I can gain more of an understanding with all the new changes as I'm keen to get back into the work force soon.
I'm also debating going to uni which will be much harder on myself and family and wondering would having a degree really benefit me? I've read its not really going to help make more money etc.

Let me know your thoughts????

Re: Diploma VS Degree??

Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 6:04 am
by Lorina
First off, have you checked whether or not your current Diploma qualification is approved? Even if you have done it years ago, if it's on the approved list it means that you can begin working in a centre as a diploma qualified. You can check here: Approved Diploma

Now, whether or not to study the degree. I think it depends on what role/position you want to go for in a centre. As a diploma you get a room leader position in the nursery and toddler room. With a degree you can be in a preschool educator and a director. A diploma can still work as a preschool room leader but nowadays it's a degree holder who is more preferred since the new educator: qualifications have come out which as a diploma working in the preschool room will job share with the degree qualified educator. If you don't think you want to pursue a director or preschool teacher position in the future then stick to your diploma however if you want to pursue these positions then go for a degree...

Choices, choices,

:geek:,
L.A

Re: Diploma VS Degree??

Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 9:27 pm
by racheli
I know for a fact I could get a job with my diploma and its still current BUT I have no idea with new change... Eylf etc etc.
Hard one!!!

Re: Diploma VS Degree??

Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 9:33 pm
by racheli
I thought you could direct a centre with just a diploma?

Re: Diploma VS Degree??

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:42 am
by Lorina
racheli wrote:I thought you could direct a centre with just a diploma?
Yes you can. However, since the new changes for a mandatory ECT to be employed by all centres you will find that the directors position is usually filled by an ECT trained educator so they can also be used within the preschool room when needed. Through my recent experience I have only known directors within a centre to hold an ECT degree rather than a diploma...

:geek:,
L.A

Re: Diploma VS Degree??

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 8:31 am
by racheli
What about OSHC? Could you run/coordinate this service with Diploma of School Aged Education and Care or would you need a degree?

Re: Diploma VS Degree??

Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2014 6:08 am
by Lorina
racheli wrote:What about OSHC? Could you run/coordinate this service with Diploma of School Aged Education and Care or would you need a degree?
Yes definitely! or even the following:

Diploma in Children Services or Outside School Hours Care...

:geek:,
L.A