Advice/mentoring/anything to learn/ move up the ladder in childcare work

[Elissa Anderson]

Hi all im desperate for anything. I have worked with children for over 21 years and have had great feedback from families, staff and management regarding my passion for this work and so I for the last few years I applied for 2IC and director jobs so that I could learn new skills and also put the skills I all ready have into play, the sad fact is noone would give me a chance and ive looked at study and there wasn't much that focused on just those areas. So I wanted to see if anyone had any advice or basically anything for me

[Lorina]

Hi!

I hear the frustration in your post, and it makes sense. You’ve built strong relationships, and yet the leadership opportunities you’re aiming for feel out of reach. That’s tough. Let me share some practical pathways that might help you move closer to those 2IC or director roles:

Building Leadership Readiness
Micro-credentials & short courses: Even if full study programs don’t focus on leadership, many RTOs and universities offer short courses in leadership, compliance, HR, or financial management. These can signal to employers that you’re actively preparing for director-level responsibilities.

Mentorship: Seek out a current director or area manager willing to mentor you. Shadowing them, even informally, can give you insight into the daily demands and decision-making processes.

Professional associations: Joining groups like ACA (Australian Childcare Alliance) or ELAA (Early Learning Association Australia) can connect you with sector leaders and advocacy opportunities.

Demonstrating Transferable Skills
Compliance & policy knowledge: Directors need to be fluent in regulations (NQS, EYLF, safeguarding). If you can show you’ve led audits, policy reviews, or compliance projects, that strengthens your case.

Operational leadership: Even if you haven’t held the title, highlight times you’ve coordinated rosters, managed budgets, or led staff meetings. Frame these as “acting leadership” experiences.

Project-based leadership: If you’ve spearheaded curriculum initiatives, family engagement campaigns, or sustainability projects, present these as evidence of strategic leadership.

Positioning Yourself for Opportunities
Apply internally first: Sometimes services prefer to promote from within. Express interest in acting-up opportunities when directors are on leave.

Tailor your applications: Instead of focusing only on passion and experience, align your resume with the specific director responsibilities—budgeting, compliance, HR, stakeholder engagement.

Volunteer for leadership tasks: Offer to lead professional development sessions, compliance checks, or community events. These experiences can be added to your portfolio.

It’s not that “no one will give you a chance”—it’s that you need to show you’re already operating at that level. Think of yourself as a leader-in-waiting, and craft your narrative around that.

Hope this helps!
- Lorina

[Elissa Anderson]

Thank you. Some of your suggestions i have definitely done and I will look in to the ones I havent.

[Chandni]

Hello everyone, actually I want to know that I am doing cert III in Early Childhood Education my course is completed and I am looking for placements from last 5 months now but find nothing yet. I have been through every childcare centre and family day care centre in my area and near my area. everyone said that they are already filled with students until the end of year. I talked to my institution they said its your problem. Now my whole fees are going to be wasted, because if I can't find my placements I will have to extend my coe which is very expensive. please can anyone tell me what I can do now.
Thank you very much for your help