studying while working - cert or dip???

[rclohesy]

I am wanting to enrol at Open Colleges asap as I want to start working as soon as I can. I have my degree in primary education but no experience in early childhood. I wanted to do the new diploma that I understand has the cert III embedded as eventually I want to become room leader or a kindergarten teacher. When talking to the careers advisor at open colleges they told me that I would be better off doing my Cert III as I can no longer work before completing my qualification and I will finish quicker and can later on get credit transfers for the 14 units that cross over with the Cert III & Dip and complete of the diploma later on. I am just wondering if this information and advice is all correct or is this open colleges wanting to get me to complete 2 separate courses and pay more money????
Thanks
Rachel

[Lorina]

Hi Rachel,

Interesting advice... In my opinion I would rather complete the Diploma. As you said it has the cert 3 course embedded in it. Gaining credit by completing the cert 3 course first isn't that crucial and by the time it takes you to complete the cert 3 course you could have completed the Diploma.

Just went onto the ACECQA site and read their information on "Actively Working Towards":

Actively Working Towards An Approved Diploma Level Qualification

A person who is 'actively working towards' an approved diploma qualification may be counted towards meeting minimum ratio requirements.

To be actively working towards an approved diploma a person must:

-be enrolled in a course for the qualification
-have commenced the course
-be making satisfactory progress towards completion
-meet the requirements to maintain enrolment.

If you meet these four requirements, you will be counted as at least actively working towards a certificate III level educator for ratio purposes.

However, to be counted as at least actively working towards a diploma level qualification for ratio purposes you need to meet a fifth requirement:

5. hold an approved certificate III qualification OR have completed approved certificate III units

Ref: http://acecqa.gov.au/actively-working-t ... PZxQg.dpuf

From my understanding it doesn't say that you cannot work until you have fully completed the course. You can find a job within a centre as long as you meet the requirements above of enrolling, commencing and progressing towards completion. However, since you may start with the Diploma when looking for a position within a centre you would probably be an assistant (for ratio) until you either complete the course or complete the cert 3 units then you can be counted as a diploma. So, from this when studying your diploma and wanting to work you can begin as an assistant, gain experience and then move into a diploma position once your course is complete or you can start your course complete the cert 3 portion and then find a job for a diploma position....

You should mention to Open Colleges about the "Actively Working Towards A Qualification" information because they shouldn't be advising what they have been. Just a business to them it seems...

Hope this clears the air,

,
L.A

[Lorina]

Me Again,

Just re-reading your post and since you have your primary degree why don't you just do a bridging course! It may be something worth looking into... Found this which may help:

Early Childhood Bridging Program

Choices, choices, choices!

,
L.A