Casual childcare work - should I get started or wait?

[Jade85]

Hi
I'm new to the forums, and am up to my work placement for Cert 3 (having a big career change from office-based roles!).
I am currently volunteering at a lovely centre, where I will hopefully do my work placement - I have so far been in the 4-5 year-old room.
I'm really enjoying my TAFE studies, and am basically loving this entire change! I have a Bachelors degree already and plan to train as an ECT at university level next year. I've also previously taught English to preschool children in Asia for over a year, so I've had some valuable experience.
My question: If I've been offered casual work by child care agencies, would you suggest I accept it to get the experience? Or should I wait 'til after my work placement? They know I'm untrained, so will they still throw me in the deep-end so to speak, or would you imagine I'd only be hired for certain assignments that suit my experience level? (Ie. Assistant level) I'd be looking at doing about two days per week as a casual.
I will ask the agencies, but I suppose I don't want to come across as lacking in confidence. Has anyone had experience with this?
Many thanks in advance
Jx

[Lorina]

Hi J,

Working to Aussie Childcare Network!

If you have an opportunity to work casually then I suggest you go for it. you're right the hands on experience you will gain will be a big benefit and it will broaden your horizons on how other centres are run, how they implement EYLF etc.

When working casually you will only be given a job role based on your qualification. So if you're qualification is an assistant level then that's the type of role you will be placed in. So, don't worry bout it too much. Also with casual work if you don't want to take on a casual job then you don't have to for that specific day, it's up to you in what work you want to take...

Hope this helps,

,
L.A

[Son]

Absolutely go for it!
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Be aware you will be the 'dogsbody', until the centre you are at gets to know you if you are there regularly. I currently do casual at a number of centres (under the same company) and I am also a full time student doing my stage 3 Diploma.

Good luck, have fun and look after your body


Regards, Sonia

[wimble]

You will learn exponentially more from working than you ever could from study. There are things that you learn only through experience that you cannot learn studying modules (e.g. how to form meaningful relationships with children and how to play) The work will also give you the opportunity to put into practice some of the things you have learnt in your studies. I would say go for it!!
Regarding your role as a new casual you will mostly be expected to just be with the children and maybe some cleaning duties, you certainly won't (or shouldn't) be expected to do any planning or documentation.

Enjoy!!

[Jade85]

Thanks so much everyone, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply
These forums are great - so much information - glad I found it!
I think I'm gonna go for it, as it's been mentioned, I've nothing to lose!
Thanks again all,
Jade x