If you’re interested in working and excelling in the exciting world of Children’s Services, it’s important to first carefully select a high-quality training program that’s right for you! The choice you make can determine the level of training you receive, the work opportunities that become available, and how well and how far you advance in your career.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
What Makes Children’s Services a Smart Career Choice
The Multiple Children’s Services Career Options
What Course You Must Take in Order to Work in Childcare
What Are the Likely Job Outcomes
CHILDREN’S SERVICES: A GROWING INDUSTRY
The Children’s Services industry is comprised of childcare educators and other professionals who provide high-quality care and education for young children in a variety of settings. It’s a growing field that fulfills a need for families who wish to have access to safe learning environments where they can trust their children are treated kindly, are meeting milestones, and gaining the skills necessary to thrive in school.
According to IBISWorld, the industry is set to surge 34.2% in Australia over the next five years as a result of a mini baby boom, in addition to other factors, including more mothers entering the workforce and the government allocating greater funds. The industry, which is projected to make $10.6 billion in revenue in 2015-16, is expanding each day. Skilled workers, with compassion for children, are needed to meet the demand. It’s a viable field to embrace, where you can make a difference and have much room for professional growth.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN CHILDREN’S SERVICES
There are multiple job opportunities available in the Children’s Services industry. They include: additional needs or child development worker, assistant teacher, centre manager or director, certified supervisor, early childhood educator, educational leader, family day care educator, group of team leader, nanny, nominated supervisor, and more. There’s something to fit your interests, skill sets, and career goals.
CHILDCARE COURSES YOU NEED TO BE RESEARCHING
There are two Children’s Services courses the greater majority of training colleges offer that are suited to entering the childcare industry. To find courses and training colleges you can simply search under the course titles e.gCertificate III Early Childhood Education and Care or Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or more specifically in the region you are located so you can narrow down your search. For example ‘Childcare Courses on the Gold Coast’ or ‘Childcare Training on the Gold Coast’.
For the majority of these colleges your search will reveal; there are two key childcare courses.
These are CHC30113 Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care; and the CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
With the completion of the CHC30113: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification, you’ll be able to work in a range of early childhood education settings as an early childhood educator. This is the minimum qualification you must hold to work in the industry. Depending on the location, you’ll work under direct supervision or autonomously, providing direct care and creating activities and plans to support learning and development. As part of this qualification, you’ll be required to complete a minimum of 120 hours of real-world professional experience at a Children’s Services setting.
The CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification allows you to work in a leadership or management position supervising others, or own or operate your own centre, depending on the state. You’re also able to plan and implement programs early childhood centre programs. As part of this qualification, you’ll be required to complete a minimum of 240 hours of real-world professional experience at a Children’s Services setting.
LIKELY JOB OUTCOMES
The early childhood industry is large, and there are multiple career paths available. Currently in Australia there is demand for qualified staff. By enrolling and starting your journey with the CHC30113: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification, you can work in a long day centre, after school care, be a nanny to an individual family, or provide early childhood services through government and private agencies.
The CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification is for advancing your career in the childcare industry, notably aspiring to become a Centre Manager or Director.