HOW DO I BEGIN A CAREER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD?
EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAINEESHIP
An Early Childhood traineeship enables you to work within the early childhood service and gain a qualification at the same time. There are two types of traineeships;
- a Certificate III traineeship (completed over 12 months)
- a Diploma traineeship (Completed over 2 years, must already possess a Certificate III)
CERTIFICATE III IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE
Certificate III is the minimum qualification required to gain employment in a children's service. This qualification is gained through TAFE or a registered training organisation.
Duration: Flexible delivery options including full and part time
DIPLOMA OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification prepares you to work in a range of early childhood settings with children up to five years of age.
The diploma qualifies you to supervise staff and volunteers and be equipped with necessary skills to plan, implement and manage programs in accordance with relevant legislation, standards and duty of care requirements.
This qualification is gained through TAFE or a registered training organisation.
Duration: Flexible delivery options including full and part time
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (EARLY CHILDHOOD)
A Bachelor or teaching degree is the course for higher-level roles in the Early Childhood sector and provides skills to integrate theoretical knowledge into practical education within the workplace. Early Childhood Teachers have the opportunity to lead the educational program and pedagogical practices as well as use skills in supporting welfare, ethics, diversity and social justice within their role. The knowledge and skills developed through this degree include management, leadership and advocacy. This means there are a range of roles and employment opportunities available within the early childhood sector with a teaching degree.
This qualification is gained through University, TAFE or a recognised Higher Level institution.
Duration: 3 or 4 years full time (flexible delivery options including part time dependent on institution)
CERTIFICATE IV IN SCHOOL AGE EDUCATION AND CARE
This qualification is specific to educators providing care to school age children during out of hours and vacation care.
Duration: 1 year
DIPLOMA OF SCHOOL AGE EDUCATION AND CARE
This qualification provides skills for a more senior role within school age programs. The Diploma of school age education and care leads to a career as lead educator in before and after school care programs, lead educator in vacation care/holiday programs, and lead roles in leisure/youth programs.
Duration: 18 months