Could OSHC be the answer to the workplace flexibility you’re looking for?

Professionals from both inside and outside the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector are considering outside school hours care (OSHC) more deeply in a bid to seek a role which offers flexibility and more freedom while still working with children and families and watching them develop. 

Before and after school care shifts are typically 7am – 9 am and then 2:30pm – 6pm, leaving time in the middle of the day to shop, exercise, study, attend to and support aging family members, volunteer at children’s schools and many other opportunities. 

Vacation care – which runs during the school holiday period – not only offers OSHC employees the chance to work part time shifts, attend exciting community outings, and live out a “work/life” balance dream. 

Play based environments 

Just like early childhood settings, OSHC settings have an emphasis on play based learning, and on educators creating relationships with children and families. 

Children’s interests drive the program, from STEM based learning through to the creative arts and craft based activities, and often programs will have opportunities for the children to be involved in choosing community outings, or those who will come and visit the program. 

What do OSHC educators do all day? 

There are a number of different aspects to an OSHC educator’s role including: 

• Developing and delivering a diverse range of activities such as arts, crafts, science, sport and drama based on children’s interests.
• Collaborating with the team to innovate experiences to promote children’s wellbeing and overall growth
• Developing strong relationships with children, families and caregivers.

Who should come and work in OSHC? 

• People who have a genuine interest in working with children 
• Those who are studying and need to fit work in around study commitments 
• Those who are returning to work and need to balance caring responsibilities 
• Someone who is working in a more senior ECEC position – such as a Director – and who wants a role which has less responsibility

What qualities do OSHC educators need? 

Many of the qualities which make OSHC educators great also apply to those working in early childhood settings, including:

• Enthusiasm
• A good work ethic
• A sense of humour and a sense of fun
• Ability to develop a strong rapport and connect with primary school-aged children
• Qualifications don’t hurt (but not necessary for every role)

This story is based, in part, on information from Gowrie NSW. To read the original version of this post please see here.