Child Care Jobs | The Sector
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Child Care Jobs

Are you seeking rewarding child care jobs in Australia? Look no further than The Sector Jobs, an exclusive job board catering to the early learning and child care sector. 

Discover a diverse array of opportunities in long day care, outside school hours care, family day care, kindergartens, and pre-schools.

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Child Care Jobs

The child care sector is experiencing a surge in popularity as more individuals recognise the invaluable service provided by child care jobs to the community.

These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in nurturing children, ensuring their safety, and facilitating their holistic development in a stimulating environment that fosters joy, learning, and exploration.

The demand for child care jobs, including teachers, is robust, offering excellent prospects for those passionate about early learning and child care jobs.

Four reasons to choose child care jobs as a career in early childhood education and childcare

1

Making a positive impact

Working with children in child care jobs is a fulfilling and enjoyable calling. It provides educators with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children they care for and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
2

Every day brings something new

Children are in a constant state of growth and development, making each day in child care jobs unique and full of new experiences. This dynamic nature ensures that educators are constantly faced with fresh challenges and opportunities, creating a varied and exciting journey for both the children and the educators themselves.
3

Collaboration with colleagues

Child care jobs professionals work as part of teams, both at the room level and within the entire service. This collaborative environment offers ample opportunities to forge connections, make new friends, and learn from a diverse pool of experiences. Unlike desk-bound roles, working in child care jobs provides a supportive and engaging community.
4

Personal and professional growth

Recent years have witnessed significant improvements in child care job pay, working conditions, and professional learning opportunities provided by early learning and child care providers. These advancements offer child care professionals the chance to grow both personally and professionally, laying a solid foundation for their long-term career development.

Where are the opportunities for child care jobs in the early learning sector?

Long day care

LDC is the primary employer in the child care jobs sector in Australia, with over 8,500 centres currently in operation. These centres, either independently run or part of larger groups, provide care and education for children from 3 months old to the year before school. Teachers and educators play a crucial role in delivering quality education and child care in these centres, which may also offer traineeships and work experience opportunities.

Family day care

Family day care child care jobs involve caring for children in the homes of registered and qualified educators, creating a more home-like environment. It offers flexibility and personalised care options, making it a popular choice among parents. Working in family day care allows professionals to have a significant impact in child care jobs focusing on development while enjoying the benefits of a work environment based in a home setting.

Outside school hours care

OSHC child care jobs cater to the needs of school-aged children outside regular school hours. It includes programs such as before-school care, after-school care, and vacation care. Working in OSHC enables individuals to contribute to the educational and recreational needs of children, making a positive impact on their lives while supporting working families.

Kindergarten / preschool

Preschool child care jobs, also known as kindergarten, are another important early childhood education setting that prepares children for formal schooling. It focuses on school readiness and provides a curriculum tailored to meet the developmental needs of young children. Preschool programs are typically led by early childhood teachers and supported by educators who play a crucial role in facilitating learning and child development.

Child care jobs qualifications

1. Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)

This entry-level qualification provides foundational knowledge and skills for working in the childcare sector. It covers topics like child development, health and safety, supporting children’s play and learning, and working in a team. Certificate III holders typically work as assistant educators under the supervision of higher-level professionals.

2. Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121)

The Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care is an advanced qualification that builds upon the knowledge gained in the Certificate III. It explores early childhood development in greater depth and covers areas such as curriculum planning, assessment, and leadership in early childhood settings. Diploma holders are qualified to work as lead educators or room leaders.

3. A Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)

These undergraduate degree programs provide comprehensive training specifically focused on early childhood education. They equip individuals with the skills to create developmentally appropriate learning experiences, design curriculum, implement effective teaching strategies, assess children’s progress, and support overall growth and development. 

4. Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care

This qualification is specifically relevant for child care jobs in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) settings. It focuses on the unique needs and developmental stages of school-aged children. The curriculum covers areas such as child development, programming and planning, behaviour management, health and safety, and supporting children’s social and emotional well-being in the OSHC context.

Pay rates for child care jobs

Pay rates for child care jobs in Australia are typically determined by the Modern Award, which sets the minimum standards for wages in the industry. Pay rates can vary based on factors such as qualifications, experience, and additional responsibilities.

  • Certificate III qualified educators can get hourly rates ranging from $24.38 to $26.42
  • Diploma qualified educators may get hourly rates between $26.42 to $30.05
  • Qualified teachers can get salaries ranging from $35 to $45 per hour

To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding pay rates for child care jobs, it is recommended to check the Fair Work website or consult relevant industry sources for the latest information.

How to find child care jobs

Child care jobs boards

Websites dedicated specifically to child care jobs, such as The Sector Jobs, provide a focused platform for job seekers to connect with employers in the sector. These platforms often feature job listings from reputable childcare centres and provide a convenient way to search and apply for relevant positions.

Local child care centres

Your local community is likely to have child care centres, preschools, kindergartens, family day care, and outside school hours care services. Visiting these centres in person and inquiring about child care jobs vacancies can be an effective way to find opportunities nearby. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and express your interest in joining their team.

TAFE, RTO, or university career counselors

Educational institutions such as TAFE, RTOs, or universities often have career counselors who can provide guidance and support in securing child care jobs placements or permanent positions. They can provide you with valuable contacts and information about available opportunities.

Personal and Professional Networks

Utilise your personal and professional networks to tap into connections within the early childhood education and childcare field. Reach out to friends, family members, or acquaintances who may have connections or work in the sector. They might be able to provide introductions or recommendations to centres or organisations with child care jobs vacancies.