about

Have you been thinking of a career in childcare? Well, if you’d like to pursue work in one of the many childcare jobs available today, providing the highest level of care and supervision to children in either residential homes and/or non-residential childcare centres, here is everything you need to know about this exciting and rewarding profession. Working in the childcare field is a great place for a caring and responsible professional to make their mark in children’s lives - and with the right training institute, study, teaching and experience behind you, you can be successful in any of the vast childcare jobs available.

What Skills Are Required To Work In Childcare?

Of course every job is different and different skills are required for different areas of work. For childcare workers, a range of skills and qualities are needed in order to succeed in the profession. These skills and qualities include:

  • Communication skills – Childcare workers need to be able to talk with parents and colleagues about the progress of the children in their care. They need both good speaking skills to provide this information effectively and good listening skills to understand parents’ instructions.
  • Decision-making skills – Childcare workers must have good judgement so that they can respond to emergencies or difficult situations.
  • Instructional skills – Childcare workers must be able to explain things in terms that young children can comprehend.
  • Interpersonal skills – Childcare workers need to be able to work well with others to develop good relationships with parents, children, and other workers.
  • Patience – Childcare workers require patience, working with children can be frustrating, so workers need to be able to respond to overwhelming and difficult situations calmly.
  • Physical Stamina – Working with children can be very physically demanding, so childcare workers should be quite physically fit and energetic.
What Courses Will Qualify Me For Work In The Childcare Field?

Childcare workers in Australia will need to complete, at minimum, a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. However, if you wish to take on a coordinator or manager role in a childcare facility or similar, you will need to complete a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. KAL Training offers direct entry into a Diploma qualification, no Certificate III necessary, which is excellent as it shortens your required duration of study.

As standard procedure, employers will also need you to complete rigorous background checks, such as a ‘Working With Children’ check and a criminal record check. A First Aid Certificate will also likely be essential to gain employment. Depending on your workplace, you may also need to register with the Department of Human Services.

What Are The Salary Expectations Working In The Childcare Field?

According to Job Outlook, a Childcare/Day Care Worker’s average annual salary is $49,556. Childcare workers in Australia earn an average of $800 per week at full-time hours. Part-time childcare workers can expect to earn $614 per week within Australia. However, salaries vary depending on where you’re located, your education level, and level of current job experience. It’s also worth noting that this field of work has a very strong future growth rate.

Are You Ready To Take The Next Step Towards A Rewarding Career In Childcare?

If you’re passionate about children's education, their wellbeing and development, managing children's behaviour and have been wanting to change jobs or embark on a new career within the childcare industry, KAL Training can help you. Be sure to call 1800-244-438 today and set up a consultation with one of KAL Training’s experts. Catch that dream career you’ve been chasing with KAL Training!