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A Childcare Assistant cares for young children in a group setting such as a childcare centre or an educational program. You might also work in a home care environment, occasional care or in another setting such as a health care facility. You’ll work with other child carer team members to provide various activities for children, assist them with eating and toileting routines and manage their behaviour. Childcare Assistants also help children to develop their social and communication skills.
To be a Childcare Assistant you need to be flexible and able to work with children from a range of backgrounds. You’ll need to be patient and able to communicate with very young children. It’s important that you are willing to undertake toileting and hygiene activities with children and can keep up with the busy routines of a child care environment.
There are 3 courses available for people who want to become a Childcare Assistant.
Possible job outcomes:
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is for students seeking roles in a range of early childhood education settings, working within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. Students gain a range of knowledge and skills including caring for children, developing relationships with babies and toddlers, keeping children safe as well as supporting children’s play and learning..
Average duration: 12 months.
A CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care will suit students desiring careers as early childhood educators responsible for designing and implementing curriculum. They work to implement an approved learning framework within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. Students will learn how to work in partnership with families to provide appropriate education and care for children, nurture creativity in children as well as implement strategies for the inclusion of all children..
Average duration: 18 months.
The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care) is for students seeking roles in the home environment of Family Day Care or as part of a larger team in a more structured educational setting, working within the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard. Students gain a range of knowledge and skills including caring for children, developing relationships with babies and toddlers, keeping children safe as well as supporting children’s play and learning..
In Australia, a full time Childcare Assistant generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working as a Childcare Assistant has grown strongly and there are now 96,300 people in this role (this has increased from 80,500 five years ago). Childcare Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
To become a Childcare Assistant, consider the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This course covers a range of topics including caring for children, developing relationships with babies and toddlers, keeping children safe and supporting children’s play and learning.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within early childhood education. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Early Childhood Education
Childcare Assistant
$960 weekly pay
Early Childhood Educator
$1,050 weekly pay
Nanny
Room Assistant
Early Childhood Teacher
$1,150 weekly pay
Family Day Care Educator
$1,200 weekly pay
Kindergarten Teacher
Lead Educator
Primary School Teacher
$1,340 weekly pay
Childcare Centre Manager
$1,600 weekly pay
Childcare Director
$1,700 weekly pay
Service Director
$1,630 weekly pay
Learn more about Childcare Assistant courses in your area.