Careers in Childcare at Holroyd Council

Have you ever wanted the satisfaction of working with children and watching them learn and grow? There are numerous options beginning from Child Care Helper to becoming a Centre Director. Check for current vacancies.

Becoming a Helper, Assistant or Worker

To become a Child Care Helper, Child Care Assistant, Child Care Worker or OOSH Worker you may simply apply to the various jobs advertised by Holroyd City Council. In addition, volunteering at a centre or completing a work experience block to gain some practical experience may open windows of opportunity and provide you with some desirable background knowledge to assist in the day to day care of the children. Speak to your careers advisor at school or contact a centre from the attached list to negotiate volunteering or work experience.

Council also offers traineeships in children’s services which you would gain as part of your traineeship; however you may wish to complete a Certificate III at an institution of your choice.

For a Child Care Worker it is desirable to hold a Certificate III in Children’s Services.

Becoming a Child Development Worker

Becoming a trained Child Development Worker can offer many career opportunities. This role has the potential to offer the suitable candidate as an Assistant Director or even Centre Director.

To be a qualified Child Development Worker a Diploma in Community Services (Children’s Services) recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is essential.

There are a number of colleges available which provide recognised qualifications such as TAFE or other colleges such as the Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies and the National Institute of Early Childhood (NIECE) to name a few. Upon completion you will be a Diploma trained Child Development Worker.

Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher

Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher requires a degree from a recognised university or an approved organisation. The degree is a minimum of three years full time study, however most universities offer students off campus study (correspondence) where modules are delivered to your door allowing you to complete set tasks in your own time. Practicum is compulsory; however some universities permit you to complete your practicum at your current workplace.

On campus study is also available and you can enter as a school leaver in conjunction with the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) into a Bachelor degree such as Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at Macquarie University. You can also be granted advance standing on completion of your Diploma in Community Services (Children’s Services) into the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Child & Family) at the University of Western Sydney.

With a degree in Early Childhood Education you will be employed as a trained Teacher in an early childhood setting i.e. Preschool or Long Day Care, or a Teacher in a Primary School. The early childhood profession can offer many advantageous opportunities for Early Childhood Teachers (ECT) such as becoming Authorised Supervisor of a Child Care Centre, Assistant Director or Centre Director.

Other Jobs

Family Day Care Child Development Officer - Holroyd City Council also offers Family Day Care as part of Children Services. As a Family Day Care Child Development Officer you would recruit and support carers to look after children. The aim of the service is to provide a quality home based services whilst adhering to regulations of NSW and the Department of Community Services (DoCS), including the policies and procedures outlined by Holroyd Council.

Play Session Leader - Play session is available three times a week which are attended by Councils trained staff and a wide variety of developmental and stimulating experiences are offered to children.

Family Day Care Coordinator - Becoming a FDC is one option you may like to pursue as a career; Holroyd City Council offers the opportunity for suitable candidates to join the Family Day Care program.

Reap the benefits of working for Holroyd City Council:

9 night day fortnight
Study assistance
Merit based promotion
Career paths
Apprenticeships/ traineeships
Active social club
Lease back vehicles for some positions
Multicultural staff
Work closely with the community
Committed to excellence
Transfer of between jobs and other Councils
Job flexibility and mobility promotions/ transfers between jobs and other Councils.
Employee assistance program
Project management opportunities
Corporate fitness and wellness program

Advacement opportunitites:

Scenarios

Lisa is currently in year ten and really wants to work in the field of early childhood education. She is planning on leaving school on completion of her Higher School Certificate (HSC) to pursue a career in early childhood.
Where to from here?
As Lisa is 16 years old she is not yet old enough to be an early childhood employee, however she may elect ‘early childhood’ during her final two years of schooling. This will provide her with general background child development knowledge and will assist her application into to TAFE if she wishes to study further. However if she wishes to work after completing school she must be at least 18 years to be a childcare employee. If she has not turned 18 yet Lisa may work as a volunteer in an early childhood setting and then seek employment after she is 18.
Christopher has just finished his HSC and wishes to study further in the field of Early Childhood Education as a Teacher. He has applied as a school leaver through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) however on this occasion was unsuccessful. What are his options to become an Early Childhood Teacher?
Where to from here?
Christopher has the opportunity to apply to TAFE in the Certificate III in Children’s Services and then continue into the Diploma of Community Services (Children’s Services) or just apply directly for the Diploma. He could also choose another institute or college where the Diploma is offered. On completion of his Diploma Christopher then could apply through UAC and be offered a position into a Bachelor course with advanced standing, which means the duration of his Bachelor will be reduced because of the knowledge acquired through the Diploma.

Tertiary Education Information

Department of Community Services - This is the Department of Community Services (DoCs) website. You can find information about children services including documents such as the NSW Curriculum Frameworks for Children’s Services and other relevant documents that are utilised in services and information on child protection.
TAFE NSW - This TAFE website provides details on available courses, descriptions, how to apply, career opportunities, course locations, course contents and many more. This website can provide you with detailed information about the units if undertaking the Certificate III in Children’s Services or the Diploma in Community Services (Children’s Services).
University of Western Sydney - This website contains information listed in the College of Arts/ School of Education at the University of Western Sydney about the various education courses on offer. The websites states the number of years required to obtain a degree, and the various teaching/ education degrees on offer. This website also provides beneficial information on study options, campuses, fees and course structures.
Macquarie University - This website will provide you with details on the courses and degrees on offer at the Macquarie University Sydney. It also outlines useful information on study patterns, requirements, undergraduate and postgraduate Early Childhood degrees including the settings in which you are eligible to work in.
Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies - This website ‘the Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies’ provides specialised training in Early Childhood and details course descriptions, school based trainees, vocational placements, and international students. It outlines career pathways, recognition of prior learning and online training is available.