So you want to work in childcare? There are many different types of childcare jobs available in Australia. Each career path has different educational requirements, responsibilities and remuneration levels and there is a great deal of flexibility in terms of full-time and casual roles. To help you understand the types of childcare available to you, we have listed nine of the more common positions.
Early Childhood Educators (ECE)
This role involves assessing the developmental needs of children, creating plans that address those needs and teaching children new things. They create a range of activities to help children develop both socially and intellectually. An early childhood educator’s job is most often involved with infants, toddlers and preschool aged children. They can work in a variety of locations including preschools, child care centres, kindergartens and some primary school classrooms.
Childcare Worker (Daycare workers)
This role involves caring for a group of children in a childcare centre or family daycare home. A childcare worker must monitor the children and ensure their safety. They often teach social skills to children and perform some pre-kindergarten readiness instruction. If they are looking after younger children, they will also have to change their nappies and give them their bottle. This is one of the most in-demand childcare jobs in Australia.
Centre Manager
They are ultimately responsible for the smooth operation of the childcare facility and the safety of the children. They will supervise childcare workers and early childhood educators, ensuring that they are caring for the children appropriately and remaining compliant with health and safety regulations. They can play a role in planning the childcare centre’s educational program and tracking the development of children. Generally Centre Managers start there careers as childcare workers and require at least a diploma level qualification with 5-10 years of experience working within a centre or daycare.
Office Administrator
Childcare centres require office administrators to handle any paperwork associated with running the business. The duties of an office administrator can vary but typically includes liaising with parents and ensuring their needs are met, enrolling children in the childcare facility, and developing policies for the childcare centre to ensure its smooth operation.
Out Of School Hours (OOSH) Assistant
An OOSH assistant will provide care for children before and after school. They usually work in a primary school or high school. The job of the OOSH assistant is to watch over the children and provide them with activities to perform, including games and educational tasks.
Teacher’s Aide
A teacher’s aide provides assistance to teachers in preschools, primary schools or high schools. They help prepare teaching materials and supervise the children.
Au Pair
An au pair is a childcare worker who lives with a family and looks after their children. They will tend to the children’s basic needs and may also tutor them. Some au pair roles involve cooking and cleaning duties. The hours that an au pair works can vary greatly depending on the requirements of the employer. In return for their time, the au pair receives a small salary, accommodation and food.
Traditionally, this role is performed by young workers who are traveling overseas. Many Australian childcare workers get to explore the world while working as an au pair. Talented and experienced au pairs are highly sought after and can easily obtain work all over the world.
Babysitter
A babysitter temporarily cares for children while their parents or guardians are away. This is typically a short-term role with the babysitter simply ensuring the children are well fed and cared for.
Nanny
A nanny is employed to look after a child in their home. A nanny is similar to a babysitter but usually spends more hours with the children and is more involved in their lives. They are typically more experienced and qualified than a babysitter or au pair. They also work longer hours and receive higher remuneration. Skilled nannies are in high demand and can find employment anywhere in the world.
So now you have an idea of the different childcare jobs available to you. To find a vacancy start your search here
