4 benefits of work placement for childcare educators

Learning often involves more than theoretical teaching; it also includes hands-on experiences!

And that couldn’t be more true for students thinking about enrolling in our childcare courses in Melbourne.

You need work placement to help you gain the valuable work experience needed to put your new skills (acquired through theory!) into practice, and gain the experience required so you can thrive in the childcare industry.

You might think that theory without practice makes some types of learning redundant. And that’s because, many people, just like you, learn through doing.

This is why you need quality training in a real-life setting so you’ll have a deeper understanding of what early childcare is all about through first-hand experience.

This week, we’re sharing four important ways aspiring childcare professionals enhance their learning through work experience.

Skills First funding

Are you eligible for skills first funding? If you meet certain criteria, you can enrol in our free childcare courses! Contact our friendly team to find out more about eligibility.

What experience do you need to work at a daycare or childcare centre?

If you are currently enrolled or are considering enrolling in a childcare course, you will be required to complete a work placement as part of your studies.

Work placement is an exciting and challenging experience that helps you understand what it is like working in a childcare centre, seeing first-hand the types of situations you may find yourself in.

Here are four key reasons why you need to gain work experience in a childcare centre as part of your studies:

1. Helps you learn

Classroom learning will always introduce theories and concepts in child behaviour and education that will, no doubt, prepare you for your childcare career.

However, like we touched on above, placement is essential to develop capabilities and skills in a real-life childcare setting.

When you apply theories through first-hand experience, you’ll be able to assess what areas you need to improve in, and it gives you an insight as to how to better communicate with and guide children.

Work placement is also a fantastic opportunity to speak with seasoned childcare professionals. So now is the time to ask lots of questions! Whether it’s about activities, meal times, or centre policies, your workmates and supervisor will be happy to assist!

With placement, you can improve your knowledge about the childcare industry holistically.

2. Get to know what a typical childcare centre looks like

Immersing yourself in a childcare environment gives you a taste of what to expect before you officially start your career.

Through placement, you’ll be able to acquaint yourself with the environment where kids spend a lot of their time. This can include playrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, and outdoor play areas.

You will also be able to see firsthand security policies put into place when it comes to drop off and pick up, as well as COVID-safe practices to protect staff, children, and their families.

3. Bolsters your employability

Impress future employees by telling them all the skills you gained through your practical work placement.

From self-reliance, problem solving, and communication skills, to teamwork and self-esteem, there are so many valuable skills to be learnt during your placement.

It’s no wonder it can boost your employability!

In many cases, students are offered permanent positions at the centre in which they attended work placement.

And even in cases where you are not offered a permanent role, your placement centre is a fantastic starting point for finding contacts in the industry.

Your centre manager might be able to put you into contact with other centres, and can also act as a reference during your job search.

4. Boosts your confidence

With a lot of competition among childcare educators, you need to be competent and confident in your skills and abilities once you start applying for jobs.

Work placement is an attractive feature of your resume that tells potential employers you not only have the hard skills, but also the soft skills to confidently work in this dynamic industry.

What qualifications do you need to run a childcare centre?

These are the three fundamental steps you need to take in order to start working in your dream career:

1. Complete a childcare course

Studying childcare courses is the first step in becoming a certified and qualified childcare worker.

The minimum certification required to work in a childcare centre in Australia is the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

If you want to run your own facility, you can advance your learnings with the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (which includes the Certificate III).

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) helps you learn the foundations of a child’s holistic development.

Learn the basics of early childhood care for babies and toddlers and provide a healthy and safe environment for children to thrive.

The Certificate III in Early Childhood will help you gain expertise and knowledge in:

Understanding how to develop positive, meaningful relationships with children
Supporting behaviour of children and young people
Ensuring the health and safety of children
Helping children develop fine and gross motor skills

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)

Take your career to the next level: discover how to lead a team of childcare educators, the accreditation processes, licensing requirements, and leadership knowledge when you undertake the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

This course also helps future childcare trainers to:

Use approved learning frameworks to guide practice
Design and implement a curriculum for children’s learning and development
Reflect and improve your own professional practice

2. Complete work experience in an accredited childcare facility

To become a certified childcare worker, you need to gain in-house training.

You can start by finding roles in registered training organisations (RTOs) or large childcare centres.

In addition to your placement, you will also need to complete or achieve:

First Aid qualification
Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Police check
Anaphylaxis and Asthma training

3. Get approved by your state’s regulatory authority

Before you start working, you need to be provider approved by your state or territory’s regulatory authority.

For example in Victoria, you must register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. For more information visit the ACECQA website.

This is an essential process that will oversee your educational background and criminal history, so they can know if you meet the regulations and requirements to work in a licensed childcare facility.

If you run or manage your own centre, you will also need to provide details such as the type of services that you will provide, your insurance policies, permits, and other procedures.