Stepping into childcare with online childcare courses
Childcare workers are trained to look after young children and infants. They are responsible for children’s physical needs but also their emotional and developmental needs. Childcare work settings are varied and can include after school care centres, outside school hours care (OHSC), teachers aids, early learning centres, long day care centres, pre-schools and home daycare situations.
Benefits of online childcare courses
Each of these settings places a slightly different emphasis on individual elements of the job but, across Australia, all childcare workers are subject to specific qualification requirements.
- For centre-based services in all Australian states and territories childcare workers must hold (or be actively working towards) an approved Certificate III qualification (this qualification can be the result of one of the available online childcare courses)
- For family day care services in all states and territories (with transitional provisions in SA) family day care educators must hold (or be actively working towards) an approved Certificate III level education and care qualification (this qualification can be the result of one of the available online childcare courses)
It is the ‘actively working towards’ element of these regulations that makes online childcare courses so appealing. Whilst traditional training courses do have a limited workplace element to them, the commitment required to complete them can make it difficult to also find the time for regular work with children.
However, it is more than possible to work in a childcare setting whilst you study on an online childcare course, because online courses offer flexibility in hours and costs that traditional courses cannot.
If, for example, you were to sign up to our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) and could demonstrate that you were actively pursuing this qualification, you would be free to apply for work in either a centre-based or family day care setting.
The great thing about combining one of our online childcare courses with work in a childcare setting is that it is a flexible enough approach to suit anyone who is interested in working with children.
Whether you are a busy parent who would love to carry your parenting experience into the workplace or a school leaver who has babysitting experience and is considering a childcare career, an online childcare course offers the flexibility that you need.
Childcare course durations and costs
As with all training there is a cost involved with online childcare courses, but it is important to look at these costs in perspective against the benefits that a career in childcare can offer. Not only will you be embarking (or continuing) on one of the most rewarding career paths out there, you will also be entering (or continuing) a profession that has a predicted future growth of ‘very strong’ (according to the government’s Job Outlook statistics).
With more and more Australian families seeking a double income, excellent childcare is in demand and, whilst the average weekly wage of a childcare worker is relatively low, unemployment is only average and the opportunities for promotion to supervisor or manager level are high (especially if you consider a Diploma level course such as our Diploma of Early Childhood Education CHC50113).
Online Childcare Courses with Upskilled – Costs*
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30113
Total course cost: $4,450
Up front payment saving: $670
zipMoney flexible payment options: available (just $43 a week)**
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50113
Total course cost: $5,950
Up front payment saving: $890
zipMoney flexible payment options: available (just $57 a week)**
* Please note course costs are subject to change
** Terms and conditions apply.
Childcare course outcomes
Whether you are taking the first steps in a career in early learning or interested in furthering your learning and moving into more of a supervisory or managerial role, online childcare courses are a great idea for you.
Our course units cover the important developmental theories associated with early childhood education, they teach students how to be responsible for the health and safety of children and they help with strategies to promote creativity, learning and good behaviour.
Online Childcare Courses with Upskilled
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30113
Method of study: online childcare course
Start dates: whenever you are ready
Course structure: 18 units of competency
Example units: ‘ensure the health and safety of children’, ‘promote and provide healthy food and drinks’ and ‘provide care for babies and toddlers’
Job outcomes: work in early childhood education and care in a variety of settings
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50113
Method of study: online
Start dates: whenever you are ready
Course structure: 28 units of competency
Example units: ‘nurture creativity in children’, ‘provide leadership across the organisation’ and ‘build and sustain an innovative work environment’
Job outcomes: supervisory or management roles in a number of settings
Career opportunities
Completing an online childcare course can open up the door and allow you to step into a number of childhood education and care roles . With a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care you will be qualified to work under supervision in school care centres, long day care centres, pre-schools and home situations. With some experience, further study and the gaining of a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care you will find yourself a step up the career ladder and ready for supervisor or management positions.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30113
- Child Care Worker Supervises and cares for children in a variety of settings outside the home including, long day care centres, hospitals and educational centres.
- Outside School Hours Childcare Worker (OHSC) Provides the same, excellent level of care but in a program that runs outside usual school hours. This provision can be in the home or in an external childcare setting.
- Nanny Nannies are usually based in the home of the children being cared for. They generally work alongside parents to provide required supervision, care and support. Some domestic tasks and travel may also be part of this role.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50113
- Childcare Centre Manger Oversees the set up and implementation of childcare programs aimed at encouraging the required development of young children. Ensures compliance with regulations including those concerning health and safety and safeguarding. Oversees the day-to-day running of the centre.
- Children’s Service Coordinator Works in a team environment with community groups to better outcomes for children. This role would include the implementation and supervision of a number of support services including, counselling, play opportunities, parenting training and respite care as and when necessary.
Stepping into a career in childcare
If you have been thinking that stepping into a career in childcare is beyond you then think again. With the current availability of our online childcare courses, flexibility is the name of the game and fitting in study with your daily life has never been easier. Take that into account along with our range of payment options and you really have no excuse not to take that step into childcare today. Get in touch with our team to find out exactly which qualification suits you and when you can start!
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