Shazamme Blog

How to Become a Primary or Secondary School Teacher in Australia

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:52:54 GMT

If you’re thinking about becoming a primary or secondary school teacher in Australia or helping others transition into those roles - this guide walks you through everything you need: from qualifications and accreditation, to what schools expect and how to get your first teaching job.

What qualifications do you need to teach in schools

To be eligible to teach in Australia, you need a recognised initial teacher education (ITE) qualification from an accredited provider. Common qualification paths include:

A 4‑year teaching degree (e.g. Bachelor of Education)
A combined degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education)
Or an undergraduate degree in another discipline (e.g. Science, Arts) PLUS a recognised postgraduate teaching qualification (e.g. Master of Teaching / Graduate Diploma) often used by people changing careers

Primary VS Secondary - What's the difference?

Primary teaching: The course should prepare you broadly because primary school teachers usually cover many subject areas (English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Arts, PD/HPE, etc.).

Secondary teaching: You need subject‑specific depth, meaning your undergraduate (or prior) study must provide sufficient content knowledge in the subject(s) you intend to teach (e.g. Mathematics, Science, English, Languages, Humanities).

Registering as a teacher

Teacher registration/licensing is managed at the state/territory level, after finishing your qualification you must register with the relevant authority before you can work in a school.

Here’s a breakdown for each region -

What schools look for

While meeting ITE and registration requirements is fundamental, schools also care about other qualities. Common expectations include:

Strong subject‑knowledge
Good classroom‑management skills, student engagement ability, and adaptability
Professionalism, commitment to ongoing professional development and compliance with child‑safety and regulatory standards (e.g. registration, WWCC)
Flexibility - being able to teach multiple subjects (especially at primary level), or being open to varied school contexts (public, private, different student demographics).
Alignment with the national teaching standards which guide quality teaching practice across Australia.

Ready to take the next step?

Becoming a primary or secondary school teacher in Australia is a rewarding path. With the right qualification, accreditation, and understanding of what schools expect, you can position yourself as a strong candidate in any state or territory.

At Expect a Star, we work with schools across Australia and support candidates through every step - from qualifications and registration, to matching you with a role that fits your skills, passions and location.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your background, preferred teaching level (primary or secondary) and we’ll help you start your teaching journey.

Tips for crafting a cover letter and resume that shine

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:06:40 GMT

Alright, early childhood job hunters, let's dive into crafting a cover letter and resume, because first impressions matter and you want to stand out from the crowd! Your cover letter is the first thing that'll make employers want to know more about you. It acts as a self-introduction to the position you’re applying for so it needs to cover your strengths and highlight why they should choose you for the position available.

So, how do you make it pop? Here we’ve pulled together some tips to turn your application into a spotlight-stealer.

Mastering the cover letter

Details matter: Before you hit send, make sure you've got the basics right. Check (and double-check) the recipient's details (including their title) and of course, make sure you’ve included your own contact info.

Relevance is key: Tailor your cover letter for the specific job. Focus on highlighting your skills and experiences that match the position. Also, ditch anything generic, make sure you tailor each cover letter to suit the job you’re applying for.

Keep it snappy: Keep your cover letter to one page or a couple of paragraphs if it's an email. Short, sharp and to the point!

Grammar guru: Proofread like your job depends on it – because it kind of does!

Crafting the resume

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for writing a resume, but we’ve got some key areas that need to be nailed down. It needs to be clear, concise and up-to-date, and it’s worthwhile tailoring it a little for the position you’re going for.

Employers will pay particular attention to your first page, so make sure it looks polished! Make it shine with your career summary, objectives, and skills.

Summarise: Start with a career summary that covers your experience, skills and what makes you stand out from the crowd in a few impactful sentences.

List it out: Detail your career history (in chronological order) identifying the employer, position held, duration of employment and key responsibilities. Add your quals and education background as well, including the institution, degree and graduation date.

Simplicity wins: Keep it short and sweet, stick to the essentials. Aim for a one-to-two page resume that succinctly highlights your key quals and achievements. Graphics and fonts might be fun, however, employers are here for the info. Bonus points – quantify your accomplishments by focusing on key metrics that highlight your skills and experience.

In the spotlight: Add a section dedicated to showing off your skills. This quick snapshot gives employers a birds eye view of what they’re looking for.

The extras: Don't forget to attach any academic certificates or references you mention.

Tip-top attention to detail: Get a second set of eyes on your masterpiece. Ask a friend to check spelling errors and give you the thumbs up on layout.

There you have it, your ticket to creating a cover letter and resume combo that'll have employers wanting you to be a star in their team. Good luck out there!

A Guide to Working in Out of School Hours (OSHC) and Qualifications Needed

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:06:38 GMT

If you're considering work as an Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) educator, here's a rundown of the key information about this role including qualifications, requirements and skills that will help you navigate the path ahead.

What is OSHC?

You may have heard of Out of School Hours Care (OSHC), a before and after school care service, as well as during school holidays, to provide care for school-aged children. OSHC is typically attached to almost every school and helps families balance both work and childcare. It’s also a place where children can have fun with activities, get help with their homework and make friends, all while their parents are at work.

Roles and qualifications required for OSHC educators

There are no national qualification requirements for an OSHC educator at centre-based services educating and caring for children who are over preschool age, which in this case is OSHC. State and territory qualification requirements (if applicable) continue to apply. These requirements usually depend on the number of children attending the services as well as the ratio of teacher to child requirements.

The ACECQA is your go-to for the approved OSHC qualifications list for these states and territories.

Mandatory checks and requirements

Whilst there may be no national qualification required, Australia prioritises the safety and well-being of children. This means al l OSHC educators must undergo a few common checks, including:

Working with children check : A clearance to make sure you're suitable for working with children.
First aid and CPR certification: A valid first aid certificate, including CPR.

Handy skills and attributes

There are some skills and attributes that will position you to excel as an OSHC educator . While qualifications, checks and requirements are crucial, a genuine enjoyment for working with children is a must. Other key skills include:

Communication: Clear and effective communication makes interacting with both children and parents easier
Patience: Working with a wide range of age groups and personalities means a patient and understanding approach
Creativity: Coming up with engaging activities and programs to stimulate the development of children regularly
Adaptabilit y : OSHC educators often need to adapt while on the go to various environments and situations

In a role as an OSHC educator, you'll typically:

Plan activities: Spark your inner creativity with prepping material and activities that strike the balance between being educational but also fun
Supervise: Monitor children through activities, daily routine and hygiene.
Foster positive connections: Build relationships with children, families and staff that make a lasting impact

By having the right qualifications, meeting the must-have requirements, and nailing the key skills and attributes, you'll be well-prepared to work as an OSHC educator.

Find OSHC educator jobs

Why OSHC? It’s a dynamic and rewarding environment, impacting children’s development. Explore job opportunities in OSHC that align with your dedication to childcare and education. Filter before and after school care jobs based on location, qualifications and experience to suit your needs, skills and expertise.

Nailing Your Interview: Tips and Techniques

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:28:25 GMT

You've got your sights set on a dream job in the early childhood sector, and you’ve landed an interview - don't worry, we've got your back! Here are some tips and tricks to make a lasting impression at your interview. We’ve broken this article down into more general tips as well as some early childhood specific questions.

The more general tips

Research the company: Stand out from the crowd by familiarising yourself with the centre, get a general and broad lowdown of the services offered, culture and philosophy they adopt.

Understand the job: Dig a little deeper for some role-specific info to get some insight into the context of the interview. Identify the key skills and quals needed for the role so you can tailor your responses accordingly. Craft some questions that showcase that you’re eager and you’ve done your homework.

Practice makes perfect: Anticipate the questions you might get asked and practice your responses. That way you can articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently in the interview.

First impressions count: Remember, you've only got one shot at a first impression, so let's make it count. Arrive 10 mins early, dressed appropriately for the role. When you meet the interviewer, greet them politely, using the right title – it's the little things that add up and make a big impact.

Listening is key: During the interview, stay composed, listen to the questions and answer them with confidence, directly and to the point. If you didn’t hear the question in full, don't hesitate to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. Oh and body language matters – sit up straight, maintain eye contact and let your confidence shine, even if the interview feels like it’s not going well.

Ask questions: When the spotlight's on you to ask questions, this is your moment to be a star. Ask smart, critical questions that show you’re interested in the centre and you’ve done your research. Always thank everyone for their time and exit like the superstar you are.

Be positive: Be your confident, positive self during the interview - good energy can leave a lasting impression.

Some early childhood specific questions

Here are some common questions you may encounter during your interview and can prepare for ahead of time. Remember, this is your time to shine and share your expertise confidently.

How would you handle a crying child?

What the interviewer’s after: They’re curious about your approach to observing and communicating with individual children. They want to know more about how you uncover why a child is crying. Maybe they’re angry at another child, hungry or just in need of some attention.
How you can share: Your ability to understand the child’s needs and showcase problem-solving skills is key.

Talk to me about a current education issue

What the interviewer’s after: The early childhood education field is always evolving. Your potential employer wants to gauge how well you stay informed about relevant issues as well as understand your teaching perspective.
How you can share: There is no right or wrong answer; it’s about expressing your opinion. A smart move is to prepare by reading articles related to the age group you’ll be teaching, ensure you’re well versed in the pros and cons of different viewpoints.

What’s your opinion on technology in the classroom?

What the interviewer’s after: Technology is everywhere. The interviewer is interested in how you incorporate it into your classroom for optimal outcomes and educational purposes.
How you can share: For example, you might be using technology to encourage visual learning and imagination or maybe you’re using it for research-based experiences, they want to know how you’re using technology to enhance children’s learning more analytically.

Think of each interview as a stepping stone in your job hunt journey. It’s a learning experience so take the time afterward to reflect on how it went, pick up some lessons and lift your game plan for the next one.

Once the interview’s done, don't be a stranger. Reach out to Expect A Star and spill the beans on how it went, share any thoughts about the role or concerns you may have. We're here to support and guide you every step of the way. Let's make that dream job yours, good luck!

Navigating Early Childhood Regulations and Authorities

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:28:24 GMT

Starting a career in early childhood? Exciting! To get you on the right track, let's break down the essential info about the various rules and regulations for each state and territory in Australia.

State regulations

Every state has its own sets of rules, however, everyone needs to hold or be working towards their Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. If your qualification was gained outside of Australia, you’ll need to have it approved by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

To join the Expect A Star team, ensure you have the necessary documents based on your state. You might be wondering, who is the regulatory authority in childcare ? We’ve simplified a checklist for you below.

South Australia

Victoria

Western Australia

Working with children check

State regulatory authorities

Similar to the regulations, each state and territory has their own regulatory authorities. We’ve pulled together a list of who’s who in the early childhood world.

Early Childhood Teacher qualification: everything there is to know

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 01:51:25 GMT

Early Childhood Teachers work with young children in childcare, kindy, preschool or OSHC environments. Typically, they’ll work with children between two and five years old to foster their learning and facilitate the development of key skills for the future.

In this article, we’ll dive into the Early Childhood Teacher qualification , uncover the essentials of becoming an ECT in childcare , cover common tasks and duties as well as job opportunities this qualification presents.

How to become an Early Childhood Teacher

What exactly do you need to do to become an Early Childhood Teacher ? You’ll need to complete a degree in early childhood education which takes between three and four years of full time study which includes the prac teaching component as well.

There are a few options when it comes to the degree. You can either complete the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or Bachelor of Education (early Childhood and Primary). Alternatively, if you’ve already finished a bachelor degree in another discipline, you can complete a two-year Master or Teaching (Early Childhood) degree.

The prerequisites: what’s required?

The prerequisites for a degree in early childhood education can vary between tertiary institutions however they typically include a year 12 certificate (or its equivalent), with some courses needing specific subjects such as English or Maths. Additionally, a Working with Children Check ensures the safety of our young learners.

Hands on experience

Practical experience is a fundamental part of the degree in early childhood education. You'll be actively involved in placements from as early as your first year depending on where you study. These could be childcare centres, kindergartens or schools and gives you the perfect opportunity to hone your skills, build connections and learn more about the intricacies of being an early childhood educator.

Job opportunities

When you finish your degree in early childhood education you’ll be well equipped to work as a teacher in early learning centres, preschools and kindergartens. Some of the jobs you could work in with this qualification include:

Childhood education manager (director)
Second in charge (2IC)
Outside school hours coordinator
Family-Day Care Coordinator
Educational Leader
Team leader or room leader in a service

Already a registered teacher?

If you hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification, a teacher registration in Australia and an ACECQA approved certificate III level (or higher) early childhood education and care qualification from ACECQA's list of approved qualifications, you will be recognised as an ' equivalent Early Childhood Teacher '.

Early Childhood Teacher FAQs

What is ECT in childcare?

ECT in childcare refers to an Early Childhood Teacher. An Early Childhood Teacher is a qualified professional who has finished the relevant education and training in early childhood education.

What qualifications are required to become an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia?

To become an Early Childhood Teacher, a degree in early childhood education is needed. This could be a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or Bachelor of Education (early Childhood and Primary).

How long does it take to become a qualified Early Childhood Teacher?

To become an Early Childhood Teacher, it usually takes about three to four years to complete of study to finish your bachelor's degree. This includes any practical, hands-on experience that is required as part of the qualification.

Can I work as an Early Childhood Teacher internationally with an Australian qualification?

You can work as an Early Childhood Teacher internationally if you have a qualification from within Australia. Many countries recognise Australian early childhood education certifications creating many opportunities internationally.

Ratios of qualified staff in centre-based services

Read more about the standards for the number of early childhood qualified staff that must be available in centre-based services that look after children preschool age and younger at any given time.

Early Childhood Teacher Ratio Requirements Based on Attendance

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 01:34:46 GMT

Step into the world of early childhood education, where the National Quality Framework (NQF) has set the stage. They set the standards for the number of early childhood qualified staff required in centre-based services catering to children who are preschool age and younger at any given time. This approach guarantees an optimal learning experience for each child, fostering an environment where education thrives.

Centre-based services cover offerings such as long day care, preschools and kindergartens in most states and territories. Let’s delve into the essential details and the qualifications needed to shine in this field.

Diploma level educators

That is, people who have completed a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. They’re trained to work with Early Childhood Teachers (ECT), supporting the delivery of education. In centre-based services, at least 50% of educators must be diploma level qualified or higher or be actively working towards this qualification.

Certificate III level educators

In order to meet the relevant educator to child ratios, all other educators need to have or be actively working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care . This is where they learn the core skills such as how to plan, implement and evaluate early childhood education and programs as well as support healthy meal times and encourage individual development of children.

Early Childhood Teacher

In centre-based services, engaging with an Early Childhood Teacher is based on the number of children who are coming to their service.

Summary of ECT requirements

We’ve tailored the requirements of how much access to an ECT a centre requires based on the number of children attending at any given time.

Fewer than 25 children: 20% of the time.
25–59 children: Full-time or 6 hours per day (50+ hours) or 60% of the time (less than 50 hours).
60–80 children: Same as 25–59, with an additional requirement for a second ECT.
More than 80 children: Similar to 60–80, with an additional requirement for a second ECT.

Early childhood teacher registration requirements

Registration is not a requirement for early childhood teachers (ECTs) under the National Quality Framework (NQF) however it’s required under some state and territory legislation.

For a deeper dive into the qualifications for centre-based services with children preschool age or under, Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Qualifications Requirements

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:14:43 GMT

Progress your career in early childhood education and care with the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care , an advanced qualification to gain specialist skills and knowledge to work as an early childhood educator or service supervisor. It goes beyond the basics, providing you with a deeper understanding of the development of children, educational theories as well as effective leadership within an early childhood environment.

This childcare diploma is great for people who are already working within the early childhood space and keen to progress their career as an educator or even a service supervisor.

In this article, we’ve explored the key aspects of pursuing this diploma in childcare including what it covers, course requirements and prerequisites, career opportunities and educator to child ratio requirements.

What does the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care cover?

The diploma in childcare has a broad curriculum, delving into a broad range of topics such as:

Design, implement and evaluate early childhood programs in line with the approved learning frameworks and any regulatory requirements
Understanding the emotional, physical, cognitive and social needs of young children
Managing and leading a team of educators
Building rapport and connections with families, children and other staff members

Prerequisites for diploma in childcare

If you’re looking to enrol in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care you’ll likely need to:

Have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Working with children check or card (depending on the state or territory requirements)
Have work experience within the early childhood industry
Meet any additional entry criteria that is set by the tertiary institution

Hands on training

Most people studying the diploma in childcare will also need to complete 280 hours of placement within an approved childcare setting. This gives you the opportunity to gain practical, on-the-job practice with your new skillset, as well as industry exposure before you graduate with the childcare diploma .

What jobs can I work in with the diploma in early childhood ?

When you finish your diploma in early childhood , you’ll have a number of career opportunities, including:

Early childhood educator
Early childhood service supervisor
Childhood education manager (director)
Second in charge (2IC)
Outside school hours coordinator
Family-Day Care Coordinator
Team leader or room leader in a service

Diploma-level qualification requirements

Birth to preschool age

At least half of an early childhood staff needs to have a childcare diploma level of qualification or higher. This is to meet the relevant educator to child ratios. Read further about Qualifications for centre-based services with children preschool age or under.

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care FAQs

How long does it take to complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care ?

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care takes between one to two years to complete. This timeframe can vary depending on whether you take the course online or face-to-face as well as individual circumstances.

What are the entry requirements for the diploma in early childhood?

The prerequisites for the diploma in early childhood are holding a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or an equivalent qualification. Other requirements may include working with children check, experience in the industry and any other criteria set by the institution.

Assessment of equivalent early childhood educator qualifications

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:14:42 GMT

The National Quality Framework (NQF) lays out the minimum qualifications and the educator-to-child ratios for children’s education and care services. Here you’ll find information we’ve put together about the qualification requirements in different education and care settings.

If your early childhood qualifications are not on the approved NQF qualifications lists , or from overseas, you can have your qualifications assessed for equivalence by applying to the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

ACECQA will determine if you can work as one of the three types of early childhood educators under the NQF:

Early Childhood Teacher
Diploma level educator
Certificate III level educator

Applying for an assessment

The guidelines for the determination of equivalent qualifications explain the application process and the criteria that ACECQA will consider in deciding if qualifications are equivalent. The qualification requirements vary depending on whether you’re looking at centre-based services with children preschool age or under, out of school hours care (OSHC) services or family day care.

Before getting started, make sure you read these guidelines as well as the application form for more details about the process and the documents that are required to make your application.

Your application will take about 40 minutes and you’ll need to:

Complete the application form
Attach the certified documents (such as passport or drivers licence, qualifications, evidence of English language proficiency etc.)
Pay the fee for determination of equivalent qualification

What happens to my application once submitted?

Once ACECQA receives your application, they will be in touch with you via email within 10 working days. They’ll make an assessment of your qualifications for equivalence under the Education and Care Services National Law.

Once your application has been assessed, you’ll receive an email with the outcome. If you’re successful, you’ll get a certificate in the mail and will be able to work as a qualified educator in an approved education and care service within Australia. You’ll also need to check if you also require teacher registration to work in your state or territory. If you’re unsuccessful, you’ll receive the reasons for the decision.

Migrating to Australia

If you’re looking to move to Australia to work as an early childhood educator, first you’ll need to check if your qualifications are recognised under the NQF and if you’re qualified to work in a regulated Australian education and care service. The checker will ask you a series of questions to determine whether you’re a qualified educator and let you know what evidence you can provide to show you’re qualified.

ACECQA migration skills assessment

If you’re looking to apply for a skilled migrant visa, you’ll need to complete a Migration Skills Assessment which looks at your early childhood education qualifications coupled with previous employment experience so they can compare against the assessment standards for a skilled worker in your nominated occupation.

Before applying for an assessment, check Department of Home Affairs to ensure the visa you’re applying for requires a skills assessment. Find out more, including eligibility, about migration skills assessment via ACECQA’s website.

AITSL skills assessment

The AITSL skills assessment is for migration purposes and evaluates whether your qualifications and proficiency in English align with the criteria for skilled migration. For further information, visit the AITSL’s Applying for Skills Assessment webpag e .

DAMA skills assessment

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) skills assessment is for applicants who are applying for a skilled migration visa under a DAMA. This is an assessment of qualifications in early childhood education and care as well as any relevant employment experience. This will be compared with the assessment standards of a DAMA.

We’re here to help you find a job

Instead of applying for lots of jobs and not hearing back quickly or at all – let us help you to make the process easier and uncomplicated.

Cook Qualification Requirements

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:56:21 GMT

The role of a childcare centre cook is far more than just preparing meals. Cooks get to influence children's daily nutrition by crafting menus catering to the unique dietary needs of each child.

Childcare centre cooks play an important role in nurturing children through wholesome nutrition, fostering healthy eating habits and making sure each child gets the essential nutrients for growth and development.

Below we’ve broken down the requirements from Expect A Star as well as those across the different states and territories in Australia.

Expect A Star’s cook requirements

Food handling/safety certificate: It’s mandatory for all cooks to have sufficient knowledge. Department of Health requirements state a certificate is not needed but sufficient knowledge is.
Working With Children Check: mandatory
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Certificate III in menu planning, nutrition and food handling: Preferred but not essential
Experience cooking in a childcare or aged care setting: Preferred but not essential

Navigating requirements across states and territories: a recipe for compliance

Nationally, cooks are typically required to hold a food handling certificate and some cooks are required to hold a food safety supervisor certificate. This new requirement was bought in from December 2023.

The specific requirements between states and territories is important as they can vary. Below we’ve listed the essential ingredients:

Australian Capital Territory

Staff who prepare or supervise food handling must have skills and knowledge of current food safety and hygiene practices.

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria

There is no current requirement for qualifications for childcare centre cooks.

Western Australia

Those working as a childcare centre chef in Western Australia are required to hold a certificate in food handling and hygiene and a certificate in food nutrition from an approved RTO.

Find chef jobs

We’re often looking for experienced and passionate cooks to work within early childhood centres. If you meet Expect A Stars cook requirements, get in touch today.

Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care Qualifications

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:43:23 GMT

Early childhood educators are in demand in Australia, and the sector is experiencing strong growth. If you're keen to start working in this rewarding field, understanding the key information of a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is your first step.

What is a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care?

A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is an entry level qualification and acts as the foundation for people aspiring to work in the early childhood education sector. With this qualification, you can provide education and care to children in a range of different service offerings, building the key skills and knowledge to support the learning and development of children aged zero to five years old.

What does the Certificate III cover?

The Certificate III covers a number of topics essential for providing quality care and education to young children. The core units may vary depending on the tertiary institution you choose to study at. Broadly speaking, some of these include:

Plan, undertake and evaluate educational early childhood programs
Facilitate play and ensure children’s health and safety while supporting development and learning
Creating learning environments that are both inclusive and engaging
Implementation of relevant health and safety practices as well as legal and industry requirements
Build effective rapport, communication and engagement skills with both children and families

Prerequisites for Certificate III

There are no entry requirements for the Certificate III course. In some cases, tertiary institutions may set their own entry requirements, such as meeting set literacy and numeracy standards. Other general requirements may include:

Be at least 18 years old
Finished Year 10 or equivalent
Meet any further entry criteria set by the training provider

On the job practical experience

One of the highlights of the Certificate III is the hands-on experience that comes with it. Most courses and institutions include a practical placement element so you can apply everything you’ve learned in real childcare settings. The number of hours of placement varies depending on the tertiary institution you’re studying. This experience is invaluable, not only reinforcing the theory and knowledge you’ve gained, however preps you for the realities of a job as an early childhood educator.

What can I do with a Certificate III?

By successfully finishing the Certificate III in in Early Childhood Education and Care , you’ll open the doors to entry-level roles such as:

Out of School Hours Care Assistant (OSHC)
Family day care
Early childhood education and care assistant
Early childhood education and care worker

Qualification requirements for Certificate III

Birth to preschool age

Half of educators need to be diploma level qualified or higher. What’s that mean for the rest? Great question, all other educators should have or be working towards a Certificate III level education and care qualification.

Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care FAQs

How long does the Certificate III in childcare take?

Typically, the Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care takes about 12 months if you’re studying full time. Bear in mind, this can vary depending whether you’re studying online or on campus.

What’s the difference between Certificate III and Diploma in childcare?

The main difference between the Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the depth of knowledge and responsibilities. The Certificate III gets you started with the foundational knowledge, the basics and also qualifies you to work in childcare, whereas the Diploma is the next level of qualification.

Can I work in childcare without a Certificate III qualification?

A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is required to work in formal childcare settings – you either need to have completed or be working towards this level of certification to be working within early childhood.

Why should educators work with an agency in childcare?

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:04:30 GMT

Has it been forever since you have applied for a job? Kicking off a new career journey or even if you’re simply on the hunt for fresh opportunities, it can still feel like a big task, especially if it's been a while since you've dipped your toes into the job market.

Expect a Star is a childcare recruitment agency who understands the challenges of the job search, and that’s why we’re here to make the process easier for you by taking a lot of the heavy lifting out of your hands.

Let's talk about the reasons that working with a childcare recruitment agency can be a game-changer for your career.

What is a childcare recruitment agency ?

An early childhood or childcare recruitment agency like Expect A Star builds partnerships with childcare services, bridging the gap between candidates and centres, looking for the perfect fit.

From your perspective as an educator, we're not just here to find you a job, we're here to match you with a centre that aligns with your values, philosophy and career aspirations. We’re also here to help showcase you as an outstanding candidate, highlighting your qualities and skill sets effectively.

Seven reasons to work with an early childhood agency

Below we’ve broken down seven different reasons to work with an early childhood agency , like Expect a Star.

Industry experts

Expect a Star solely focuses in the early childhood education sector, so we have in-depth knowledge of industry trends, qualifications and specific job requirements for early childhood educators at all levels. This expertise and core focus is invaluable in guiding candidates toward the most suitable roles.

Broad network

Our team have established relationships with a wide network of childcare centres and early childhood services, so our candidates have access to a range of job opportunities that aren’t always advertised elsewhere.

Negotiating powerhouse

With our industry know-how, skills and network of extensive contacts, we negotiate salary and benefits on your behalf. Expect A Star understands that you deserve to be rewarded accordingly, and we’re here to make sure it happens.

Finding roles that match your skills

We listen and we understand. Our recruiters are adept at choosing and recommending roles based on your values and philosophy. By building a strong relationship with us, you save valuable time, allowing us to pinpoint positions which will align with your skills and attributes.

Pressure free job search

Looking for jobs can be overwhelming when you’re doing it solo, with the risk of your application being lost amongst the sea of all the other applications. Working with an early childhood agency who is in partnership with various centres increases your chances of landing perfect role. Say goodbye to the long waiting game!

Our candidates stand out

Creating a standout resume is an art, and we have the industry knowledge customise your application to stand out in the crowd. We understand that recruiters and hiring managers spend just moments scanning resumes, and we’re here to make sure that first impression counts.

Flexibility in employment types

We cater to full time, part time, permanent and casual opportunities as well as emergency relief work and international jobs. This gives candidates flexibility to explore different working arrangements that align with their lifestyle and study preferences.

We believe in building genuine relationships with our clients and candidates. As advocates for your qualifications, talent and skills, we aim to make you stand out, ensuring you get the recognition you deserve. If you're ready to embark on a rewarding journey with an early childhood recruiter, come and talk to us at Expect A Star.

First aid for childcare: Required qualifications and training

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:04:28 GMT

In the early childhood space, ensuring the safety and well-being of our little stars is paramount. Below we’ve listed out the requirements and renewal processes for first aid for childcare .

What is childcare first aid ?

A first aid qualification teaches you the essential skills for responding to medical emergencies. The training involved in the qualification covers CPR, basic life support and how to manage common injuries.

By doing this course, you’ll also learn to respond to emergencies such as seizures, allergic reactions, and diabetic crises. It teaches you how to use first aid equipment, communicate with emergency services, infection control and awareness of some of the legal and ethical considerations.

First aid qualifications and training

The Education and Care Services National Regulations detail the mandatory requirements for first aid qualifications, anaphylaxis management training and emergency asthma management training . We’ve pulled together the specifics below:

First aid for centre-based services (regulation 136(1))

Centre-based services (think Preschool, kindergarten and long day care services) need to have the following first aid qualified people on site at any given time and available to assist in the event of an emergency. This includes at least one staff member:

who has a current approved first aid qualification
with approved anaphylaxis and emergency asthma management training
with these qualifications to be on duty at all times, ready to navigate emergencies.

In some cases, one staff member may hold more than one of these qualifications.

School based services (regulation 136(2))

In the case of school-based services, such as out of school hours care services (OSHC) is similar to centre-based services and must have qualified staff present at the school at all times.

Family day care services (regulation 136(3))

Every family day care educator and assistant needs to have their current approved qualifications in first aid, anaphylaxis management and emergency asthma management.

Navigating accreditation - approved first aid qualifications

ACECQA provides a list of approved first aid qualifications as well as anaphylaxis and emergency asthma management. If you've done your training, you can check the approval status by searching the list.

First aid qualification renewal

The industry sets the standard, that is, all first aid qualifications, anaphylaxis, and asthma management training need to be renewed every three years, with a refresher in CPR each year. The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice also recommends that regular training and refreshers to keep skills sharp.

First aid in childcare FAQs

How often do you need to renew first aid?

You’ll need to renew your first aid qualifications including CPR every three years to ensure your skills and knowledge are kept up-to-date.

How often should your CPR skills be refreshed?

Your CPR skills need to be refreshed annually to ensure you’re qualified and well prepared for emergency situations.

Do first aid qualifications change in each state and territory in Australia?

While there are national guidelines, Education and Care Services National Regulations which detail the mandatory requirements, the specific first aid qualifications may vary slightly between states and territories.

Working with Children Checks in the Early Childhood World

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 10:47:22 GMT

If you're gearing up for a role in the early childhood education and care industry, some key checks need to happen before you get started including the working with children check. It involves state agencies checking various factors like criminal history, offences, and professional conduct reports across the applicant’s lifetime.

Every state and territory across Australia have its own set of rules. These include history that might affect registration or a working with children card, how long the card is valid for, and who needs to be registered. Once you've successfully passed these checks, you can be registered to work with children for a certain timeframe, depending on the state or territory.

Don't worry though, Expect A Star is here to simplify the process for you.

Requirements for States and Territories

New South Wales: NSW Working With Children Check
Western Australia: WA Working With Children Check
Victoria: Working With Children Check unless you’re a registered teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching
South Australia: Criminal History Screening
Queensland: Blue Card
Australian Capital Territory : Working With Vulnerable People Check

Where can I get a Working With Children Check?

Each state and territory have their own screening unit who are in charge of doing the Working With Children Checks and issuing the cards, registrations or permits. These include:

Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra – Working with Vulnerable People
New South Wales: Office of the Children’s Guardian
Northern Territory: Northern Territory Government
Queensland: Queensland Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General – Blue Card Services
South Australia: Department for Communities and Social Inclusion
Tasmania: Department of Justice
Victoria: Justice and Community Safety
Western Australia: Department of Communities

We've got your back!

For detailed requirements and further information, just get in touch, and we'll guide you through the process.

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