Job Responsibilities
Responsibilities include: Assisting with the development and
carrying out of the daily program which is designed to be
engaging and developmentally appropriate for young children.
time spent on this varies from service to service but
approximately 1/2 -1 hour each day on planning and then 80% of
your day is carrying out the duties. Interacting with parents
about their children and how they spent their day. Generally
assisting the room leader or EC teacher with all daily duties.
Attend a staff meeting once a month, attend at least two
inservice training days a year. Maintaing open communication
with all staff members. Communicating appropriately with
children. Maintaining confidentiality and performing your role
within the DoCS regulations and centre policies. Assist the
teacher to take daily observations for each child. Document any
accidents that children have on the required forms.
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Job Requirements
I attended a TAFE course as a JSST (TVET) course during my HSC,
however this was not essential. This course gave me a basic
understanding of child development and was very informative.
This course and also my experience within the field led me to
further my studies and become an EC teacher. I found this course
to be fantastic and very well structured, however I was
disappointed because this did not contribute to my UAI.
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Uppers
Working with the kids is so rewarding and they are quick to let you know if you
are doing your job well. I think it's the best feedback you can get.
It's great to watch them learn and know you have been a part of that.
Working in a team that have the same vision for the service your working in is
also very rewarding
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Downers
Not being paid for staff meeting attendance.
Working with staff members who do not work towards a common goal.
Not being recognised as a valuable contributor to children's
development, your just the assistant.
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Lifestyle
Varies on serice but 8 hours a day five days a week for fulltime, dress code is
generally semi- casual to semi formal. Shoes should be comfortable and closed in.
More often than not, you will be a small team and therefore social occasions are
quite good.
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Compensation
Generally you take home about $360/week for full time (it may
have increased since I worked) but if you continue TAFE
education or Uni it increases and for a four year uni qualified
teacher you will take home about $650min. You get Time in lieu
for staff meetings and you can take two days per year for this.
(all hours attending in services and staff meetings are added up
and these hours can be taken off).
Four weeks paid holidays per year (some services take them at a
certain time and you have no choice but to take them then.)
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Advice to Jobseekers
Child Care Centres are in high demand and always will be. If you
are considering a career in this area, my advice to you is to go
for it, you will learn so much along the way and it also helps
to have a bit of practice before you have your own children.
However if you already have children then you can relate better
to the parents. Dont be shy, but dont think you know it all
either. Consider yourself to be continual learner and the day
you think you know it all, Quit!! Ask for help if you need it.
Generally people are there to help you along and always keep an
open mind. Be a good listener
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