Child Care Worker

Child Care Worker
What does a Child Care Worker do?

Cares for children in homes, childcare centres and child care facilities in schools, hospitals and industry settings.

  • Provides early education for preschool children.
  • Assists in the social, emotional, physical and educational developmental needs of infants and young children in child care centres, hospitals and educational centres.
  • Entertains and educates children by reading and singing and playing games.
  • Manages children's behavior.
  • Guides their social development appropriately, and provides assistance in preparing materials and equipment for educational and recreational activities
  • Uses a range of educational and play equipment and materials: playdough, paints, dress-up clothes, cardboard boxes, and large plastic playground equipment and musical instruments.
  • Can work varied hours, and may be expected to do shift work. You need to be able to stay on your feet for long periods. Your duties will vary depending on the age of the children in your care. Caring for a group of 0-3 year olds can be quite different to caring for a group of 4-6 year olds. Child care workers often share basic tasks, such as cleaning or food preparation, and work in teams. Your level of care will include assisting children with their daily routine including eating, toileting, sleeping and dressing.

What do I need to be good at?

  • Accepting responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the children in your care.
  • Working as part of a team.
  • Communication skills and relating well with children.
  • Patience, and a keen eye for any potential behavioural concerns.
  • A good level of physical fitness to be able to lift children and child care equipment.

How much does a Child Care Worker get paid?

Starts at $40,903 and progresses to $60,034 depending on your experience.

How does a Child Care Worker get trained?

Keep an eye on the Volunteering Geelong website for volunteer roles.

Where are the jobs for Child Care Workers?

For jobs right around Australia, check out www.uworkin.com
For jobs in Geelong see our live job feed on www.geelongcareers.org.au

What does this job lead to?

Child Care Workers may go on to further training to become:

  • Integration Aides
  • Primary school Teachers
  • Maternal and Childcare Nurses
  • Childcare facility Management

Keep an eye on the Volunteering Geelong website.