Thinking about a career in childcare? Do you love playing with and teaching young kids? Are you a parent looking to earn extra income while caring for your own child? Or maybe you just want to help shape the skills and abilities of the next generation.
No matter your reason, starting a new career is exciting! Let’s explore six great reasons to consider childcare as your next path.
A rewarding career
You probably already know one big reason: you’ll get to spend time with children! If you naturally enjoy being around curious little ones, this job could be perfect for you.
Everyday tasks – like playing, preparing snacks, or running after kids – won’t feel like chores; they’ll fell like fun! But remember, like any job, it has its challenges. You’ll meet kids with different behaviours and needs, so patience and understanding are key. Overcoming these challenges is what makes the job rewarding.
Become a better version of yourself
Working in childcare offers plenty of chances to grow. It can be tough at times, but facing those challenges will help you become stronger. The skills you learn – like patience, communication, and responsibility – are valuable in all areas of life, whether you move on to another job or start your own family.
Plus, there are opportunities for professional training. Embrace these chances to learn new skills and stay updated on the latest trends in childcare, and refreshing your knowledge about important policies and regulations all contributes to your self-employment.
Flexible work options
Childcare jobs often come with flexible hours, making it easier to balance work and life. You can choose to work on a full-time, part-time, or casual basis.
According to Aussie Childcare Network, full-time workers average 38 hours a week, while part-timers have predictable hours and benefits similar to full-time staff. Casual roles can be as short as two hours a day. For parents, this flexibility is a huge plus, allowing you to care for your own children while you work.
Career growth opportunities
The childcare field offers various career paths based on your skills and qualifications. If you’re studying or have completed a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS Course Code: 111870H), you could become:
- Childhood Educator or Assistant
- Playgroup Supervisor
- Preschool Aide
- Family Day Care Educator
- Nanny
- Outside School Hours Care Assistant
- Recreation Assistant
*Some jurisdictions may require Outside School Hours Care specific qualifications
While if you’re currently enrolled in and are actively studying or completed a CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS Course Code: 111868B) then possible career paths for you are:
- Authorised / Nominated Supervisor (Children’s Services)
- Children’s Services Coordinator
- Centre Manager (Children’s Services)
- Director (Children’s Services)
- Childcare Educator
- Group / Team Coordinator / Leader (Children’s Services)
- Children’s Advisor
- Program Leader (Children’s Services)
- Children’s Services Director / Manager
- Child Development Educator
You can even pursue higher education, like a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, if you want to take your career further.
High demand for childcare professionals
You must have probably read lots of articles already about the booming childcare industry and we have already covered that this is correct. The number of required childcare professionals is on a very strong rise up until the year 2020 and will in fact reach more than 50,000 vacancies, as predicted by Job Outlook. Now wouldn’t you want to take advantage of this opportunity?
Childcare professionals have economic and social impact
Childcare professionals play a vital role in our society that impacts our economic growth, as well as, influencing our social norms. Here is the list of how influential the childcare industry can be:
- Their service supports the overall development of children who are the future generation of our country.
- They enable parents to go back to the workforce and lead productive careers that also contributes to the economy.
- Many childcare centres regardless of business size generate lots of jobs that will be available for those who need them.
- The money spent by families on childcare services circulates within the economy and therefore contributes to increasing our country’s monetary activity.
Feeling inspired?
Think you have what it takes to be a childcare worker now? Jumpstart your career by looking into these childcare courses that are both designed to further prepare you for this job.
If you still have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at 07 2102 3553 to speak to a career consultant.