How Much Do Childcare Workers Earn?

How Much Do Childcare Workers Earn?

The childcare system can be confusing with all the different titles and job descriptions. So, whether you’re seeking a career change or are just curious about the day-care system, we have researched how much childcare workers earn. We have also researched other job-related answers to solve your queries.

What is a Childcare Worker?

"Childcare workers" aka "day-care workers" aka "early childhood educators" care for children when parents and other family members are unavailable to do so. Their role is to care for young children, generally from the ages of 0-12 and supply them with their basic needs. Childcare workers typically:

• Supervise and monitor the safety of children

• Organise and prepare mealtimes or snacks

• Help the children maintain good hygiene

• Change the nappies of infants and toddlers

• Teach social skills

• Organise and implement activities

• Develop schedules and routines to ensure they are getting enough physical activity and rest

• Monitor for signs of emotional or developmental problems, and raise concerns with parents if a problem is suspected

• Keep records of children’s interests, routines and progress

Another responsibility of a childcare worker is to maintain communication with the parents or guardians of the children. They will need to keep the parents or guardians up-to-date on their child’s progress, alongside maintaining records of any health or dietary requirements.

Early childhood educators work in teams in a childcare centre and occasionally work alongside preschool teachers and teaching assistants. This is to teach children through a structured curriculum that stimulates and educate the children in their care.

What Qualifications Do They Need?

The minimum qualification of a daycare worker is to have, or be studying, a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and a Working with Children Check. These are mandatory for anyone engaging in child-related work. In addition to this, First Aid training is recommended, although not necessary. If one would want to continue their studies, they could go on to a Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care or a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

How Much Do Childcare Workers Earn?

The Children Services Award (2010) govern the wages and salaries of childcare workers and are published by The Fair Work Commission. This award states the minimum amount that an employer can pay based on qualifications and position.

In a childcare centre environment, full-time hours are an average of 38 hours per week, and part-time is less than 38 hours per week. When working part-time, there are generally predictable hours of work which can be similar conditions to those working full time. Casual workers who work for temporary or relief purposes must be paid the minimum wage plus casual loading.

Daycare workers in Australia earn an average of $800 per week when working full-time hours, and part-time workers can expect to earn $614 a week. When working out the average salary, it can vary as it depends on location, education level and job experience. However, the average salary for a childcare assistant with five years of experience is around $41,000 per year.

People who want to enter the childcare career path are in luck, as there has been a steady growth in openings of childcare jobs. Therefore, the vacancy levels for childcare workers are very high. So if you’re hunting for a new career avenue and love working with children, being a childcare worker might be the perfect role for you!

Ready to kickstart your career in Early Childhood Education and Care? Enquire online or call 1300 616 197 and speak to one of our friendly Careers Advisors.

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