Childcare assistant job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed childcare assistants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed childcare assistants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Imaginative
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Physical
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Organising
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Tasks and responsibilities for a childcare assistant
Childcare assistants assist teachers and educators in the daily routines expected of a childcare centre, kindergarten or community centre.
A child care assistant‘s job description includes:
- Setting up, cleaning and organising all materials required throughout the school day
- Encouraging constructive, meaningful play with children
- Providing comfort, reassurance and extra help to children who may need it
- Helping plan and implement stimulating activities with the childcare teacher
- Maintaining exceptional sanitary and safety standards
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Makes a difference
Childcare professionals have the opportunity to make a big difference to a child’s development and learning. By giving children a strong, positive and creative role model, you can encourage children to safely and constructively discover their world through play.
Enjoyable
Good childcare assistants dive into the world of play with their students. When you encourage children to explore, you re-discover your own imagination. This concept of ‘play’ in adults can be incredibly beneficial in regulating stress and finding lifestyle balance.
Respected
Helping children learn, play, and discover the world around them is a gratifying job. You get to watch them develop their personalities, use their imagination, and get excited about the simple joys of life. It’s a privilege to play a supportive role in a child’s development.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for a childcare assistant
The childcare industry is expected to grow at a steady rate for the foreseeable future. Childcare services job openings are projected to rise by 10% by 2025, particularly in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Victoria, in particular, has a growing demand for skilled child care assistants to work with the increasing number of kindergarten teachers. This is due to the new State Budget funding initiative that will see a drastic increase of free three-four-year-old kinder programs for eligible families.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
Childcare assistant jobs aren’t the only fulfilling role in this field. As the demand for professionals in the childcare industry grows, so too do the opportunities for childcare assistants.
From kindergartens to community centres, there are plenty of career growth opportunities.
Junior
-
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officer
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Education Support (CHC40213)
-
Teacher’s aide
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Education Support (CHC40213)
-
Childhood educator assistant
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Education Support (CHC30213)
-
Childcare worker
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care ( CHC30113)
-
Indigenous Language and Culture Teaching Assistant
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Education Support (CHC30213)
Mid
-
Early childhood teacher
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Senior
-
Childhood education manager
Most common qualification: Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)
-
Outside school hours carer
Most common qualification: Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
If you’re a natural with kids, chances are you already have a firm grasp of many of the essential soft skills childcare assistants need to thrive in their jobs. Even if some of your soft skills are lacking, most can be quickly improved with the right training.
Communication skills
From instructing children to collaborating with coworkers and parents, childcare assistants need to articulate themselves well.
Enthusiasm
Children feed off your energy — maintaining a consistent level of enthusiasm and energy is a great quality for the role.
Creative thinking
Whether you’re planning activities, trying to explain a difficult concept to a child, or you’re immersed in play, childcare assistants need to be able to think on their feet and dive into their imaginations to really connect with the students.
Organisation
Children can be unpredictable and chaotic — childcare assistants must be organised and well-prepared for any unexpected occurrences.
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
Proper training is highly recommended to help you prepare for the more technical aspects of the job. Some core technical skills you need include:
Knowledge of child care regulations
Childcare assistants are expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct and regulations to ensure their competency for children’s safety and proper development.
First aid and safety knowledge
While children are in your care, their health and safety are your responsibility. If an accident happens, you must know what to do to best help the child.
Knowledge of child behaviour patterns
Early learning years are a critical development period for children, so it’s important for childcare assistants to monitor, read, and analyse behavioural patterns to help identify any possible current problems or potential future problems.
Methods of instruction and care
Not everyone learns the same or responds well to types of instruction. By having a bank of methods you can draw from, you can cater more effectively to each child.
Physical strength
From cleaning and tidying up to carrying furniture and children, childcare assistants need to be physically fit and strong to keep up with the demands of a day in the classroom.
[Kindergarten students are] less fearful of failure and will give everything a go. ]As a teacher, you should] want to foster this characteristic so that they will hold onto this growth mindset and carry it forward in their learning journey.
Maria Simpson, Educator at Lindfield Learning Village
How to become a childcare assistant
-
Complete an Australian Working with Children Check
A WWCC is an ongoing assessment that determines whether someone is a risk to children and includes a police background check. All workers who intend to work in child-related industries must have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC). In Queensland, this is called a “Blue Card”. To obtain your WWCC, you can apply through your state government’s website and provide proof of identity.
-
Complete a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)
This is the minimum qualification required to become a childcare assistant. This course teaches the technical and theoretical knowledge required to be a childcare assistant. Study teaches you a broad range of skills, including caring for children at various ages, supporting their development mentally and physically, supporting play, and behaviour management techniques. During a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, you are required to complete a work placement.
-
Undertake a work experience placement during your studies
Work placement requirements vary in length depending on which education provider you choose. Usually, work placement can sit between 120 hours to 180 hours and is incorporated into the course’s timeline. First aid training is sometimes required before commencing your work placement. Usually, your education provider helps you organise your work placement via a network of childcare partners.
-
Successfully obtain your First Aid Certificate
Childcare centres, schools, and kindergartens require at least one on-shift staff member to be fully trained in first aid and CPR. Some places of work may require multiple. To be prepared for any requirements, you should have a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate.
Explore related qualifications
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)
This course helps you develop a strong basis of childhood learning frameworks and techniques. You also obtain all the critical health and safety skills required of a childcare assistant. There are no entry requirements for this course, and the average duration is usually around 12 to18 months of full-time study. Study can be both in-person and online.
A Cert III qualification can lead to work as a:
- Childcare assistant
- Childcare worker
- Teacher’s aide
15 providers offer this course
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)
A diploma care course goes more in-depth into the knowledge and skills required of children’s services workers. A Diploma qualification also has a longer work placement, with an average minimum of 240 hours. This qualification can take anywhere between 12 to 18 months of full-time study to complete, depending on your education provider and how they choose to incorporate work placement into the course’s duration.
A diploma qualification can lead to work as a:
- Childcare education teacher
- Child care worker
- Children’s program leader
- Education support officer
14 providers offer this course
First Aid Certificate
First aid courses are quick and relatively cheap to complete. A first aid course usually only takes one day to complete. However, most providers require you to complete a separate CPR course. First aid courses can be taken at any time and are offered by multiple national organisations, such as Australia Wide First Aid and St Johns.
Related subjects
The childcare industry is quickly growing extremely diverse. It’s a field that has numerous career opportunities that all look different. Other roles in child care are abundant and provide the same feeling of fulfilment.
Reviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
- All
- Positive
- Negative
Taylah
Sep 03 2021Interacting with children building positive relationships is rewarding.
What are the best parts of the job?
Interacting with children is the best part of the job. I love nurturing them through play and education.
What's the most challenging part?
The constant cleaning is a bit of a bore.
Jacky
Sep 04 2021Rewarding to be able to care for children.
What are the best parts of the job?
I’m able to take care of others. Taking care of the kids especially is something that really fulfills me.
What's the most challenging part?
All jobs have difficulties of course. The job can get really busy and frustrating sometimes.
Krystal
Sep 04 2021It's fulfilling to help children learn and achieve new things.
What are the best parts of the job?
Seeing the children's faces when they accomplish something.
What's the most challenging part?
The paperwork — there's a lot of it.
Related articles
If you think becoming a childcare assistant is a great career path for you, explore our catalogue of resources and information pieces on other central roles in the childcare industry.
Becoming a Male Childcare Worker: Everything You Need To Know
Read More
What is Early Childhood Education? Make a Difference in a Child's Life
Read More
24 Most Fulfilling Jobs That Work With Kids: Which Is Your Calling?
Read More
How to Become a Child Care Worker: 5 Things You Need to Know
Read More
8 Questions - Is Childcare the Right Career?
Read More
Career Quiz - Child Care/Aged Care
Read More
The Best Careers if You Want to Avoid a Desk Job
Read More
Seniors Over 60: The Best 11 Jobs for You
Read More![15 Best Working From Home Jobs in 2022: How to Make Money From Home Online [Updated]](https://www.training.com.au/wp-content/uploads/TRAU_work_from_home__Feature.png)
15 Best Working From Home Jobs in 2022: How to Make Money From Home Online [Updated]
Read More
The Great Healthcare Resignation: What It Means for Healthcare & Social Assistance Workers
Read More
Career Quiz: What Job Should I Do? (Backed by Real Data)
Read More
Career Quiz Results: The Carer
Read More
51 Best Remote Jobs: How You Can Earn a Living Entirely Online
Read More
What Qualification Should You Take On? (New Guide)
Read More
Career Change Later in Life: 3 Success Stories That Will Inspire You
Read More
What Jobs Are In Demand In Australia? High Demand Jobs in Every Industry
Read More
Career Quiz Results: The Informer
Read More
These 3 Trends are Shaping the Future of Higher Education: What Do They Mean For You?
Read More
5 Things to Know Before Working with Kids with Disabilities & Learning Difficulties
Read More
Selection Criteria Responses: Teacher Examples
Read More
Becoming a Teacher’s Aide: Everything You Need to Know
Read More
Career Quiz - Education
Read More
5 Reasons Why a Teacher’s Aide Career is so Rewarding
Read More
Job cluster: The Carer
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
Working with children requires patience, compassion and warmth — all traits best suited to the persona of The Carer
A Carer helps others and adopts a personal, thoughtful approach to their work. The Carer is suited to roles that involve working directly with (or in the best interest of) other people or animals.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
What skills do you need to be a childcare assistant?
To be a successful childcare assistant, you need to have patience, enthusiasm, compassion and empathy. A good childcare assistant also has both decision-making and problem-solving skills, as well as strong communication skills.
How much does a childcare assistant get paid?
In Australia, the average yearly salary for a childcare assistant is $49,556.
Is childcare a stressful job?
Childcare can be a stressful and demanding job, and working with children can occasionally be emotionally and physically tolling. However, childcare is a rewarding career wherein the experience of watching the children under your care flourish outweigh the cons!
What makes a good childcare assistant?
A good childcare assistant can work in a team and communicate effectively, as well as be a problem solver and make quick decisions. To be a successful childcare assistant, you must be passionate about looking after children and helping them develop cognitively and socially. If you care for children, the rest of the skills will come easily!
Is childcare a good career?
Childcare is an extremely rewarding career where you get to watch children grow and develop under your care. Although it can be testing and not easy at times, it is a valuable and important career that is perfect for anybody with a passion and love for children.