Child Care Worker (WA)

Education and Training:

To become a child care worker you usually have to complete a certificate course in child care. Entry to the certificate courses below usually requires Year 10 or Year 12. As subjects can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for full details.

You can also become a child care worker through an apprenticeship in Children's Services or Out of School Hours Care. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Certificate Courses:

Australian Higher Education Academy - Perth Campus:

Certificate III in Children's Services
Certificate IV in Out of School Hours Care

TAFE WA - various locations:

Certificate III in Children's Services
Certificate IV in Children's Services (Outside School Hours Care)

Additional Information:

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, or have recognised, additional skills under the Community Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within the industry.

You may be required to have a police clearance, medical check and first aid certificate to work in child care. All child care workers are required, by law, to have a Working with Children Check issued by the Department for Child Protection.

Related Courses:

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Child care workers are employed in private, government and community-based child care centres, kindergartens and creches. They may also work in hospitals, women's shelters and neighbourhood houses. Rapid growth in the number of child care and family care centres in recent years has increased the demand for fully qualified child care workers. Experienced, fully qualified child care workers may progress to coordinate or manage a licensed child care centre.

Self-employment prospects exist by becoming a registered family day care provider in your own home. See the separate entry for Family Day Carer.