Diploma of School Age Education and Care

People who are successful in this industry have:

• A high level of professionalism
• Passion for school age education and care
• High energy, commitment and dedication to your career
• Well developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to build leadership skills

Assessments give you the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned and to identify the knowledge or skills that may need further development. In this course you will undertake:

• Knowledge assessments: quizzes, short answer questions, case studies, written tasks, research projects
• Practical skills assessments: interviews, role-plays, creative projects, presentations, practical demonstrations
• Workplace assessment tasks: reflective journals, verbal or written questioning, workplace portfolios

• Begin your study with a Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care andgain the essential skills and knowledge you need to work as an out of school hours educator
• Expand your core capabilities and develop leadership skills with a Diploma of School Age Education and Care, you will learn to supervise staff, work with students and nurture their creativity
• Master your studies with a degree-level qualification like the TAFE NSW Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth - 5), and gain skills, experience and a qualification to help you stand out from the crowd

Depending on your campus location, you may have the opportunity to participate in excursions that take you behind the scenes in the school age education and care sector. This could include visits to high quality regulated before and after school care services and other related education and care services.

Incursions may also be offered as part of your learning experience and may include specialised guest speakers.

You will gain hands-on experience in:

• Taking care of children (5-12 years) including physical care, health, nutrition, safety and wellbeing
• Developing meaningful and respectful relationships with children, their families and the broader community
• Gathering information about children from all relevant stakeholders
• Investigating and leading the practical application of the National Quality Framework to educator practice
• Mentoring and supporting other educators and practising operational leadership

TAFE NSW is known for delivering up-to-date theory along with relevant, in-demand skills to ensure you are job ready.

You will learn in simulated environments on a TAFE NSW campus or in real world situations like your workplace. You will:

• Shadow and observe more experienced educators/ education leaders
• Lead the practical application of the National Quality Standards and My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia
• Identify and respond to WHS risks, conduct workplace risk assessments and respond accordingly
• Lead the design and implementation of inclusive curriculum that honours childrens voice, culture and rights and provides stimulating learning experiences

CAMPUS FACILITIES AND SUPPORT

You will have access to industry specific computer rooms, studios, study and presentation areas, as well as the general student facilities available at most TAFE NSW campuses.
Student facilities, amenities and support services include:

• TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
• TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
• TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
• TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
• Smarthinking - online access to a tutor

The Diploma of School Aged Education and Care will allow you to work in before and after school centres, vacation care settings, or community centres as a lead educator. Design and implement activities to foster confidence and curriculm, while providing leadership to staff and students alike.

As the population grows, there is a high need in Australia for school age education and care in out of hours and vacation programs.

There is also a strong Government focus (at both State and Federal level) on the importance of school age education and care, and current policy initiatives suggest that funding in this area will increase.

While it is not mandatory to hold a qualification in order to work in the sector, qualified school age care educators are highly sought after because they have the expertise and industry knowledge the sector demands. This means your TAFE Diploma will give you an edge over competition in the job market.