Childcare

Ross Woods, Updated July 2010

My goal in this e-book is to make it easier and more practical to provide internships in childcare. These typically lead to:

It's particularly helpful that the CHC08 version of the Certificate III in Children's Services is suitable for applications outside a childcare centre.

Why?

The first thing to figure out is why you are offering childcare, who your prospective students are, and why they might be interested in it.

So far, there are three, perhaps four main purposes.

Ministry

The Children's Services courses are an excellent first step to children's ministry. The vision is quite clear and students do practicums in churches. Churches tend to have little legal interference (no licensing as for childcare) and are a source of regular children's activities.

Applicants might well be high achievers with strong Christian motivations. Graduates might choose to continue in children's services as far as Advanced Diploma or go to Bible college.

School teaching

The second possibility is that students might want to do a one year Diploma of Children's Services as a shortcut to a Bachelor of Education. They are exempt from the first year of university, and avoid HECS fees for that year.

These students generally tend to have clear goals, don't want to do any more childcare than they need for their purposes, and have the ability to do higher education afterwards. This kind of program attracts people out of the wider community who might have no Christian sympathies at all. (Some units are especially suitable.)

Childcare

A few people are interested in childcare as a long term job. Childcare work has in the past had relatively low pay, poor job prospects, and split shifts. It has attracted many people who do not aspire to higher positions. These students might be older women returning to work, or younger girls who have not achieved academically at school. These people are more likely to leave when they gain a Certificate III.

As an industry, childcare has recently sought ways to improve its status. Some have sought better career pathways with suitable pay increments, and prefer the Diploma instead of the Certificate III. The industry is also currently re-imaging itself as an education service.

Community link

One college proposes that childcare itself might be a way for Christians to make greater contact with the wider community. It is not sure yet why young people would choose to study in such an institution, being not quite ministry, but not clearly aimed at the other goals either.

It may also be possible to use the course as a way for young people to take a gap year between high school and further study, and consider their future. As a year of experience, it creates a potentially rich learning experience with multiple options.

Delivery ideas

Of these ideas, most are easy to implement with no more resources than those available in most churches. Programs don't have to be difficult; they just have to be effective for the kids you have. The main resources are:

Here are a number of options based on real programs that I've observed.

1. Weekly playgroups

Churches often establish weekly playgroups through the day. The mothers have time for a separate meeting of their own or simply a morning tea together. It's important for the interns to be caring for the kids, not the parents.

It's good for building networks into the community, as long as you have someone to relate to the mothers. Facilities can be remarkably simple, reflecting the children's equipment that most churches already have. The kid's program most likely has some group activities and some free play.

2. Pre-school

One group for 2-4 y.o children was remarkably good.

The parents would always sit with the kids, and the teacher would lead the activities. The first activity was to sit in a circle, often around a large colored parachute, and sing some simple songs. Then they'd do games or a story, and at the end have a session of free play using the play equipment.

As an educational program, the kids learn language skills (stories and language games), physical development (using play equipment), colors, and social skills (meeting and cooperating with other kids).

3. Church activities

Church activities, such as Sunday school, after-school clubs, camps, and creches at weekday meetings are good training grounds, along with the related admin and preparation. SU has school-based groups in primary schools, and make an excellent option. Many church activities include a element of teaching, not just looking after kids.

4. After school sport

After school sport is a particularly good option in some circumstances, and may be well-suited to the Certificate IV in Out of School Hours care.

5. Out-source

If you only run in-church programs, you might want to give students some experience in an accredited childcare center, because:

6. Setting up a childcare centre

Setting up a childcare centre is the most difficult option as there are extra building and zoning regulations and a system of childcare accreditation. Government funding is sometimes available. Tax deductibility for the building is available if the program is educational. In the long run, it might be the best option.