As demand for childcare services across the state rises, TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of qualified early childhood educators to help fill the skills gap. 

With families in NSW saving on childcare costs thanks to subsidies, and rising population levels, demand for quality services is surging. 

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Early Childhood Education and Care, Christine Saunders, said TAFE NSW is committed to delivering a pipeline of skilled early childhood educators, to meet increased demand across the state. 

“Early childhood educators play a crucial role in the development and care of children, and their work has never been more vital in our communities,” Ms Saunders said. 

“The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides students with the hands-on skills they need to make a real difference in children's lives. Through a mix of theory and practical work, students learn how to create educationally stimulating and safe learning environments and nurture creativity in an early education and care setting. 

“TAFE NSW courses provide access to excellent facilities including simulated, high-quality environments for skills training required for the sector. Our teachers have industry experience, so students gain the knowledge and confidence they need to excel in the high growth industry. No two days are the same in early childhood education, and the work is incredibly rewarding.” 

The cost of living in Australia has increased by 6% in the year ending June 2023, the highest annual inflation rate since March 2008, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with insurance and financial services, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and housing the main contributors to the rise in prices. 

With 2.9 million Australian families with school-aged children, cost effective entertainment for kids is front of mind for many households these school holidays. Ms Saunders said many of the principles TAFE NSW students take into the workplace can be adapted by parents and carers for kids of all ages at home this summer.

“Students studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care need to demonstrate quality interaction and relationship building with children, and facilitate learning through play. Many of the skills our TAFE NSW students gain can be adapted at home. 

“It doesn’t need to cost a lot to create stimulating, educational, and memorable experiences with your children during the holidays, or any time. Going on an adventure to your local park for a picnic and play, or taking a nature walk in your local area to look at the different birds and plants are great ways to get out of the house and experience the outdoors. 

“On rainy days, children love a scavenger hunt for household items such as a favourite toy, something blue, a peg – anything! Children love being in the kitchen, so try cooking some healthy snacks together, or make some playdough or slime to satisfy their love for getting messy. 

“And of course, a visit your local library for story time or to borrow some books to read is a free and fun way to build your child’s love for reading, or to satisfy your older child’s curiosity in the non-fiction space,” Ms Saunders said. 

​​​​​​​Media contact: Emily Graham, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist emily.graham40@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7921 3756.