With more and more parents returning to the workforce, and more than 1.3 million children aged 12 and under attending and expected to attend government-approved or funded child care service in 2018/19, the demand for qualified childcare educators is on the rise.i

For Bathurst resident, Doug Chiles, having a son with special needs opened his eyes to the importance of quality childhood education and support. Wanting to help make a difference, Doug commenced work as a classroom assistant at a local school and decided he wanted to upskill and focus his efforts on giving younger children the best start in life by studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Bathurst.

Mr Chiles said “I’ve really enjoyed learning about how to work with children from varying backgrounds and special needs as they commence their education journey through play-based learning.

“The teachers at TAFE NSW are really supportive and are just a phone call or email away if I have any questions. I’ve also got the option of attending extra study sessions outside of normal classes.

“The TAFE NSW teachers have a range of industry contacts. They helped me arrange my work placement at SDN Hamilton Street Children’s Services and now I’m working their as an educator while I complete my studies.

“I’m also one of three males working at the centre and often get comments from parents about the need for more males in the industry.”

SDN Hamilton Street Centre Director, Lindy Church, said Doug has been an asset to the organisation.

“Equipping TAFE NSW students with practical skills and access to work experience before they enter the workforce is really important because it prepares them to work in the industry.”

“Doug has been able to put what he is learning at TAFE NSW into practice at the centre which really helps him to understand the nature of the role.

The Certificate III in Early Education and Care is a nationally recognised qualification and is the legal minimum requirement required to work as a child carer. Students like Doug, learn the fundamental skills required to care for children and nurture their development from qualified early childhood educators at TAFE NSW.

To find out more about studying early childhood education and care at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515

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[1] https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/whats-happening-in-the-early-childhood-education-sector/data-and-research