Early Childhood Educator
Mallee Track Health and Community Services

Do you have a keen interest in Early Childhood Education and Care as an Educator Assistant?

A great opportunity is available at the Mallee Track Health and Community Services in the Early Years Department to complete a Structured Workplace Learning placement (SWL Opportunity) with qualified experienced industry Educators in all aspects of the Education, Training and Health.

The Long Day Care programs are led by qualified Educators who plan and implement educational programs that are specifically tailored to the needs, interests and developmental milestones of young children aged 0 – 5. Children are encouraged to learn and explore through play based learning, which is guided by the National Quality Standards and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.

The SWL Opportunity is ideally suited to a VCE-VM, VPC or VCE student studying VET Early Childhood Education and Care, Community Services and Allied Health Assistance as part of their study program.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please share this opportunity with your Careers Transition Pathway Officer or VCE-VM Coordinator.

Skills You Might Learn

Students may have the opportunity to attain a broad range of skills while on work placement. These may include valuable general employability skills such as:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Initiative and enterprise
- Planning and organising
- Self-management
- Learning
- Technology
Students may also attain vital industry specific skills which will relate to their studies such as:
- Hands-on practical experience
- Observing and learning from industry qualified and experienced professionals
- Working in real-life scenarios and environments
- Working with tools and equipment necessary to the occupation and business
- Liaising and working with colleagues, bosses, customers/clients and suppliers.

Typical Tasks & Duties

Students will assist Qualified Educators in a broad range of programs delivered within the Early Years Centre.

Students tasks and duties may include but are not limited to:
- Contribute to health and safety of self and others.
- Communicating in the Workplace.
- Assisting with planned activities.
- Supervision of safe play activities.
- Maintaining centre cleanliness (including sweeping, mopping, wiping tables and benches, cleaning paint pots and brushes).
- Reading stories.
- Helping preparation snacks such as fresh fruit.
- Assisting with various administration tasks.

Some tasks will not be permitted, these tasks will be discussed further at an interview prior to commencement.

Student Requirements

Prior to the interview with the host employer, students are required to review the businesses web page and learn some background information on the organisation and what it is they do.
Whilst the students are attending a work placement they are expected to:
Dress appropriately
Maintain interest and participate in work duties
Be well mannered and behave in a respectful and responsible manner
Be punctual
Follow management instructions
Act in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements
Work within the team
Listen and take advice from fellow workers
Participate in business activities as required
Respect other people’s belongings
Keep a note pad and pen handy to take notes for their own reference
Demonstrate the skills they have developed through their course
Take their Log Book to the work placement every day

Pre-placement Requirements.
MTHCS may require students to undertake internal MTHCS course.
Food Handler Certificate, MTHCS may require for the applicant to have obtained a Food Handlers Accreditation.
Working with Children Check (Volunteer), MTHCS may require for the applicant to have obtained a WWCC (Volunteer).

Dress Requirements

The student must be well presented, clean and hygienic at all times.
• Neat professional business attire is required.
• Flat, non-slip, enclosed work shoes.
• Please do not wear clothing which others may find offensive.

Please discuss dress requirements at interview.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the tasks and duties carried out by the student, will be supplied by the Host Employer.

Special Transport Requirements

Public Transport is limited, students to check bus transport availability and or speak to parents/carer to organise transport prior to contacting employer.

RELATED COURSES INCLUDE

• HLT33015 - Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance