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

The student may have the opportunity to attain a broad range of skills while on work placement. These may include valuable employability skills such as;
• Communication.
• Teamwork.
• Attention to detail.
• Punctuality.
• Presentation.
• Hygiene.
• Problem solving.
• Planning.
• Initiative.
• Follow instructions.
• Work under supervision.
• Industry specific OH&S.

The student may also attain vital industry specific skills which will relate to their secondary school studies they include:
• Hands-on practical experience.
• Observing and learning from industry qualified and experienced professionals.
• Working in real-life scenarios.
• Working with equipment necessary to the occupation.
• Liaising and working with supervisors, colleagues, industry personnel, customers/clients and suppliers.

Typical Tasks & Duties

Students will assist Qualified Educators in a broad range of programs delivered within the Early Years Centre. The student will support educators in providing care and education to young children in a childcare setting. They work under the supervision of a lead teacher including assistant educator, education assistant or childcare assistant.

Responsibilities of Qualified Educators include:
- Supporting Children: Providing individualised attention, creating a safe and nurturing environment, and fostering exploration and learning through play.
- Assisting Teachers: Preparing materials, setting up the classroom, and communicating with families about the child's progress.
- Supporting Development: Supporting children with emotional regulation, social skills, and developmental difficulties.
- Implementing Programs: Applying early childhood theory and best practices to daily activities.
- Maintaining Records: Keeping track of attendance, health information, and other relevant data.
- Communication: Communicating with parents and guardians about their child's progress and any concerns.

Students tasks and duties may include:
- Communicating with work colleagues in the workplace.
- Work effectively in children’s education and care.
- Support inclusion and diversity.
- Participate in workplace health and safety.
- Work with diverse people.
- Lead personal development.
- Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care.
- Use an approved learning framework to guide practice.
- Support children to connect with the natural environment.
- Supervision of safe play activities.
- Reading stories.
- Helping preparation snacks such as fresh fruit.
- Assisting with various general administration tasks.
- Maintaining centre cleanliness as directed (including sweeping, mopping, wiping tables and benches, cleaning paint pots and brushes).

Student Requirements

Students with a positive attitude towards Early Childhood Education and Care who are self-motivated, willing to listen and follow instruction are encouraged to consider a future SWL placement to develop skills learned from their VET subject relating to Early Childhood Education and Care, Community Services and Allied Health Assistance.

Whilst the student is attending the work placement they are expected to:
• Students must be interested in Early Childhood Education and Care and possess good communication skills.
• Students must be willing to spend periods of time observing and to undertake necessary tasks as requested.
• Dress appropriately.
• Maintain interest and participate in tasks and 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.
• 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 Logbook 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