Early Childhood Educator
Mildura Rural City Council

Situated in North West Victoria, Mildura Rural City covers almost ten per cent of the State. The region’s landscape includes unique Mallee vegetation, broad acre grain properties, intensive horticultural farms and vibrant towns. The beautiful Murray River winds its way through much of the municipality and is a focal point for visitors and about 53,000 people who call the region home. Mildura Rural City acknowledges that it is situated on and incorporates the traditional lands of the Latji Latji and Barkindji people, who have been custodians of this land for thousands of years. Accordingly, Council pays its respect to the traditional owners and Elders past and present.

Playalong Early Learning Centre provides quality education and care for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Our Centre is a respectful community offering individualised learning, including:
3-year-old and 4-year-old Kindergarten
Long Day Care
Occasional Care
School Holiday Care
Children of school age up to 12 years can attend Occasional Care which includes after school, school holidays and approved student free days.

This work experience placement (WE Opportunity) as an Educator Assistant is an ideal placement for a student interested in Early Childhood Education and Care to gain skills with a well reputed Child Care Centre, Playalong Early Learning Centre, in the Mildura area.

Work Placement Location: Playalong Early Learning Centre, 73 - 75 Lemon Avenue Mildura.

This placement is best suited to a Year 10 or VCE students interested in working in Early Childhood Education and Care Industry. A warm and friendly personality is preferred, along with a strong desire to actively engage with children and work in this industry.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please share this opportunity with your Careers Transition Pathway Officer or Careers 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

The student as an Educator Assistant will observe and assist under the supervision and guidance of qualified staff and may have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities including;
- 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
- Assisting with various administration tasks
- Maintaining centre cleanliness as instructed (including sweeping, mopping, wiping tables and benches, cleaning paint pots and brushes)

The student will also be expected to comply with policies.

Some tasks will not be permitted. This will be discussed further at an interview.

Student Requirements

Students with a positive attitude towards Education and Training Industry who are self-motivated, willing to listen and follow instruction are encouraged to consider a future WE Opportunity to develop skills learned from their secondary school subjects relating to Early Childhood Education and Care.

Whilst the student is attending the work placement they are expected to:
• Students must be interested in the 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.

The student may require a Working With Children Check, volunteer as this placement is a SWL Placement, student educational placement.

Dress Requirements

The student must be well presented, clean and hygienic at all times.
- Neat, professional clothes to be worn.
- Closed in shoes.
- Hair neat and tidy, pulled back,
- Denim, leggings, torn clothing and inappropriate slogans, etc are not acceptable.

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.

CDC Victoria - Mildura: Ph: 5023 0274, Website: https://cdcvictoria.com.au/travel-information/timetables-and-maps/mildura/.