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Childcare Assistant

A Childcare Assistant cares for young children in various settings, providing activities, managing routines, and helping develop social skills.

How do I become a childcare assistant

Get qualified to work as a childcare assistant with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Childcare Assistant generally earns $1,100 per week ($57,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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The number of people working as a Childcare Assistant has grown strongly and there are now 96,300 people in this role (this has increased from 80,500 five years ago). Childcare Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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To become a Childcare Assistant, consider the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This course covers a range of topics including caring for children, developing relationships with babies and toddlers, keeping children safe and supporting children’s play and learning.

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Further reading

How to start a career in Early Childhood Education

27th November 2021

5 jobs for people who like working with children

31st August 2021

How to start a career in Education Support and Assistance

7th December 2021

Childcare Assistant careers

A Childcare Assistant cares for young children in a group setting such as a childcare centre or an educational program. You might also work in a home care environment, occasional care or in another setting such as a health care facility. You’ll work with other child carer team members to provide various activities for children, assist them with eating and toileting routines and manage their behaviour. Childcare Assistants also help children to develop their social and communication skills.

To be a Childcare Assistant you need to be flexible and able to work with children from a range of backgrounds. You’ll need to be patient and able to communicate with very young children. It’s important that you are willing to undertake toileting and hygiene activities with children and can keep up with the busy routines of a child care environment.