Child Care Centre Manager - Career Advice - Office and Administration

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Child Care Centre Managers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the activities of childcare centres and services including physical and human resources. Future Growth Very Strong Early childhood centre managers direct and lead staff, oversee daily activities in the centre, and prepare plans and budgets. Child Care Centre Managers may develop programs to promote the children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development, as well as developing rules and consequences to ensure proper behaviour and safety. Child care centre managers might also be required to create programs and activities for children with special needs or those with a disability. They also run the business side of child care centres, so associated tasks might include bookkeeping and certain administrative duties.

ANZSCO ID: 1341

Alternative names: Child Care Centre Director or Coordinator, Early Childhood Centre Manager,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become an early childhood centre manager, you would need:

a commitment to children’s development and education
understanding of the laws around safeguarding children in your centre's care
the ability to work well with children, parents, carers, and other professionals
excellent organisational and time management skills
excellent communication skills
business management skills.

Interviewing parents
Child Care Centre Manager interviewing parents
(Source: Study Gold Coast)

Duties and Tasks

maintaining records and accounts for the centre
monitor students' progress, and provide students and teachers with assistance in resolving any problems
confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies, and students' behavioural or learning problems
set educational standards and goals, and help establish policies, procedures, and programs to carry them out
plan, direct, and monitor instructional methods and the content of educational programs
direct and coordinate activities of teachers or administrators
manage attendance, accounting and personnel reports and records according to regulations.
recruiting staff and coordinating professional development
developing and implementing programs to enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children
providing care for children in before-school, after-school, day, and vacation care centres
directing and supervising Child Carers in providing care and supervision for young children
ensuring the centre is a safe area for children, staff and visitors
complying with relevant government requirements and standards
liaising with parents

Working conditions

Early childhood centre managers generally work full time. Work hours tend to be regular. Early childhood centre managers work primarily in preschool and child day care services. This work environment tends to be noisy, and with typically so many children in their care, child care centre managers need to be aware of everything happening within their workplace at all times.

Tools and technologies

Child Care Centre Managers need to be proficient with computers. Child care centre managers need to keep up to date with children's social development requirements, to ensure that the best practices are incorporated into any programs and activities provided. Aside from technologies such as spread sheets and bookkeeping programs used for administrative tasks, they also work with children's learning tools, aids and toys.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You usually need a diploma in early childhood education and care to work as a Child Care Centre Manager - the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is offered at TAFE colleges. Some workers have university qualifications.

You can also undertake a traineeship in early childhood education (level 5). The traineeship usually takes 36 months to complete. You can complete a degree in education, majoring in early childhood education or early childhood studies.

Most employers will also require those working in management roles to have experience using leadership skills in a related industry or occupation. Most states require early childhood centre managers to have at least a senior secondary school certificate or equivalent, but some require a VET qualification or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Degree programs cover subjects such as child development, strategies to teach young children, and how to observe and document children’s progress. Employers may prefer candidates who have a degree in early childhood education, or at least some postsecondary education in early childhood education.

With Care Worker
With Child Care Worker
(Source: Your Career)

Apprenticeships and traineeships

As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.

Required registration and licensing
To work in childcare centres in Australia, you will need to hold a current Provide First Aid certificate You may also need to undergo training in anaphylaxis management and asthma management.

You will also need to hold a current Working with Children Check (WWC Check).

A number of early childhood centre managers are self-employed. The national regulator - the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority - has a checklist and a range of supporting resources on the steps you would need to take to open your own centre. This checklist covers legislation; service types; approvals processes; regulatory requirements; the National Quality Standard; and who to contact.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of early childhood centre managers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Working parents will continue to need help caring for their children. The number of children who are of preschool age is increasing, leading to a greater need for childcare and increasing the demand for early childhood centre managers.

In addition, there is a continued focus on the importance of early childhood education, specifically preschool. Early childhood education is widely recognised as important for a child’s intellectual and emotional development. However, the amount of preschool funding available from State governments differs from state to state.

Practical or Mechanical

Early childhood centre workers care for social, emotional, physical and educational needs of infants and young children in various care settings. They deliver appropriate training programs, care for children’s basic Future Growth Very Strong needs, and plan daily routines. In addition, some help children prepare for kindergarten or help older children with homework.

ANZSCO ID: 421111

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become an early childhood centre worker, you would need:

a love of children and a commitment to giving them high standards of care
patience and a sense of humour
flexibility
good communication skills
an awareness of health, safety and hygiene
knowledge of child protection issues.

Child Care Centre Worker
(Source: Raising Children)

Duties and Tasks

As an early childhood centre worker you might:

plan and implement developmental programs based on observation of individual children
observe and record children's growth, behaviour and development, and discuss these with parents
integrate children with special needs into the program, modifying the program and the physical environment if necessary
prepare play and learning materials and set up the children's environment
supervise children's play, ensuring their physical safety at all times
help children with daily routines such as toileting, dressing, eating and sleeping
guide children's behaviour and social development
prepare light snacks and meals
maintain a safe, clean and appealing environment
perform basic first aid in emergencies.

Working conditions

Early childhood centre worker's hours of work vary. Part time work is often available, and shiftwork may be required. Early childhood centre workers often share basic tasks and work in teams. You would spend long periods on your feet and often have to lift and carry children and move equipment.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an early childhood centre worker you usually have to complete a VET qualification in early childhood education and care or school age education and care. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

You can also become an early childhood worker through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Children's Services, Early Childhood Education and Care or School Age Education and Care. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require junior secondary school certificate or equivalent.

To work in child care you will need to obtain a Working with Children Check or equivalent. A National Police Certificate may also be required.

You must also hold an approved Provide First Aid Certificate and have completed training in anaphylaxis management and emergency asthma management.

While working in an early childhood setting, one of the positions available is a room leader [Team Leader]. A room leader is an educator who leads the room, responsible for the children the staff and running of the room. A Team Leader leads and is accountable for the day-to-day operations of their room, managing and mentoring a team of educators. Usually, the Child Care Centre is divided into different age groups and rooms. The Team Leader is responsible for their room.

The Team Leader collaborates across the service to develop, implement and evaluate high quality curriculum-based programs for children aged 0-6, build trusting relationships with families and the community and support the Director and Educational Leader to promote a positive learning environment. Future Growth Very Strong

As a room leader you are in charge. This does not mean you sit and make everyone do the work but it means you need to direct and manage what happens in the room. You will have to ensure that staffs who work in your room are working in accordance to policy and procedures, as well as this you will need to ensure they are included in planning and programming.

Room leaders need to be familiar and have thorough understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Standards (NQS) and the National Regulations to make sure their practices within the room are in accordance with these. Along with these the centre’s philosophy and policies and procedures need to be known as these should be reflected throughout the program and planning and the duties and tasks being completed. It is a lot of information to gather and understand but its necessary for all room leaders.

ANZSCO ID: 421111

Alternative names: Room Leader

Specialisations: Babies, Toddlers, Pre-schoolers

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To be successful in the role, you will have:

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Commitment to improving education and operations in early childhood education
Sound understanding of early childhood education development and associated standards and guidelines
Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, document and evaluate curriculum-based programs based on individual children’s needs
Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team of Educators to successfully deliver, document and evaluate planned learning outcomes.
Demonstrated commitment to improving education and operations in an early childhood education and care environment by contributing to and implementing management-initiated enhancements
Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and sound understanding of early childhood education development and associated standards and guidelines.

Room Leader
(Source: ETC)

Duties and Tasks

The Team Leader reports to the Centre Director. The primary purpose of the Team Leader position is to lead and be accountable for the day-to-day room operations and managing the team. This position will develop high quality curriculum-based programs for children aged 0-6 within an early childhood education and care environment. This position leads a team to implement and evaluate program experiences and activities. It’s up to you to lead your team to become a unified unit within the centre. You need to develop trust in those around you and also provide assistance and be supportive to other staff in the room. Be someone who can suggest ideas, give positive feedback, a role model, an effective team leader... these are the qualities and responsibilities required.

Key accountabilities include:

Responsible for the guidance/support/direction/discipline and general supervision of staff, students and volunteers working within the Childcare service.
Leading day-to-day room operations
Provide direction and mentor team members on program activities, supervising and interacting with children and applying care routines
Lead and be accountable for student placements, including associated administration and supporting student placement outcomes.
Create a friendly, secure and stimulating interactive learning environment for children aged 0-6
To develop the Children’s Program (reflecting Early Years Learning Framework guidelines). Write up the program, co-operating with staff and Children’s needs.
Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum-based experiences and activities, evaluating weekly with team members
Maintain accurate records of observation for individual children for program planning and assessment of each child’s short- and long-term development needs. Ensure records are accurate and adhere to ethical privacy and
confidentiality principles. To ensure that accurate records are kept in regards to accident, incident, injury, illness and medication. The appropriate books/records are to be checked on a regular basis to ensure ongoing compliance.
Build strong, trusting relationships between children, families and team members
Support the Director and Educational Leader to performance manage team members through guidance and mentoring.
To ensure staff are aware of current thinking and practice in early childhood education, and service delivery. To actively support and co-operate with other staff in their child-care duties.

Promote strong, trusting relationships between children, families and team members.

Consult with parents formally and informally regarding their child’s development and individual needs. To liaise with families in regards to the day to day happenings. To co-operate and communicate effectively with parents about their child-care needs.

Report daily room function to the Director and support the Director in identifying and implementing changes for the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System.

In compliance with the OH&S Policy, ensure a safe environment is maintained for staff and children, with particular attention to children with anaphylaxis, allergies, asthma etc.
Administer First Aid to children, as required.
Perform and model risk management principles to work practices and ensure incidents and events are appropriately reported and escalated.
Mentoring students on practical placement. Provide verbal and written feedback to aid reflective learning.
Perform other duties as directed, commensurate with the skills and expectations of the role.

Child Care Workers
(Source: Apply Direct)

If supervising a Deputy Team Leader, build capacity in the Deputy Team Leader to lead and be accountable for the day-to-day room operations and managing the team.pan>

Communicating With Staff

Depending on how many children are in your room on any given day, you will have at least one staff member assist you within the room. It is important that as a room leader you work together to provide the best of care to the children.

Positive communication also includes:

Being attentive.
Listening carefully.
Letting the speaker finish what they want to say.
Being aware of a person’s facial expressions, tone of voice and body language. These give clues to how the other person might be feeling.
Asking some questions and restating what the person has said. This helps you understand what has been said and gives the other person a chance to explain if their meaning was different.
Noticing how others respond will help you know if the conversation is going well or not.
Identifying which language would be best to communicate in. If you speak a different language, check to see if there are others who may speak the same language and are willing to help.
From experience, it worked when you sat down with the assistant (and any other staff working in your room, even relief) and discussed expectations and talked about various aspects of routine and who could contribute what to the program.
Express gratitude and say thank you to others in your room, a little goes a long way and most of all be a role model, for your team and the children.

Playing with Children
(Source: Kinder Careers)

Delegating Jobs To Staff

Do not ask or expect other staff within the room to do anything you are not prepared to do yourself. If you are not prepared to clean wee or poo up after a child has had an accident, do not expect someone else to. Depending on the types of people you work with making cleaning rosters could be a good idea so it is clear who is doing what jobs that day. Make sure jobs are equally spread and rotated so everyone feels like they are doing as much as the other person. There is nothing worse than someone feeling like they are lumped with all the cleaning/toileting jobs and not much else.

Take it in turns to do nappy changes and toileting procedures. Depending on which room you are running, nappy changes and toileting occur throughout the day. Instead of delegating this task to one person per day, break it up so someone different does it each time. It gets tiring if one person is stuck with having to do all the nappies throughout the day, especially if there are lots of children. If there are too many children more than 6 for example, split this task into half and share this procedure.

Overall try and maintain an equal share on who does what in cleaning, toileting, supervising etc. When staffs see room leader getting involved in these tasks themselves it creates a happier team. Be fair and delegate jobs appropriately between all staff within the room.

Programming and Planning With Staff

Please allow staff within your room to do observations and take an active role in your programming and planning. If they are actively involved they are more likely to take more of an interest in the children and the actual running of the room and be enthusiastic, happy and productive members of staff.

Working conditions

Child Care Centres usually open at 7am and close at 7pm. This allows working parents to drop off their babies, toddlers and children before work. This means that there will be shift work at most CCCs.

Tools and technologies

Reasonable competency with computers to write up child observations and reports. CC Staff work with all sorts of toys, playground equipment, sand and water.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Team Leader requirements:

Diploma (or equivalent) in Children’s Services, or working toward
ACT Working with Vulnerable People card
Current First Aid Certificate, and anaphylaxis and asthma qualification

Employment Opportunities

Working parents will continue to need help caring for their children. The number of children who are of preschool age is increasing, leading to a greater need for childcare and increasing the demand for early childhood centre workers.

A Childcare Centre Assistant Director is the second most senior position employed at a childcare centre and is responsible for helping to manage the day to day operations. Their key duties include the overall planning, administration, marketing and resourcing of the centre. They also are heavily active in parent discussions and are the second or primary point of contact for families. Depending on the size of the centre they may also be involved in the development of programs and activities for the children. Future Growth Very Strong

ANZSCO ID: 421111

Alternative names: 2IC

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Similar to other childcare roles, the majority of Centre Assistant Directors are female (97%). The role calls for a confident and resilient personality. As you will be dealing with a variety of staff and parents, you will need to be able to handle yourself and manage awkward situations. A good Centre Assistant Director will also have a lot of hands-on experience. Those who began as Educators will know how centres operate from the ground up. There’s nothing worse than being told what to do, from someone who’s never done it before. What makes this position different to other childcare positions is management and administration experience. As you will be in charge of a large number of staff, you will have a lot of responsibility and centre owners will need a high level of confidence that you can do the role.

Some traits of a good Centre Assistant Director include:

Good judgement and initiative
Business and commercial knowledge
Decisive and mature
Strong leadership skills
Good communication and mediation skills
Basic accounting and mathematics

Planning together
(Source: Communities at Work)

Duties and Tasks

Being the Centre Assistant Director isn’t just about just helping the person in charge. More to the point, being a good educator may not mean you’ll make a good Centre Assistant Director. In this role much of your time will be spent outside of the classroom, so if working directly with kids is what you enjoy, this may not be the job for you. There is no particular way to ‘become an Assistant Director’ however you can maximise your chances by doing some things.

As the Assistant Director is required to stand in for the Director from time to time, they will have been exposed to similar experience. Of course you will need to start somewhere, and if you’re an Early Childhood Educator looking to move up in the world, the best place to start is as a Team or Room Leader. Over time you will gain experience coordinating the other Educators in the room and get a feel for being a manager.

General responsibilities - helping the Centre's Director with:

Recruitment, coordination and supervision of childcare staff
Developing programs to grow the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of the children
Ensure the centre and staff comply to safety standards and government regulations.
Managing the centre’s finances and procurement of supplies
Interacting with parents and meeting their need and expectations
Maintaining order within the establishment
Accountable for the overall success of the childcare

Working conditions

Shift work or regular hours are available.
Noisy conditions.
A lot of interaction with parents or carers

Tools and technologies

The 2IC Manager has to be competent in computer skills.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To be Centre Assistant Director you will need at the very least a Diploma of Early Childhood Education (or Children’s Services). This is also the minimum qualifications for an Early Childhood Educator. The Diploma is offered at many TAFE or Registered Training Organisations throughout Australia and is generally completed in 12 months.

To take the next step, you could also undergo an Advance Diploma of Children’s Service which will provide you with additional skills and knowledge to become an Assistant Director. The qualification primarily focuses on leadership skills in the childcare environment.

Although not necessary, many high end childcare centre’s will seek out candidates that also possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. As the bachelor can take up to 4 years to complete, you may be study you’ll need to undertake whilst working. It is not uncommon for childcare centre’s to require their newly appointed Assistant Director to undertake the Advanced Diploma or Bachelor whilst on the job.

Employment Opportunities

There is a high demand for quality childcare centres in Australia. Many parents are often forced to put their child on a waitlist for their desired centre. A result of this, it has created a skills shortage across the childcare industry. With employment for Childcare Centre Assistant Directors having risen by 29% over the past 5 years and is expected to grow.