What they do
Child care centre managers plan, direct and coordinate the activities of child care centres. This includes supervising other staff, developing 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.
Working conditions
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. Work hours tend to be regular.
Tools and technologies
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.
How do I become one?
Education and training
To become a childcare centre manager, you usually need to gain a qualification in early childhood education and care.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Western Australia. To find a training provider near you, browse the Jobs ad Skills WA website or visit the My Skills website.
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.
All universities in Western Australia offer relevant courses. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information.
Most employers will also require those working in management roles to have experience using leadership skills in a related industry or occupation.
All universities in Western Australia offer relevant courses. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information.
Most employers will also require those working in management roles to have experience using leadership skills in a related industry or occupation.
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 Western 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). Visit the Working with Children website for information on how to apply for a WWC Check.