So, you want to secure your dream job in the childcare industry with QuickCare, here are a few things you need to prepare to help you get there.

_{Essential Documents and Qualifications for Working in Childcare}

The childcare industry in Australia is regulated to ensure that qualified, professional educators support the education and development of our children. This means employers must verify your credentials. QuickCare has made it easy for you and the childcare service provider by providing a single place to store and verify all your documents. 

Here's what you need:

Working with Children Check

An "employee" working with children check is required. Here are some links for how to apply for your working with children check:

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CPR & First Aid Certificates 

One of the most reputable registered training organisations where you can obtain your CPR and/or first aid certificate is St Johns Ambulance. Here's a link to St John's Ambulance where you can find information on gaining your certificate. CPR costs around $89.00 and is renewed annually. It can be completed online or in person, depending on your preference. First aid can also be done online or in person, and the costs vary depending on your choice, from between $195 to $345.

Food Handling

This certificate is often required when applying for childcare roles, as it ensures safe food practices around children. Here is a link to obtain your food handling:

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Child Protection

This is a mandatory training for all educators working in early childhood education . Below is a summary of the current requirements:

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*Note: Course selection may vary depending on the educator’s qualification level and current role.

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Qualification Requirements

To work as an educator in early childhood education and care, the minimum qualification required is a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, with many roles requiring or preferring higher qualifications.

Here’s what you’ll need:

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All qualifications must be:

• Nationally recognised (RTO issued)

• Listed on training.gov.au

• Current (not superseded unless equivalent)

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Teacher Accreditation / Registration (for Long Day Care & OSHC Settings)

If you're working as an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) or in a leadership role in Long Day Care (LDC) or Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), you may be required to be registered or accredited with your state or territory’s teaching authority. Here's what you need to know based on where you work:

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Quick Notes:

• Long Day Care (LDC) settings that employ a qualified Early Childhood Teacher (e.g., as required under the NQF) must ensure that person is registered in most states.

• For OSHC services, registration is generally not required unless the educator is also teaching in a school or holds a formal teaching role. However, educators with teaching degrees can choose to register voluntarily.

• Provisional or temporary registration is available for new graduates in most states while they complete required teaching experience.

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At QuickCare, we’re here to support you in every step of your childcare career. When your documents are ready, you’re already one step closer to the job you want.

Upload and verify your documents in your QuickCare profile today!