July 17, 2025

Documents You Need to Apply for Childcare Jobs

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.

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:

State Name of WWCC Cost Years Valid Link to Apply
New South Wales (NSW) Working with Children Check $105.00 5 Apply
Victoria (VIC) Working with Children Check $131.60 5 Apply
Queensland (QLD) Blue Card $101.30 3 Apply
South Australia (SA) Working with Children Check $140.00 5 Apply
Western Australia (WA) Working with Children Check $87.00 3 Apply
Tasmania (TAS) Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) $130.90 5 Apply
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Free 3 Apply
Northern Territory (NT) Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card) $84.00 2 Apply

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:

State Course Link Cost Validity
Victoria (VIC) DoFoodSafely – VIC Free 3 years
South Australia (SA) DoFoodSafely – SA Free 3 years
Queensland (QLD) DoFoodSafely – QLD Free 3 years
New South Wales (NSW) NSW Food Authority Free 5 Years, but refresher recommended every 2–3 years

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


State Course Link Validity
Victoria (VIC) Child Protection Vic 5 Years
South Australia (SA) WT qualification / placement / New educator Experienced educator 5 Years
Queensland (QLD) Refresher recommended every 12–24 months
New South Wales (NSW) Child Protection NSW No Expiry

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

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:

Role Minimum Qualification
Assistant Educator Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or working towards (Cert III / Diploma / Early childhood teacher <30%)
Lead Educator / Room Leader Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, or working towards (Diploma / Early childhood teacher >30%)
ECE Teacher Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education with Teachers accreditation
2IC / Nominated Supervisor / Centre Director Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
OSHC Educator Certificate III or Diploma in Education and Care (or equivalent qualification and experience)

All qualifications must be:

  • Nationally recognised (RTO issued)
  • Current (not superseded unless equivalent)

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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