what is outside school hours care?

As an OSHC educator, you facilitate play, learning and care for primary school-age children before and after school or during holidays. Since the typical school day ends at 3 pm or earlier for kindergarten students, parents send kids to after school care programs until they get out of work at 5 pm. 

After an exhausting day in school, children are usually ready for relaxation and fun. As an after school care worker, you plan for playtime and other activities to keep the kids engaged. Since you spend much time with the children, you report any behavioural or emotional issues you notice.

Some after school care centres are located in schools, and you can work as a tutor or educator. You coordinate with teachers to provide additional support for kids outside the classroom. Sometimes, you ensure kids get their homework done. As an OSHC professional you are in charge of the kids' safety and handle any emergencies that arise. You may also organise healthy snacks for children to enjoy after school and ensure they are hydrated.

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average after school care salary

The typical salary of an after school care attendant is $63,473 per year. Your remuneration package depends on your experience, duties and qualifications. When you are starting in an entry-level role, you take home a salary of $56,739 per year. With experience and educational qualifications, your remuneration package increases significantly, and you can earn over $79,040 annually.

what factors affect the salary of an after school care attendant?

The main determinant of your remuneration package in after school care is your work hours and duties. Most after school care centres also have before-school care programs. If you work before and after school hours, you are likely to earn more than educators who only work after school care hours. Working during school holidays also boosts your remuneration prospects since you work between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm.

Your duties also influence your earnings. When you work as an after school care attendant, you earn less than after school care coordinators or program managers. After school care attendants who tutor kids also earn more due to the additional experience required for the role.

Want to know what you will earn as an after school care worker? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of after school care attendants

After-school care attendants work in childcare centres or schools that provide outside school hours care (OSHC). Most after-school care services deal with children attending school, but some also offer care to kids who are yet to start school. As an after school care worker, you can work before or after school, on pupil-free days or during school holidays. Some after school care workers focus on providing care services, like organising play activities or preparing snacks for kids, while others also add tutoring services.

smiling woman helping children with schoolwork
smiling woman helping children with schoolwork
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working as an after school care attendant

Working as an after school care attendant is a great entry-level opportunity to join childcare educator roles. Let’s explore the specific duties, responsibilities and work environments associated with the role.

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education and skills

In Australia, you can work as an after care attendant without any formal qualifications, especially if your duties do not involve teaching children. However, having educational qualifications improves your employment prospects. Pursue a Certificate IV in early childhood education and care or a diploma course. Other short-term courses include a Certificate III in outside school hours care, which you can complete to improve your knowledge and skills.

Aside from courses approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), you require a Working with Children Check and police check.

after school care skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of after school care attendants include the following:

  • interpersonal skills: since you work with childcare educators and tutors, you require strong interpersonal skills. The skills also make you approachable to children since you have active listening skills, which facilitates a trusting relationship.
  • communication skills: you require strong communication skills to communicate clearly with children. You instruct children on fun activities and collaborate with other childcare workers. Good communication skills also help you communicate with parents clearly and concisely.
  • conflict management skills: fights can break out between children, and you manage conflicts in the childcare centres. Your conflict management skills help you deal with conflicts and help children rationalise their feelings.
  • empathy: you should be compassionate and have empathy to interact with children. Empathy helps you put yourself in the kids’ shoes and connect with them. It is a valuable skill for offering emotional support and building trusting relationships.
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FAQs about working as after school care

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an after school care attendant.

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