100% free childcare job description templates

Under the National Quality Framework (NQF), childcare educators must hold approved qualifications. Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the minimum for educators counted in ratios. Diploma-qualified educators are required for certain positions, and early childhood teachers (degree-qualified) are required for some services.

Yes, Working with Children Checks (or equivalent) are mandatory for all people working with children in early childhood services. Requirements vary by state: NSW has the Working With Children Check, Victoria has the Working with Children Check, and other states have similar requirements. Checks must be current and verified by employers.

Ratios are set by the National Quality Framework and vary by age group. Common ratios include: 1:4 for children 0-24 months, 1:5 for children 24-36 months, 1:11 for children 3-5 years in centre-based care, and 1:15 for school-aged children in OSHC. Services must maintain these ratios at all times.

It’s not legally required, but including indicative pay rates can attract more applicants and set clear expectations. You can reference the applicable classification level (e.g., “Level 3.1 under Children’s Services Award”) or provide specific hourly rates.

Beyond qualifications, childcare staff typically require current First Aid certificate, CPR training, anaphylaxis management training, asthma management training, and child protection training. Some services also require food safety training and safe sleep training.

Under the Children’s Services Award, rosters must be provided at least 7 days in advance. Changes within this period generally require employee agreement unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Use rostering software to ensure compliance and improve communication.

Penalty rates vary by day of week and employment type. Higher rates apply for Saturdays (125-150%), Sundays (150-175%), and public holidays (200-250%). Early morning shifts before 7am also attract loadings. Casual staff receive a 25% loading. Use award interpretation tools to calculate rates accurately.

Under the Children’s Services Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes. Programming time (non-contact time) is also required for educators to complete documentation. Services must ensure ratio compliance during breaks.

Clear job descriptions set baseline expectations. Combine these with room-specific procedures, regular team meetings, and supervisor oversight. Use HR software to track qualifications, certifications, and professional development across your team.