Entry requirements

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into the course applicants:

• Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) - an online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
• Undertake a Pre-training review interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
• Students will be required to hold a valid Working With Children Check (Volunteer).
• Students will be required to provide a Police Check with no disclosable outcomes (within 6 months).
• GOTAFE polo shirt is required to be worn during placement (available for purchase at the Induction).
• Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
• Prospective VDSS students are required to apply through your School's VET coordinator or Careers Advisor.

Inherent requirements

Skills when working with children include the psychological stamina to carry out:

• Empathy, patience, and accountability when dealing with babies and children.
• The ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to effectively engage with adults.

Physical requirements include the ability to

• Bend down and engage with children at their level.
• Lift and hold children, often in a repetitive nature.
• Lift and move child-size furniture and equipment.
• Role model and engage children in physical activities to promote healthy lifestyle choices.

General public students only - Students need to be aware that some workplaces prefer students to be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of employment in the industry to help meet educator-to-child ratios. Students are advised to consider their age when applying for the course.

General public (family daycare) students only - Legislation requires Family Daycare Educators and Family Daycare Educator Assistants to be at least 18 years old to work in the industry. Students are advised to consider their age when applying for the course.

Student resources

Students must provide:

• A laptop/computer with internet access.
• A webcam for virtual classes.

Textbook requirements:

• Birth to big school. 5TH Edition, 2020, Karen Kearns.
• The Big Picture: 5TH Edition, 2020, Karen Kearns.

Enrolment

Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:

• Aspirations/career goals
• Educational attainment and capability
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

• Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.