Updates on Early Childhood Qualifications Mandy Walker > CAECE Training & Operations Manager
There has been a lot of chatter recently about the new training package but still some confusion and uncertainty about what it means for educators who are currently studying or new educators wanting to start studying. In July 2021, a new Community Services training package was released. This change was long-awaited and a muchneeded update to align with current research and practice in early childhood. These changes are welcomed, and I believe they will support future educators to have a deep and genuine understanding of theoretical perspectives, holistic approaches, and child development. The most significant change we see in the new package is that there is no longer direct entry into the Diploma. Students must complete either CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care as a pre-requisite into the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. This change may present a barrier to educators with older Certificate III qualifications as they will have to “upgrade” their Certificate III to the new qualification before starting their Diploma. RPL pathways may support these educators to use their previous skills and knowledge to gain the new CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. The next biggest change is that all the units must be observed by the training organisation in a regulated early learning service in Australia. This means that trainers must observe skills and tasks being completed in service.
There is room for training providers to simulate some tasks, but stricter guidelines on what MUST be observed have been implemented. This will ensure that all students are being observed and deemed competent, but the training organisation can not rely on third party reports or workplace supervisor reports as evidence of completing tasks. The hours required for placement have been increased from 120 to 160 for Certificate III and from 240 to 280 for Diploma. This will only impact students who are not working in the early childhood sector while studying. How you can support your educators during this transition period: • Request a transcript from their training provider to see how far through their studies they are. • Request a transition plan for those who have MORE than 12 units (in either Certificate III or Diploma). • Ask their training provider what steps they are taking to ensure all students complete their studies on time. • Provide trainees and apprentices with non-contact study time. • Provide all educators studying with support and guidance when completing tasks, workplace tasks and when the training provider needs signatures for completing units.
EARLY EDITION > SUMMER 2021 15
