Department of Education and Training
Working in outside school hours
care
Outside school hours care services provide play and leisure-based programs for predominantly
school age children (including those in Prep) before and after school, during school holidays and on
pupil-free days.
There are approximately 700 outside school hours care services across Queensland, employing more
than 4,850 people in a range of roles. Services generally operate in schools, community centres and
youth clubs. Working in outside school hours care services are usually closed during school hours
and operate for approximately 25 hours a week.
The qualifications required to work in outside school hours care services depend on the number and
ages of the children attending the service. For example, a qualified early childhood teacher is not
required if services are primarily for children older than pre-school age. However, at least one
employee must hold or be studying towards an approved diploma (or higher) level qualification. If
there are more than 30 children attending, there must also be at least one person who holds or is
studying towards an approved certificate III.
The diploma or certificate does not have to be in early childhood. It can be in a related area such as
youth work, health, sport and recreation or community services. Many services also employ
unqualified assistants who help educators plan and organise activities.
Some employers will actively support you to study for a qualification while working, because if you are
enrolled and studying towards an approved qualification, you can be taken to hold that qualification.
As working in an outside school hours care service provides opportunities for part-time and casual
work, you can work and study at the same time.
Educator – certificate III
Certificate III qualified educators in outside school hours care services work with a
coordinator/director. They help plan and deliver the educational program.
Job titles for certificate III educators in outside school hours care services can include before and after
school educator, childcare educator, outside school hours care assistant or children’s services
employee.
How to qualify
•
•
Complete Year 10 or equivalent (entry requirements vary).
Hold or be studying towards an approved certificate III in early childhood with a registered
training organisation (usually 6 to 12 months full-time).
Educator – diploma level or higher
Diploma qualified educators are generally responsible for managing a service. They plan and deliver
leisure-based educational programs, provide leadership and support to other staff, manage finances
and administrative tasks, report to management and ensure compliance with policies and legislation.
Job titles for diploma qualified educators in outside school hours care services include outside school
hours care coordinator, outside school hours care director, outside school hours care service leader
and team leader.
How to qualify
•
Complete Year 10 or equivalent.
•
Hold or be working towards an approved diploma, degree or equivalent with a registered
training organisation or university (usually 1 to 2 years full-time).
Start your early childhood career
Outside school hours care services have to employ staff who hold or are studying towards an
approved qualification so they comply with the National Quality Framework.
All approved qualifications are listed on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality
Authority’s (ACECQA) website at www.acecqa.gov.au.
Before you enrol in a course, check that it is on this list of approved qualifications. It is also a good
idea to confirm with your education institution that the course you wish to study is approved.
If you have a qualification from overseas, contact ACECQA to see if it is recognised here in Australia.
Find out about Queensland Government training subsidies for:
 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
 Diplomas in Early Childhood Education and Care and School Age Education and Care
 fee-free training for Year 12 graduates
by visiting www.skillsgateway.training.qld.gov.au
More information
Visit earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/inspirethefuture to find out more about careers in early childhood.
Liam Dyer
Area Coordinator and Acting Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
Manager, YCMA
“We are all a part of the community striving to make a difference.”
Because I have been working for the YMCA since I was 15, I’m a big advocate of our work. I grew up
with the organisation and it’s very rewarding getting to know the families and the community. People
come up and say ‘hello’ while I’m doing my shopping! I also network with the local schools and
organise events. We are all a part of the community striving to make a difference in children’s lives.
My main contact at the moment is with the staff, organising professional development, making sure
the centres are complying with policy and legislation. But I do like to pay unannounced visits where I’ll
get involved with the children’s activities as well. That’s where my career started – organising a
soccer game with a group of primary school children in a holiday job at my local YMCA.
“It’s definitely not just a desk job!”
I’ve been working in the sector for 15 years in a variety of roles, including Area Coordinator for five
years. While my manager is on maternity leave, I am managing four area coordinators working for 27
OSHC services across South East Queensland. It’s definitely not just a desk job! An Area Coordinator
could be on the road visiting services in Toowoomba one day and the Gold Coast the next.
What made me choose a career in this sector was the sheer enjoyment of the work. Because OSHC
is for preps to 12-yearolds, you witness a wide range of personal development. It’s inspiring seeing
young people grow day to day, week to week, month to month and I am happy to be working for an
organisation that is fully accredited in safeguarding children.
“It’s the ultimate reward knowing that an OSHC experience has inspired a child’s life.”
One young girl from our OSHC now works for us. It is the ultimate reward that she credits the YMCA
and her experience in OSHC with inspiring her to study for a Diploma in Children’s Services. That’s
the main drive – to make that impact on a child’s life. But working with adults can be just as rewarding!
I’m now working with a brand new team of Regional Managers and watching them grow in their roles,
working towards the same vision. Our job in early childhood education is all about developing and
protecting our young children – they are our future.
Samantha Kolbee
School Age Care Services Manager, Queensland Police-Citizens Youth
Welfare Association
“OSHC is a great opportunity to be a positive person in children’s lives.”
My goal was to work for the police. But, while I was studying crime prevention and youth work for my
Bachelor of Behavioural Studies, I was given a field placement with Police-Citizens Youth Clubs
(PCYC). I became aware of OSHC services, quit my retail job and started working as an OSHC
assistant.
I didn’t pursue a police career because the OSHC gave me what I wanted to do – crime prevention
and helping young children. OSHC is a great opportunity to teach and be a positive person in
children’s lives.
“A whole range of qualifications allow you to work in OSHC.”
I have been with PCYC for 10 years now. Every 18 months or so I’ve been able to shift to a new role,
take up a new challenge. I started as an educator and now I am School Age Care Services Manager.
My job includes managing staff and budgets, dealing with complaints, linking agencies with parents
and children, looking at the National Quality Standard. It’s a really diverse role.
A whole range of qualifications allow you to work in OSHC. There’s psychology, sociology, youth work,
sports and recreation, music and arts and education. The diversity of qualifications allowed someone
like me to change my career path and bring a range of skills.
“There’s lots of networking and you build up a range of community contacts.”
Every day is different, with phone calls, questions about the law, regulations and policies. I visit lots of
services to share knowledge with other coordinators and continually improve our service. We also
have access to a range of good quality professional development.
I work with different organisations and agencies that help with behaviour management, and provide
support for children and families. There’s lots of networking and you build up a range of community
contacts.
I have had the privilege to work in some amazing places, from Brisbane to Biloela, Hamilton Island
and Yarrabah. When I visit a service, the children all know me and say, ‘Sam’s here – behave!’ Today
I met a coordinator and had breakfast with the kids – what a wonderful way to start the day.