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5 Benefits of Studying Online

Posted on by Queensford College

Are you a busy student with heaps of outside commitments? Let’s say for example, work, hobbies, and children?  Worried that you won’t find time to make it to class or get assignments done?

At Queensford College students can study online – in their own time! Studying online is a popular option for many of our students who work full-time, run their own business, have children or live far away from campus!

Invest in a lifetime of success with an online qualification today! Check out how easy online study is with these five reasons below.

 

1. Save money

As a student studying online the costs are reasonably lower. This is because you don’t have to fork out money for public transport fares or petrol to get yourself to and from Queensford College campus.

2. More comfortable learning environment

Studying online means you can study anywhere. Literally anywhere. Study at home, in the park or at your favourite coffee shop!

By enrolling in an online course at Queensford College you can study in an environment that is best suited to our own learning (like on the couch in your pyjamas and fluffy slippers) and at your own pace.

3. It’s convenient and flexible

Enjoy the flexibility of online study and the convenience of tailoring your academic time table to your daily routine. Instead of allowing study to control your life, you control the study.

Decide when and how you study without interruptions to your personal commitments.  This also means you can balance work, family and your social life without stress (and everything in-between).

4. Share your ideas easily

Depending on what kind of learner you are, studying a qualification online may help you participate in class discussions and the sharing of ideas more.

Being able to interact with teachers and other student’s online gives students the confidence to join in class debates and discussions. This results in a richer learning outcome and assists in the understanding of key subject ideas.

5. There’s heaps of support

At Queensford College we have a whole team of student support services on stand-by ready to help you 24/7. We understand students studying online may get stuck – just like regular students who attend campus. In addition, students may also register for free career mentoring sessions with any one of our career and course advisors.

 

Ready to kick-start your dream career with an online course with Queensford College?  Education is a life-long investment. Click here to view our course list. Or if you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364.

5 Childcare Jobs You Need To Know About

Posted on by Queensford College

Considering a career in childcare but unsure of the employment opportunities?  In Australia job prospects for teachers and early childhood educators are good. According to the annual Childcare Occupations Report released by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations”>Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) several roles in the childcare industry such as child care centre managers and childcare worker are in very high demand. 

As the report shows, there are currently 17,600 approved child care services operating in Australia (700 more than March 2015) with an enrolled 1.2 million children. This number is expected to increase and childcare employment opportunities to sky rocket in the next five years. This is due to a projected increase in population of children under the age of 13 (833,000 children), requiring an extra 113,000 fully qualified, full-time childcare workers by 2020. 

With a formal qualification such as the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care you could join this current booming childcare industry. To be in any of the several roles listed, you are required to have (or to be actively working towards) an approved Certificate III in childcare.

Check out the roles you could soon step into:

 

Nanny

A Nanny is someone who is employed by a family to care for children in their own home. The role of a general Daily Nanny includes taking care of the children’s physical and emotional needs, dressing them, bathing them, transporting them to and from school, preparing meals, helping them complete homework or extracurricular activities, taking them on outings and reinforcing appropriate discipline. Additional Nanny Responsibilities may include laundry, light cleaning and upkeep.

A Night Nanny, typically trained and experienced in newborn care, is employed to ensure parents stay rested and receive a full night’s sleep. Night Nannies have a background in newborn care involving the soothing, feeding and sleep routine management of infants.  Nannies can either be live in or live out; meaning they reside with their host family or return to their home each night.

A Nanny generally works between 3-10 hours a day depending on the family needs E.g: A nanny may only be required to pick children up from school, transport them home and provide afternoon snacks and homework assistance.

Average salary: $31,000 – $53, 999

 

Au Pair

An Au pair is a young adult who provides safe and reliable live-in care to children in different parts of the world. The difference between a Nanny and an Au Pair is that:

  • They are from a foreign country
  • They are required to live with the family
  • They are young (18-30 years old)
  • They are typically unmarried and without children

People sign up to be Au pairs to travel and experience another countries culture and language. An Au works 10 hours a day with 2 two days off. These contracts typically last 12-months but in some cases may extend further. During their time off, Au pairs travel short distances, visit local attractions and expand their social and cultural network.

The role of an Au pair is very similar to that of a Nanny however does include the expectation of light housework. In addition, the pay rate for an Au Pair is lower to that of a Nanny’s because they are provided accommodation in family guest rooms or granny flats.

Average salary: Negotiable

 

Child Care Worker/ Early Childhood Educator

A childcare worker is someone who supervises and cares for children aged between 0-12 years old. They are responsible for meeting the basic needs of children, such as supervising and monitoring their safety, preparing meals and organising meal times, maintaining their general hygiene and engaging them in stimulating educational activities.

A childcare workers role will change depending on the age of the child. For example, in an out of school hours care facility (OSHC), commonly known as After School Care, childcare workers are  responsible for collecting the children from class, providing afternoon tea,  assisting with homework and leading fun group activities. They must also watch for emotional or developmental changes within children and bring the issues up with parents when they come to collect them.

The National Quality Framework (NQF) also requires Childcare workers to keep records of children’s progress, routine and interests in a daily observations handbook.

Average salary: $37, 280 – 53, 600

 

Day Care Manager

A Day Care Manager is responsible for staff development, supervision of staff, administration of centre records, and the direct care of children.

In charge of day-to-day operations, the Day Care Manager is responsible for designing the program the day care uses.  This program includes a schedule of daily activities to entertain, stimulate and educate the children at the day care, a structured, nutritious meal plan, a consistent and reasonable plan for dealing with disciplinary issues, allergy reaction plans and an emergency evacuation plan.

This program is incredibly detailed and must be up to the National Quality Framework (NQF) standard or the centre can be at risk of being shut down. The Day Care manager is also responsible for ensuring the facility is kept clean and well-organized. Another major responsibility of the Day Care Manager is liaising with parents and teachers about any issues or concerns staff may have with children. They are considered the main point of contact.

Average salary: $49, 700 – $78, 693

 

Family Day Care Owner 

A Family Day Care owner is someone who provides approved childcare services from the comfort of their own home.

A major difference between a family day care and child care centres is the very low child-to-carer ratios, which allows family day care educators and children to develop very strong bonds. In addition, family day care centres provide a unique, one of kind 24/7 child care service for working Australian families with flexible full-time, part-time, weekend or overnight care.

A family day care worker has the same responsibilities of that of a regular child care worker. A family day care owner must provide early education and care for all its children and maintain a program detailing a schedule of daily activities, meal plans, actions for dealing with disciplinary issues and an emergency evacuation plan that aligns with the National Quality Framework (NQF).

Family Day care also has a number of benefits including:

  • A home based-setting which evokes a feeling of familiarity and safety for children
  • A secure and quiet learning space for homework e.g dining room tables
  • A small group environment that promotes social development and the improvement of team building skills
  • Flexible drop off and pick up times e.g: beyond the standard 7AM-6PM times. Some Family Day Care centres are 24/7
  • No age restrictions separating siblings or friends e.g: In some day cares centres siblings are split between rooms due to age (e.g: a 6 year old must stay in the blue room whilst the 12 year old brother must stay in the age appropriate red room)

Average salary: $39, 700 – $80,392

Salary figures sourced from www.payscale.com.au. Information is specific to the general industry.

 

 

Join Australia’s fastest growing industry today! Start your journey to become a qualified early childhood educator by  speaking to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364 or email us at info@queensford.edu.au

5 Reasons To Kick Start A Career In Aged Care

Posted on by Queensford College

Aged care workers are arguably the backbone of Australian health.

Leading the way in professional health care support, aged care workers make a valuable contribution to the daily lives of many elderly Australians living in residential aged care facilities. Offering constant personal, physical and emotional support and round-the-clock care to enhance the quality of life to older people, aged care workers are often considered heroes in disguise.

In Australia the aged care industry is thriving; offering thousands of new job opportunities and employment prospects each year. According to My Aged Care, in 2012 there were an estimated 352,100 employees in the aged care sector working in residential and aged care facilities. The Australian Bureau of Statistics expects this number to grow to around 827,100, predicting that at least 1 in every 5 people in Australia will be aged 65 or older in just a few decades.

If you are seeking a new career opportunity with great employment prospects, studying an aged care training course will help you secure employment and begin a rewarding lifelong profession.

Take a look at the 5 benefits studying a qualification like Certificate III in Individual Support and see how a career as an aged care worker could change your life:

 

1. Aged care workers are in high demand

A report released by Griffith University in mid-2015 found that aged care workers were to become the most in demand health care sector workers in Australia.

Fast forward to today and it couldn’t be truer. Head researcher Professor Wendy Moyle from Griffith’s Centre for Health Practice Care Innovation explained Australia’s ageing population as the reason for the increased demand in aged care workers and support services, including gerontology nurses and residential aged care managers.

“Along with the age increase comes a greater focus on the healthcare complexities and comorbidities that are representative of this demographic.

“Nurses that specialise in gerontology nursing will see a huge number of job opportunities open up to them such as nurse practitioners, community aged care managers, dementia and chronic disease nurse specialists and residential aged care managers in nursing homes,” Professor Moyle says. Professor Wendy Moyle, Aged Care Guide.

Despite this, there is a current shortage of aged care workers who are wanting to work in aged care. When compared to other speciality health care areas, there is a noticeable lack of people who focus on the ageing Australian population.

Because the aged care sector is Australia’s largest and fastest growing industry, with a shortage of qualified workers, there are many career opportunities for people who are seeking employment. Once qualified, many aged care workers are able to secure employment in aged care homes and residential facilities shortly after course completion.

2. It’s rewarding

A career in aged care means you get to experience the personal satisfaction of knowing that you are doing a job that genuinely makes a difference in someone’s life. Not only are you making your clients life more comfortable, you are also easing the pressure of surrounding family and friends by taking part in their ongoing care.

As an aged care worker you get to empower those who feel powerless by helping them do the things they want and need to do.

What could be better than that?

In addition to developing memorable and meaningful relationships you will also find a new appreciation for human perseverance. Growing old is not easy, so it is important to promote a good quality of life in old age care homes. Doing so will lead to career in aged care that is both emotionally and financially rewarding.

 

3. A little goes along way

An aged care worker is many things; a carer, a support network, a listener but most importantly, a friend.

Aside from all the personal ageing care responsibilities like assisting in showering, dressing, eating walking and dispensing medication, an aged care worker can also make a significant difference in someone’s life by providing friendship or comradery.

Enjoying a cup of tea and sharing life stories and experiences at the end of the day is an invaluable source of nourishment and care.  Share in their experiences and promote good quality of life by simply being a friend. It is that easy.

 

4. Work in a supportive team environment

Aged care staff work together in a tight knit team to ensure all clients are receiving the best care possible. Together they all share the same goal and are dedicated to understanding the individual physical, emotional and personal needs of each elderly client in their respective aged care home.

Being a part of a team is rewarding and provides for great interactive skills. Learning how to become a reliable, flexible and cooperative team member by studying an aged care training course will help you adopt skills that can be applied across multiple health care professions.

Not only are your colleagues extremely supportive but so are the environments your clients create! Many perceive nursing homes, retirement’s villages, residential care facilities and old age homes to be of a dark and somewhat depressing nature. It is in fact the complete opposite! Aged care homes are bursting with positive attitudes (both from staff and the elderly; many current age care workers finding clients childish and carefree nature heart-touching), fun loving attitudes and excitement.

5. Flexible career options

Studying an aged care course and learning a multitude of skills like; how to facilitate the interests and rights of clients and empowerment of older people, facilitate individual service planning and strategies to meet personal needs – coordinating services for older people including supporting independence, well-being and relationships with carers and delivering care services using a palliative approach, you will be well qualified for a career in aged care.

Upon completion of an aged care qualification there are many employment opportunities available. For example you could become a:

  • Aged Care Activity Worker
  • Care Service Team Leader
  • Care Supervisor (Aged Care)

 

 

Join Australia’s fastest growing industry today! Start your journey to become a qualified aged care worker by  speaking to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364 or email us at info@queensford.edu.au

6 Jobs You Need To Know About In Social Media Marketing

Posted on by Queensford College

Right now, all over the world, companies are in desperate need of social media marketing experts to promote their brand, connect with their target customers, sell and gather market insight online. The increased demand for people with this skillset has put a lot of pressure on the business market and more and more individuals are considering a career in Social Media Marketing.

But what exactly are these people getting themselves into?

If you’re interested in kick-starting your career in social media marketing but are unsure of jobs are actually out there for qualified candidates – look no further!

Below are 6 of the highest paying social media marketing jobs in Australia right now – all available and in demand right now:

 

Social Media Manager

A social media manager is responsible for a company’s social media marketing and advertising. They work alongside a team of social media coordinators, graphic designers, content writers and sale teams and are expected to:

  • Set business goals and budgets
  • Plan social media campaigns
  • Develop brand awareness
  • Establish a positive online presence
  • Manage online content/blogs
  • SEO
  • Cultivate leads and sales

Mitt Ray from Social Marketing Writing Online says social media managers understand that real people use social media.

“Most businesses see social media as a way to directly drive traffic to their website and force people to buy their products or use their service,” he says.

“Social media Managers turn the spotlight on the ‘social’ in social media by creating & sharing content and asking & answering questions.

“This helps build a royal fan base…. this isn’t done randomly, but with the implementation of a detailed strategy.” Mitt Ray, Social Marketing Writing Online, 2016” Online, 2016

Average salary: $55, 465 – 78, 193

 

Social Media Strategist

A social media strategist is some who defines social media marketing techniques which will drive the financial growth and visibility of a company online. Essentially, they determine how a company’s brands and products should be best marketed.

Social media strategists define key performance indicators (KPI’s) and implement analytics and reporting methods to measure the level of success of a social media marketing campaign they developed.

Social Media Strategist Rachael Samuels from Sprout Social” says a social media strategist doesn’t just spend time posting fun pictures on Instagram or searching for trends on Facebook all day.  Instead she says they work hard across several social channels at all times and must have multi-tasking abilities.

“A social media strategist must be able to work in many different disciplines and across each social channel (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google+, and LinkedIn)” she says.

“From day to day, they could wear the hat of a photographer, editor, copywriter, planner, customer support and even social media analyst.

“They also have to exercise the left side of their brain by being strategic and analytical, but they also have to use the right side of their brain by being artistic and creative.” Rachel Samuels, Sprout Social 2016.

Average salary: $72,500 – 123, 650

 

 

Social Media Coordinator

A social media coordinator works in a team to help implement and maintain online marketing strategies developed by a social media manager. Using a range of digital media tools such as blogging, chat rooms, RSS feeds and online social media sites, a social media coordinator helps represent a company online.

Recent graduate Ellie Campbell works as Social Media Coordinator of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Every day she works in the epicentre of the games’ digital hub on the Gold Coast scheduling social media posts for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“Every day is different! I love coming into work as a social media coordinator and working within a team to push creative limits,” she says.

“Sitting in the digital hub surrounded by hundreds of screens seeing the posts go live and watching the comments, likes and views roll in is such a rush.

“I love knowing I have created content that has engaged people from around the world.”

Ellie said she encourages students who are interested in kick-starting a career in social media marketing to take the risk and just go for it.

Average salary: $49,573 – 62,700

 

Brand Manager

A social media brand manager is responsible for ensuring a company’s products or services resonate with customers. In order to do this, brand managers constantly monitor influential marketing trends and competitor activity.

Working with a team of social media coordinators, a brand manager will develop and implement online marketing campaigns to be executed across social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter (etc.) ensuring the brand look, feel, tone and overall message is consistent.

Average salary: $76 – $118, 600

 

Content Strategist

A content strategist is someone who creates content to increase a company’s brand awareness and customer engagement.  They must develop a content strategy based on a company’s objectives to be executed across a network of social media sites and other online platforms including blogs and websites. Content strategists specialise in the writing, messaging and tone of editorial content.

Chantel McGee, a content strategist who works with various global tech start-ups told the Media Bistro that content strategy is the science behind storytelling.

“A content strategist plans, writes and edits content; ensures it is clear, compelling and properly distributed across web, mobile and social platforms; and adheres to a consistent brand philosophy,” she says.

“…I use data, research and my understanding of psychology to shape my client’s narrative and create content experiences tailored to the company’s target audience.” Chanel McGee, The Media Bistro, 2017

Average salary: $38, 600 – 102, 363

 

Social Media Consultant

A social media consultant is someone who uses social media platforms to build a company’s online reach. They create plans in line with a company’s specific goal or budget. This may be as simple as growing the company’s YouTube following, increasing a blog click through rate, or as complex as devising an online community networking strategy.

A social media consultant does not implement these individualised plans – they only create and recommend them.

Average salary: $43,900 – $ 87, 586

Salary figures sourced from ww.payscale.com.au. Information is specific to the general industry.

 

 

 

Join the world’s fastest growing industry with Australia’s first and only Diploma of Social Media Marketing! Start your journey to become qualified in social media marketing by  speaking to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364 or email us at info@queensford.edu.au

6 Reasons To Kick Start A Career In Social Media Marketing

Posted on by Queensford College

Social media marketing is and continues to be one of the most incredibly powerful marketing tools ever.

Worldwide companies are now ditching traditional marketing methods and investing in social media marketing experts to promote their brand, connect with their target customers, sell and gather market insight online.

Because of this recent influx, there has been an increased demand for people with this skillset.  Quit wasting your time, money and resources. Invest in yourself by updating your skills and landing the job of your dreams with a qualification in Social Media Marketing now!

Still need convincing? Here are 6 reasons why a qualification in social media marketing can make you a successful social media professional:

 

Reason 1: Employers need you

According to a report by Hays, a major global leader in recruiting services, there is an increasing need for digital marketing professionals as more and more Australian businesses shift their marketing online. This also included a high demand for digital producers and candidates with digital production skills across websites, social media platforms and mobile apps.

A social media report by Sensis explained Australia’s high demand for digital marketing professionals including social media marketing managers and strategists as a direct result of the steady investment by Australian businesses on social media as a tool to increase their sales. It also showed that businesses are in search of people who have the expertise to utilise its power to reap brand recognition which then leads to profit. 

Reason 2: Flexible career path

Studying social media marketing won’t limit you to just digital marketing.  Being versatile in all areas means many career paths and a broad range of career options.

Don’t get stuck in a corner!

Check out what some of the other areas you may get into include:

  • SEO
  • Email marketing
  • Paid Search
  • Online PR
  • Content Marketing
  • Affiliate Marketing
  • Marketing automation
  • E-Commerce

These roles along with social media marketing are all closely linked to each other. This is what makes a qualification in social media marketing so appealing – its diverse career outcomes and potential for industry growth and development.

 

Reason 3: Learn from Pros

Our online marketing course, the Diploma of Social Media Marketing, was created by three leading global social media industry experts. Instead of mindlessly flipping through hundreds of pages about these individuals work you will be learning from them first hand.

Engage in comprehensive and forward thinking content written and designed by these professionals and gain the same practical skills they developed to manage and execute powerful digital and social media marketing campaigns.

Reason 4:  You were born into the internet, so naturally you’re already ahead

Internet natives – aka people born into an era where the internet already existed not people with HDMI cords for hands – are excelling in social media marketing roles because they have been using social media since the beginning of – their – time.

According to the Australian, baby boomers (also known as digital immigrants aka your mum and dad) have grown, and are used to, traditional marketing strategies across television, print, PR, catalogues and direct mail; and are hesitate to about jumping into this new digital space. It is for this very reason younger people are in high demand for these roles – they are familiar with being online and know what kind of posts will work to grab audience’s attention.

Imagine that! A job where your young age is considered a good thing that will increase your chances of landing a job.

 

Reason 5: There are heaps of jobs out there

As a graduate of a social media marketing course, you can sleep easy knowing there are plenty of job opportunities across Australia and overseas. Currently, there are 3,441 Marketing and Communications jobs listed on SEEK Australia  alone.

According to Payscale, an online salary and benefits information company, a Social Media Manager earns an average salary of $56,444 but has the potential to increase up to $83,475 after moving to higher earning positions in Social Media Optimisation, Strategy Development and Strategic Marketing areas.

Reason 6: Boost your own personal brand

After studying a Diploma of Social Media Marketing you will be well equipped at managing your own online presence and brand.

By learning how to develop blogs, informational text posts and images, videos and other engaging, visually stunning content you will be able to effectively promote yourself and develop an online presence aimed at future employer’s e.g: a personal website or online portfolio of your work examples.

This will boost your employment probabilities, help you stand out and separate you from the rest of the pack.

 

 

Become a qualified social media marketing professional with Australia’s first nationally accredited social media marketing diploma. Request a brochure. If you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364.

5 Reasons To Kick Start A Career In Childcare

Posted on by Queensford College

Being an early childhood educator or childcare worker is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling job. Playing a significant role in helping raise future leaders, doctors, engineers and teachers. You will be responsible for moulding young minds and shaping upcoming generations.

This qualification gives you the knowledge to perform work-supporting children’s wellbeing, learning and development in early learning centres and junior primary classes.  What’s more important than that?

If you’re passionate about enhancing and influencing the lives of young children then a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the qualification for you!

Still need convincing?  Below are 5 reasons why you should quit umming and ahhing and enrol today!

 

1. The children

Imagine being able to walk into a room to be met with heaps of happy, smiley faces every morning! As an early childhood educator or childcare worker, you will be lucky enough to do just that!

Don’t spend 40 hours a week feeling miserable at a job that isn’t fulfilling. Give back to the community and help educate, raise and shape the lives of children in your local neighbourhood or community.

Many childcare workers say developing and sharing a unique special bond with children makes it a worthwhile career. A career as an early childhood educator is one of the most rewarding and heart-warming jobs out there.

2. Educating young minds

As an early childhood educator or childcare worker, you will be responsible for filling the minds of young children with important knowledge and life skills. This is a large responsibility; to the child, the parent and to the community.

Early childhood educator, Mary Harvey explains that although a child’s first year of school is filled with many marvellous moments, it is also an important time of social, emotional and intellectual development.

“The skills learned at this stage — knowing what sounds the letter A makes or adding 2 + 2 — may seem simple but they will set your child up for a lifetime of learning.

“Preschool may look like all fun and games (music, story time, dancing, art) but there’s an intense amount of brainwork going on.” She says.

“Young children learn through play and creative activity, so your pre-schooler’s building blocks and train tracks aren’t just entertaining; they’re teaching problem solving and physics.” Mary Harvey, What your child will learn in Pre School.

As an early childhood educator, helping young minds learn to read, write and spell, use good manners, and develop basic social and motor skills is incredibly satisfying.

3. Help raise the future

“It takes a whole village to raise a child” – African Proverb

What better way to spend your life than to help raise and support a child. Being responsible for the intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing of a child, childcare workers play a hand in the child’s overall personal development. Personal development is of course about how a child comes to understand who they are what they can do. It is at this young age that children learn the skills they need to become actively involved in the world around them.

As a Childcare worker, you could play a vital role in sparking this imagination and self-confidence while fostering the child’s belief that they can do, and be anything they want when they grow up! As a support network for the child, you could work side by side with parents to create a supportive environment for the child to flourish in.

Ultimately, being a childcare worker is not just about watching and playing, it is about supervising and guiding children in the correct direction. It is about developing the next generation of leaders into patient, compassionate and understanding people who want to work together and create a better world.

Do you have what it takes?

 

4. You’ll keep active

Early childhood educators or childcare workers don’t spend their days sitting at a desk in a quiet office space, sipping tea. Instead they are up and about on their feet, breaking a sweat, supervising children and overseeing activities on the playground, at the art table, on the mat, in the silent reading section or on the oval.

If you decide to kick start your career in childcare you can expect to keep active during the work day and increase your fitness level!

According to Fitness Blender, people in jobs with moderate activity like teachers or childcare workers, can expect to take over 920 steps an hour! This adds up to a minimum of 7,360 steps a day, just short of the recommended 10,000 you’re supposed to hit! Fitness Blender, Calories Burned by Occupation.

Calorie wise? Childcare workers can expect to burn more than 127 calories an hour and over 1020 throughout the full working day.

5. Be your own boss

A qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care can help you launch your own Family Day Care business! If you have ever been interested in combining your own children’s childcare and running your own business from home, then a Family Day Care is something you should look into.

Essentially, a Family Day Care owner is someone who provides approved childcare services from the comfort of their own home. They have the same responsibilities of that of a regular child care worker including; maintaining a program detailing a schedule of daily activities, meal plans, actions for dealing with disciplinary issues and an emergency evacuation plan that aligns with the National Quality Framework (NQF).

By undertaking a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care you to could get qualified and learn both the practical and theoretical skills to run your own day care centre.

 

 

Join Australia’s fastest growing industry today! Start your journey to become a qualified early childhood educator by  speaking to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364 or email us at info@queensford.edu.au

World Asthma Day 2017: How to Treat Asthma In A Childcare Setting

Posted on by Queensford College

This week, schools, families and health organisations around the globe celebrated World Asthma Day – a day dedicated to the prevention and treatment of asthma. Designed to promote asthma awareness and ensure those with the condition get diagnosed, World Asthma Day also serves as an important reminder for those working in childcare roles to be prepared in asthma management and care.

According to Asthma Australia, 1 in 10 Australian children have asthma. For this reason it is essential early childhood educators or childcare workers know the causes, symptoms and treatment of asthma. Asthma Australia, Education and Care

If you are an early childhood educator or childcare worker looking to update your skills, a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care may be the qualification for you. This course also includes unit HLTAID004 – a unit describing how to provide emergency first aid in an education and care setting. For an easy-to-read guide exploring asthma management and care within childcare keep reading!

What is Asthma?

Asthma Australia describes asthma as a long-term lung condition.  Those affected often have trouble breathing due to a swelling in the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs Asthma Australia, 2017. A person with asthma has extremely sensitive airways which react to triggers that cause ‘flare-ups’. During a flare-up, the muscles around the airway become tight and the airways swell. This inflammation can cause the tubes narrow, making it difficult to breathe. This is what leads to an asthma attack. Asthma Australia, 2017

Asthma is a heterogeneous (diverse) disease that cannot be cured. Fortunately, it can be well controlled and monitored within children and adults of all ages with daily management plans.

What Triggers an Asthma Attack?

A flare-up, leading to an asthma attack, can be triggered by a number of things. Health Direct Australia outlined a range of triggers including:

–  Infections of the airways and chest
– Allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, animal fur or feathers
– Airborne irritants, such as cigarette smoke, chemical fumes and pollution
– Some painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
– Emotional factors, such as stress or laughing
– Foods containing sulphites, and many processed or pre-cooked meals
– Weather conditions, such as sudden change in temperature, cold air, windy days and humid days
– Indoor conditions, such as mould or damp, house dust mites and chemicals in carpets
– Exercise

 

What Symptoms Should I Look Out For?

It is crucial that childcare workers are aware of the responsibility they have in monitoring a child who has asthma. They should always be prepared, especially during outside play or sports activities where a child could expect to fall short of breath. Early Childhood Australia reported that Australian early childhood education and care services can expect to have up to 10 per cent of children with asthma in their care, and that they should always be prepared. Early Childhood Australia, Asthma Management

The reality is a child’s asthma symptoms can vary over time. If they have well-controlled asthma they might not even show symptoms at all! Hart Beat Training Queensland, a leader in Asthma Management reported that childcare workers should look out for a child who displays these common symptoms, or appears:

– Breathless
– Wheezy
– Pale and sweaty
– Gasping for breath
– Coughing
– Frightened or panicked
– Experiences severe chest tightness
– Unable to speak more than one or two words per breath

An asthma attack is considered a life-threatening event. Therefore, it is essential childcare providers are able to detect and treat the signs of an asthma emergency quickly.

What Treatment Should I Give To a Child Who Is Experiencing Asthma Like Symptoms?

If a child is displaying asthma like symptoms childcare workers are advised to call an ambulance immediately on 000 and follow the four-step Asthma First Aid Plan. This Asthma First Aid plan is a national guideline that is used in schools, early childhood education and care services, and hospitals across Australia. To view asthma first aid plan available on National Asthma Council of Australia click here.

The Asthma First Aid Plan uses an inhaler to treat and relieve symptoms of asthma. An inhaler is a portable device used for administering medications that once breathed in, will relieve asthma like symptoms.  Depending on the severity of a child’s asthma, an inhaler will be filled with different medication, for example Ventolin. To use the inhaler, one must remove the cap, check the dose counter, shake, connect the spacer, place mouthpiece between a child’s lips and press firmly down on the canister; releasing the correct amount of medication. This process is repeated several times, or until asthma like symptoms are relieved. Children born with asthma, and who regularly experience asthma like symptoms, are taught how to use inhalers from a very young age.

To view a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use an inhaler provided by National Asthma Council of Australia click here.

Find out more about World Asthma Day

Regulations About Asthma Management in Childcare

Under National Law and Regulations, at least one person on duty at any time, in any education and care setting, must have approved current training in emergency asthma management.

As outlined in the National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulation, the management of medical conditions, such as asthma in education and care services, is a national regulatory requirement. The objective of this National Law [section 3(2)] is to “ensure the safety, health and well-being of children attending education and care services.” 

In this National law [National Regulation 136] states that “the following persons must be in attendance and immediately available in case of an emergency:  At least one educator who holds a first aid qualification — At least one educator who has undertaken emergency asthma management training.”

A qualification such as the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to work confidently in any early childhood education and care setting under these current Australian regulatory requirements.

 

What Else Can I Do?

It is essential that families and childcare staff work together to achieve the best health and well-being outcomes for children living with asthma.  Early childhood educators or childcare workers can ensure excellent asthma management at their childcare centre, service or day care by:

– Engaging in regular, face to face meetings with children’s parents to discuss health care needs
– Becoming familiar with children’s Asthma Action Plans or Asthma Care plans
– Completing asthma first aid training
– Displaying informational asthma first aid posters in classroom
– Discussing asthma care and prevention strategies with colleagues
– Making sure children and parents feel supported

For more information about asthma care and prevention visit Asthma Australia.

Do you have what it takes to become a qualified Early Childhood Education and Care provider? Check out the course outline here. Or if you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364.

 

3 Jobs You Need To Know About In Aged Care

Posted on by Queensford College

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has predicted that at least 1 in every 5 people in Australia will be aged 65 or older in just a few decades. Because of this, the aged care industry is thriving. The increased demand for individual care workers has skyrocketed!

Queensford College has worked with a range of industry experts to offer a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) in a flexible and supportive approach to help prepare the Australian aged care workforce to meet this massive demand.

But in what roles exactly?

Students looking to enrol in a Certificate III in Individual Support in Aged Care, Disability or Home and Community Care can expect to move into a diverse number of roles including:

 

Personal Care Giver

A personal care giver is someone who supports clients by improving their quality of life. Carers can work in a care service facility, a community centre or even in the clients own home. Offering constant personal, physical and emotional support and round-the-clock care, personal care givers provide assistance with:

  • Daily tasks
  • Toileting and showering
  • Getting dressed
  • Personal hygiene
  • Cooking
  • Eating
  • Washing and Ironing
  • Cleaning
  • Assistance with self-medication

Queensford College student Micco Manuzon, aged 26, studied a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) in 2016 and began his career as a qualified aged care worker shortly after graduating.

Choosing to study a qualification in aged care because he found it the most interesting field in the health care industry, Micco said he enjoyed working with older people and learning new things about himself.

“I learnt that I could be as patient as possible when it came to taking care of the elderly… you have to be because clients have different moods which can be very challenging to handle due to their advancing age,” he says.

Micco says he feels good knowing his dream job is a career in helping people. Like most aged care workers, Micco gets to experience the personal satisfaction of knowing he’s doing a job that genuinely makes a difference in someone’s life.

“The most rewarding thing about working in aged care is being recognised by the clients you handle. They appreciate all the effort you make to provide them the best quality of care,” he says.

“The salary isn’t all that matters to me, at the end of the day it is still a job… however, no amount of money can give you the satisfaction of knowing you are changing someone’s life.

“Money can’t replace how thankful and appreciative clients are of the things you do for them… even the simple things like talking or conversing with them,” he says.

Fast Facts:

Skills: A positive attitude, good communication skills, ability to be patient and exercise compassion. Must be understanding and able to promote independence when possible to respect the integrity of client.
Work setting: Community care centres, residential aged care homes, personal homes.
Work Hours: 10 – 40 hours per week
Average Salary: $17,323 – $39, 791

 

Respite Care Worker

A respite care worker is someone who provides short-term, temporary care for clients. Respite care is provided as a break for full-time, unpaid family members who act as primary caregivers.  This is to support and maintain the primary caregiver’s physical, mental and emotional health. It is time off for them to re-charge. e.g.: time to take a holiday, visit the doctor, and see a friend.

Respite care can vary from 1 hour to 1 month and can take place in the clients home, residential facility or respite care centre.

Margaret Pedler, a volunteer respite care worker from Southwark council’s Family Link Programme told the The Guardian she had been a respite support worker for two years.

“We [Margaret and her husband] spend one day a month looking after a little girl with complex physical needs,” she said.

“I wanted to find a way to put my spare time to good use and work with children, but couldn’t sign up to the full-time commitment of fostering. Instead I saw an advert for Family Link, which trains local volunteers to help a family stay together by offering respite care.

“Looking after a disabled child is a full time, 24-hour-a-day role and can only be sustainable if parents can get respite, while knowing someone is there to allow them some time for themselves or their other children.” 

Fast Facts:

Skills: Flexible, positive, well-organised. Able to provide unconditional support and understanding for client and surrounding family and loved ones.
Work setting: Community care centres, personal homes, health care centres, disability care centres
Work Hours: 10 – 40 hours per week
Average Salary: $39,600 – $46, 991

 

Food Services Worker

A food services worker is responsible for preparing and serving meals for clients in hospitals, residential aged care facilities or respite care centres. They prepare delicious meals based on patient’s specific dietary requirements and tend to personal needs e.g.: place food serving in blender to make food soft or liquid based for clients who cannot eat solids.  Their priority is to ensure every patient or client receives a safe and well balanced diet.

Stacy, a food services worker for Mayo Clinic says she loves her job because she gets to meet a variety of people including patients, nurses and doctors.

“I like being able to serve patients, because I feel like I am making their day better. It is nice to meet new people and give them their food with a smile and try to cheer them up,” she says.

“I like the people I work with; our team truly gets along very well. We usually handle about 650-800 trays per day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which requires a coordinated team effort.

Stacy also said a day in the life of a food service worker can get quite busy, and requires the effort of a whole team.

“My typical day consists of going through inventory, delivering food trays to the patients, picking up trays from the floors, working with dieticians and regular cleaning in the kitchen,” she says.

“You have to be friendly in this line of work, and you have to be able to catch on quickly and learn where the floors are. You have to be able to remember the small details, like where you have been and haven’t been. Sometimes you get double trays or you get the wrong food orders for patients, and you are responsible for correcting those.”

Fast Facts:

Skills: Must be able to work cooperatively and in a team, well organised, good communication skills. Can work to schedules or deadlines.  
Work setting: Hospitals, Community care centres, residential aged care homes, long-term care facilities, community centres, health care centres. 
Work Hours:10 – 30 hours per week
Average Salary: $18, 782 – $36, 370

Salary figures sourced from www.payscale.com.au. Information is specific to the general industry.

 

 

Join Australia’s fastest growing industry today! Start your journey to become a qualified aged care worker by  speaking to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364 or email us at info@queensford.edu.au

How to Start Your Own Family Day Care

Posted on by Queensford College

In celebration of National Family Day Care Week; a week dedicated to recognising the importance of family day care educators, we took a look at what it takes to start your own family day care.

Over the years there has been a rapid increase in demand for childcare services. Long waiting lists, increased costs and inflexible hours have led many people to start their own family day care. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistic, family day care accounts for 12 per cent of Australia’s entire early childhood education and care sector with more than 17,00 educators! ABS, 2014

Running a family day care is ideal for stay at home mums who are keen to continue caring for their children and earn an income at the same time. Many other people including individuals with a passion for caring for children, childcare workers looking for a career change and those interested in starting their own business from home invest in starting their own family day care business.

Interested in doing the same? Follow this step-by-step guide on how to start your own family day care!

Step 1: Get Qualified

In Australia, all childcare workers and educators are required to have, or to be actively working towards, an approved Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.  This training doesn’t need to be completed before you open your own family day care, but it does need to have been started.

You can further this training with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. At Queensford College, our Diploma includes a specific family day care unit ‘Comply with Family Day Care Administration Requirements.’  This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with the administrative tasks established for family day care operations. It looks at record keeping, following organisational requirements for taxation and insurance specific to family day care. This level of professional training can help align your study and business goals.

Overall, a qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care reflects the required skills and knowledge you will need to work in a childcare care settings; especially if you plan to open your own family day care.

 


Step 2: Understand the National Quality Framework (NQF)

Before you start your family day care you must have a comprehensive understanding of the National Quality Framework (NQF). According to the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), this is legislative frame work that creates a uniform approach to the regulation and quality assessment of child care services in Australia. ACECQA, 2017

As a family day care owner you will be required to understand and implement its guidelines into your service to ensure positive outcomes for children. It covers several areas such as:

– Educational program and practice
– Children’s health and safety
– Physical environment
– Staffing arrangements
– Relationships with children
– Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
– Leadership and service management


Step 3: Understand and Meet Regulatory Requirements

In order to start your own family day care you must meet regulatory requirements. Because you will be teaching and caring for children in your own home, you need to ensure your residence is safe, and you are practising within legal guidelines.  A list of these requirements, named the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations can be found online at ACECQ.  Some things on this list include:


Your home must have:

– Indoor spaces that are well ventilated with enough natural light and safe temperature
– An outdoor space that is enclosed by a fence or barrier that is of a height and design that prevents children from going through, over or under
– A first aid kit that is suitably equipped and easily recognisable is readily accessible
– Access to an operating telephone or other similar means of communication for immediate communication to and from parents and emergency services
– Be a safe and secure environment for the children in your care

 

While caring for children you must ensure:

– Children are adequately supervised (maximum of 7 children at a time, or 4 children preschool age or under in the group)
– Children are not subject to any form of corporal punishment or discipline that is unreasonable in the circumstances
– Children are provided with an environment free from the use of tobacco, illicit drugs and alcohol
– Children have access to nutritious food and safe drinking water
– Children’s needs for rest and sleep are met
– Medication is not administered to a child unless it is authorised

Before applying for a license it is recommended you work on getting your residence up to standard. A full checklist of requirements are available on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQ) here.

 

Find out more about National Family Day Care Week 1st – 7th May.


Step 4: Apply for a License

To become an approved childcare service you must contact your state or territory family day care service provider and apply for a service approval. This service will work with you to ensure you meet legislation requirements and National standards. To be considered for approval you must meet all the requirements and submit a form with appropriate documentation.

Whilst it differs all over Australia, you can expect to provide these required documents:

A background check: It is essential to obtain a criminal history check to be considered a suitable person for working with children. This requirement is to help ensure people working with children are suitable for the role, having regard to the security, health, safety and welfare of those children.

Medical check: This is to ensure you are physically fit to look after children. This clearance can easily be obtained from your local doctor or health care provider. This is to also make sure all your immunisations are up to date.

Updated CPR, First Aid and Asthma qualifications: This ensures you have all the skills and knowledge required to provide first aid to children or infants in your care. Ensure you have completed a specialised first aid unit designed for childcare workers and educators.

A blue card: Appropriate clearance for working with children

Insurance: Public liability insurance that is current and up to date. This is available from Family Day Care Australia

You can visit the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority to learn more on how you can be an approved provider here. Find out how you can get involved in National Family Day Care Week here.

Interested in studying Early Childhood Education and Care and starting your own family day care? Request a brochure. Or if you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364.

 

Everything You Need to Know About the 457 Visa Changes

Posted on by Queensford College

On the 18th of April the Australian Government announced the abolishment of the 457 working visa and its replacement by two new temporary visas. If you are an International student who was on a 457 visa, or who one day hoped to work in Australia, you might be wondering what these changes mean for you.

What Was The 457 Visa?

The 457 visa, formally known as the Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visa, was introduced in Australia in 1996. It was a common business visa issued by the Australian Government that allowed employers to bring highly skilled overseas workers into the Australian workplace to live and work temporarily. An individual on this visa was eligible to:

– Live and work in Australia for up to 4 years
– Work in over 650 occupations
– Bring family members and dependants over to Australia with them on a 427 secondary visa
– Apply for permanent Australian residency after two years

Who Was Eligible For The 457 Visa?

This visa was designed to fill the job vacancies that Australians couldn’t. It proposed that a business could sponsor an overseas worker to complete the job if they could prove there wasn’t a suitable Australian available to. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection state that individuals eligible for this sponsorship must have experience in a position listed on the eligible skilled occupations list.

This list included a range of over 650 different jobs that varied in skill, salary and expertise. For example: Aeronautical Engineer, Choreographer, Mechanic, Nurse or Illustrator.

 

What Happened To It?

The 457 visa no longer exists. In its place, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said two new visa programs called the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS) would take over immediately and be fully implemented by March 2018.

TSS Short-Term: Overseas workers are eligible to live and work in Australia for up to two years. This can be renewed for another two years. There are no permanent residency options available after the expiry of this visa. A total of 268 occupations qualify for this visa.

TSS Medium-Term: Overseas workers are eligible to live and work in Australia for up to four years. This visa recruits foreign workers with high-level skills. There is a permanent residency option available upon expiry of this visa. A total of 167 occupations qualify for this visa.

What Were The Changes?

The new TSS visas have higher requirements than the old 457 visa. These key reforms include:

– The removal of 216 occupations from the eligible skilled occupations list
– Proof of two years’ work experience in their skilled occupation
– Stricter requirements in English language proficiency
– Mandatory labour market testing
– Required criminal record checks

Another significant change includes the increased cost of the TSS visa. The Short-term visa will now set overseas workers back $1,150 and the Medium-term visa $2,400. This is a price increase of up to $1,340 – the original 457 visa previously costing $1,060.

 

Why Did The Australian Government Abolish it?

To put it simply, many Australian workers claimed they were missing out on jobs due to overseas workers. Some Australians blamed the Government for allowing the eligible skilled occupation list to include too many jobs.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters from the Sydney Morning Herald that the abolishment of the 457 visa and overall restriction on overseas workers was about “jobs for Australians.”

“We are putting jobs first, we are putting Australians first,” Mr Turnbull said.

“We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs.

“We are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country. We will no longer allow 457 visas to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians.”

The introduction of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS) is meant to be the best of both worlds. In a press statement released by the MP himself, titled Putting Australian Workers First, Mr Turnbull said this new visa ensured Australian workers were given the first priority for jobs whilst still allowing businesses to access the critical skills they need to grow if Australian workers were not available.

What Does This Mean for Current Visa 457 Holders?

Current 457 visa holders in Australia will not be affected. All 457 visas issued before the 18th of April 2017 will remain unchanged.

However it is unsure how individuals on their current 457 visa will be treated once it expires. The circumstances surrounding when they can apply for permanent residency and what visa conditions they will be assessed under still remain unclear.

It is noted that individuals who lodged a 457 visa application on or before the 18th of April 2017 are eligible for a refund.

 

I Wanted to Apply for 457 visa. What Does This Mean For Me?

The abolishment of the 457 visa does not mean foreign or overseas workers will be denied working rights in Australia.

Instead of applying for a 457 visa students or overseas workers can apply for the new Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS). However, it is important to note which industries will be most affected by the 457 visa scrap.

The Australian Broadcasting Association (ABC) released an article The Occupations Most Affected by the 457 Visa Changes  that showed of the 216 occupations removed from the visa list, human resources, production managers and web developers will be the most affected. Other occupations no longer listed or available to overseas workers include training and development professionals, sales representatives, ICT support and ship engineers.

To see the full list of jobs that were removed click here.

If you have any more questions about the 457 visa feel free to call Queensford college student support on 1300 236 364.