Category: Tips and tricks

Early childhood Traineeship or Working Towards? Choosing the best path to start.

~ Storykate ~ Leave a comment

Starting a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is an exciting and rewarding journey. But before you step into the world of nurturing young minds, you need to get qualified.

For most aspiring educators, this means earning a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Cert III ECEC)—the entry-level qualification required to work in childcare.

The two main ways to achieve this qualification are:

  • A Traineeship – You study while working in a childcare centre, earning a wage as you complete your qualification.
  • Working Towards – You secure a job in a childcare setting first and complete your Cert III studies independently (often online or part-time).

While both paths lead to the same qualification, they come with different benefits and challenges. So, which one is right for you? Let’s explore both options to help you make the best decision.

What is an Early Childhood Traineeship?

A traineeship allows you to earn while you learn. You’re employed by a childcare centre that supports your structured training, combining hands-on experience with coursework.

Pros of a Traineeship ✅

✔ Paid Learning – Unlike unpaid student placements, Traineeship provide a wage while you gain experience.
✔ Structured Support – You get guided training from experienced educators.
✔ Government Incentives – Some states offer financial support, such as payments every six months for study milestones.
✔ Job Security – Many trainees secure long-term employment with their centre.

Potential Downsides ❌

✘ Lower Wages Initially – Trainees typically earn $19–$22 per hour, although mature-age trainees may start at $24–$30 per hour.
✘ Fixed Training Duration – Most traineeships take 12–18 months to complete. Your pay may not increase until you finish.
✘ Not All Employers Follow Award Rates – Some trainees have reported being underpaid, so it’s important to check your entitlements.

💡 Tip: Before signing up for a traineeship, make sure employer follows the award rates set by Fair Work Australia. Check the latest pay rates here.

What is “Working Towards” a Cert III?

If you prefer more flexibility and higher pay from the start, you can find a job in childcare first and complete your studies separately.

Pros of Working Towards Your Cert III ✅

✔ Higher Starting Pay – Many “working towards” educators earn $27–$30 per hour, significantly more than trainees.
✔ More Study Flexibility – You can choose how you study, whether part-time, online, or through a blended program.
✔ Faster Career Progression – Once you finish your Cert III, you might already qualify for a pay raise or a promotion.

Potential Downsides ❌

✘ Less Structured Support – Unlike traineeships, there’s no dedicated mentor guiding you through the process.
✘ Balancing Work & Study – You must be self-motivated to complete coursework while working full-time.
✘ No Guaranteed Job Security – Unlike trainees, employers aren’t required to invest in your development, meaning job stability might depend on performance.

💡 Tip: If you’re considering this path, check out ACECQA’s guidelines for “actively working towards” your qualification. Read more here.

Traineeship vs. Working Towards—Which is Better for You?

Your best option depends on your personal priorities and learning style.

FactorTraineeshipWorking Towards
Starting PayLower ($19–$22/hr)Higher ($27–$30/hr)
Study SupportStructured trainingSelf-paced learning
FlexibilityFixed scheduleMore flexible
Job SecurityStrong (employer invests in training)Depends on performance
Career ProgressionSlower (fixed traineeship period)Potentially faster

Ask yourself:

  • 💰 Do you need financial stability now? → Working Towards might be better.
  • 📚 Do you prefer structured training and guaranteed support? → A Traineeship may suit you.
  • 🕒 Do you want a faster career path? → Working Towards offers quicker pay increases.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Path That Works for You

Starting a career in Early Childhood Education is a big step, and both pathways have their advantages.

  • If you need guidance, structured learning, and job security, a traineeship is a great way to enter the industry.
  • If you want to earn more from the start and are self-motivated, working towards your Cert III while employed might be the smarter option.

Regardless of which path you take, make sure you understand your rights and pay entitlements. If you’re unsure, talk to your employer or a registered training organisation (RTO) for advice.

💬 Have you taken one of these paths? Share your experience in the comments!

🔗 Helpful Resources:

Traineeship or Working Towards? Choosing the Best Path to Start Your Early Childhood Education Career

Starting a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is an exciting and rewarding journey. But before you step into the world of nurturing young minds, you need to get qualified.

For most aspiring educators, this means earning a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Cert III ECEC). It is the entry-level qualification required to work in childcare.

The two main ways to achieve this qualification are:

  • A Traineeship – You study while working in a childcare centre, earning a wage as you complete your qualification.
  • Working Towards – You secure a job in a childcare setting first and complete your Cert III studies independently (often online or part-time).

While both paths lead to the same qualification, they come with different benefits and challenges. So, which one is right for you? Let’s explore both options to help you make the best decision.

What is an Early Childhood Traineeship?

A traineeship allows you to earn while you learn. You’re employed by a childcare centre that supports your structured training, combining hands-on experience with coursework.

Pros of a Traineeship ✅

✔ Paid Learning – Unlike unpaid student placements, traineeships provide a wage while you gain experience.
✔ Structured Support – You get guided training from experienced educators.
✔ Government Incentives – Some states offer financial support, such as payments every six months for study milestones.
✔ Job Security – Many trainees secure long-term employment with their centre.

Potential Downsides ❌

✘ Lower Wages Initially – Trainees typically earn $19–$22 per hour, although mature-age trainees may start at $24–$30 per hour.
✘ Fixed Training Duration – Most traineeships take 12–18 months to complete. Your pay may not increase until you finish the program. I once had a student who took over 2 years to complete her certificate 3.
✘ Not All Employers Follow Award Rates – Some trainees have reported underpayments. It’s important to check your entitlements.

💡 Tip: Before signing up for a traineeship, ensure your employer follows the award rates set by Fair Work Australia. Check the latest pay rates here.

What is “Working Towards” a Cert III?

Prefer more flexibility and higher pay from the start? You can find a job in childcare first and complete your studies separately.

Pros of Working Towards your Cert III ✅

✔ Higher Starting Pay – Many “working towards” educators earn $27–$30 per hour, significantly more than trainees.
✔ More Study Flexibility – You can choose how you study, whether part-time, online, or through a blended program.
✔ Faster Career Progression – Once you finish your Cert III, you might already qualify for a pay raise. You might also qualify for a promotion.

Potential Downsides ❌

✘ Less Structured Support – Unlike traineeships, no dedicated mentor guides you through the process.
✘ Balancing Work & Study – You must be self-motivated to complete coursework while working full-time.
✘ No Guaranteed Job Security – Unlike trainees, employers aren’t required to invest in your development. This means job stability might depend on performance.

💡 Tip: If you’re considering this path, check out ACECQA’s guidelines for “actively working towards” your qualification. Read more here.

Traineeship vs. Working Towards – which is better for you?

Your best option depends on your personal priorities and learning style.

FactorTraineeshipWorking Towards
Starting PayLower ($19–$22/hr)Higher ($27–$30/hr)
Study SupportStructured trainingSelf-paced learning
FlexibilityFixed scheduleMore flexible
Job SecurityStrong (employer invests in training)Depends on performance
Career ProgressionSlower (fixed traineeship period)Potentially faster

Ask yourself:

  • 💰 Do you need financial stability now? → Working Towards might be better.
  • 📚 Do you prefer structured training and guaranteed support? → A Traineeship may suit you.
  • 🕒 Do you want a faster career path? → Working Towards offers quicker pay increases.

Choose what works for you

Starting a career in Early Childhood Education is a big step, and both pathways have their advantages.

  • If you need guidance, structured learning, and job security, a traineeship is a great way to enter the industry.
  • If you want to earn more from the start, and you are self-motivated, working towards your Cert III while employed might be the smarter option.

Regardless of which path you take, make sure you understand your rights and pay entitlements. If you’re unsure, talk to your employer, TAFE or a registered training organisation (RTO) for advice.

💬 Have you taken one of these paths? Share your experience in the comments!

🔗 Helpful Resources:

Writing education assignments: bird by bird.

~ Storykate ~ Leave a comment

Many early childhood education students I am teaching, struggle with writing.

Let’s face it – writing in general is hard; while academic writing requires new skills and approaches.

Structuring an essay can feel overwhelming. Integrating theories or simply getting started also contributes to this feeling. Competing priorities like placements, work, and personal commitments make the process even harder. But what if writing didn’t have to feel so daunting?

Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird offers a refreshing perspective on writing. It applies not just to creative work, but also to academic writing. I have earned my Certificate III, Graduate Diploma of Education, and Master’s degree. I know firsthand how intimidating essay writing can be. It is especially challenging when juggling theory, reflection, and practical application. Here’s how Lamott’s wisdom can help make the process easier and more meaningful.

Get the book

1. “Bird by Bird” – One Section at a Time

Academic essays often feel overwhelming, particularly when you have to weave together theory, research, and real-world application. The key is to take it one section at a time. Instead of trying to write the perfect essay all at once, start with small steps:

  • Define key terms (e.g., “What is play-based learning?”).
  • Introduce a theorist (e.g., “Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory in early childhood education”).
  • Provide an example from practice.

From my experience: Writing a literature review for my Master’s felt impossible at first. I had pages of readings. I had no idea how to structure my thoughts. I focused on summarising just one article at a time, eventually stitching them together.

2. The “Shitty First Draft” is Necessary

Most students struggle with the pressure to write perfectly from the start. But great writing doesn’t happen in one go. The first draft exists just to get ideas on paper—cleaning it up comes later.

Tip:

  • Start with a brain dump of ideas and key points. I use large pieces of paper and just add written notes all over it. My best friend from Uni used to call them “bed linen”.
  • Use mindmap to start making connections.
  • Write as if you’re explaining to a friend. Record yourself talking about your assessment topic.
  • Don’t stress about wording—just get it down.

From my experience: I used to stare at a blank page, panicking about APA referencing and phrasing. The breakthrough came when I allowed myself to write badly first, then refine later.

3. Short Assignments – Focus on One Paragraph at a Time

If you’re feeling stuck, zoom in. Write one paragraph at a time instead of worrying about the whole essay.

  • Write just the introduction today.
  • Tomorrow, focus on one theory (e.g., Piaget’s constructivism).
  • Then move on to practical application.

This makes the process less overwhelming.

From my experience: When writing my Graduate Diploma assignments, I used to get stuck overthinking the big picture. But when I focused on just one section at a time, it became easier.

4. Better done than perfect

Many students struggle with over-editing too soon. They tweak sentences before they’ve even finished their ideas. Instead, embrace the messy process:

  • Draft first, refine later (APA formatting can wait!).
  • Let yourself write badly before making it better.
  • Your work doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be clear and well-structured.

From my experience: In my Master’s, I spent hours rewording the first paragraph before moving on. This wasted time. I learned to write first, edit later—and my essays improved.

5. Write for Yourself First – Then for the Markers

Academic writing often feels like “writing for the sake of it.” But if you think of it as exploring ideas that genuinely interest you, the process becomes easier.

  • Pick topics that spark curiosity (e.g., “Why is risky play important?”).
  • Approach essays as learning tools, not just assessments.
  • Make connections to your teaching practice—this keeps writing engaging and personal.

From my experience: When I linked my essays to real classroom experiences, writing became easier and more meaningful.

6. Writing is Rewriting – Accept Multiple Drafts

Even professional writers revise their work many times. Your first essay draft is just the starting point. The real work happens in editing:

  • Improve flow and clarity.
  • Make sure each paragraph supports the argument.
  • Strengthen academic tone and referencing.

From my experience: I never submitted my first draft—I always went through at least two rounds of edits. This small change helped me boost my grades significantly.

P.S. Don’t forget to save your drafts. I upload my essays to Gogole Drive/ One Drive / Dropbox or just email them to myself. Help to avoid the drama of losing half written work.

7. Writer’s Block? Just Start Anywhere

Feeling stuck? Start with the easiest part—maybe an example from your placement or a definition of pedagogy.

  • You don’t have to write in order.
  • Sometimes, writing the body paragraphs first helps.
  • Move past the fear of “not knowing how to start.”

From my experience: I often wrote case study examples first, then built my analysis around them.

I have written through every stage of the journey, from Certificate III to a Master’s. From my experience, the best essays come from letting go of perfectionism. They come from writing freely and shaping the work over time.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, take a deep breath and just start writing—bird by bird.

7 easy to play circle time games

~ Storykate ~ Leave a comment
Sleeping lions is just one of the games you can play with children during group time or free play on a rainy day.

Here are 7 more ideas 👉

Simon Says – this classic game involves one player being “Simon” and giving commands such as “Simon says touch your nose” while the other players follow the instructions. If Simon says something without starting with “Simon says,” then players shouldn’t follow the command. Another version of this game I like is Yogi Says, which invites children to come up with ONE yoga pose for other children to follow. For example, Yogi says, touch your toes; Yogi says – do a tree pose etc.

Red Light, Green Light – this game involves one player being the “traffic light” and facing away from the other players. When the traffic light says “green light,” the players move toward the traffic light. When the traffic light says “red light,” the players must freeze. The first player to reach the traffic light wins.

Duck, Duck, Goose – this game involves children sitting in a circle while one child walks around tapping each player’s head, saying “duck, duck, duck,” and then finally saying “goose.” The child who was tapped as the “goose” must stand up and chase the “tapper” around the circle.

Animal Walks – have the children imitate different animal walks, such as a bear, elephant, or crab. The children can walk around the room or follow a designated path. I use special “move like animal” cards for that.

Freeze Dance – play music and have the kids dance until the music stops, at which point they must freeze. Repeat until everyone has had a chance to dance.

“The Floor is Lava” is a popular game that can be played indoors or outdoors. The objective of the game is to get from one end of the play area to the other without touching the “lava” (the floor).

Here’s how to play:

Choose a play area: This can be a room in your house, a section of your backyard, or any other designated space.

Declare the floor as lava: All players must agree that the floor is now “lava” and that they cannot touch it.

Create obstacles: Players must use furniture, cushions, or other objects to create a path or obstacle course that they can use to get from one end of the play area to the other without touching the floor.

Start playing: Players must use the obstacles to get from one end of the play area to the other without touching the floor. If a player touches the floor, they are out of the game. The last player remaining is the winner.

“Fruit Salad” is a fun and active game that can be played with children of all ages. Here’s how to play:

Choose your fruits: Before playing, decide on a list of fruits that you want to use. This can include real fruits or fruits made out of paper, foam, or fabric.

Create a basket: This can be a real basket or a designated area on the floor where the fruits will be placed.

Start the game: One player is chosen to be “it” and starts the game by calling out the name of a fruit. All other players must then run to the basket and try to find the matching fruit.

Collect the fruit: The first player to find the matching fruit must pick it up and return to the starting point. They then place the fruit in a separate area, such as a basket or a designated spot on the floor.

Repeat: The player who collected the fruit becomes “it” and starts the game by calling out the name of a different fruit. The game continues until all of the fruits have been collected.

What are your favourite games to play during circle time or outdoor play with children?