Today I found an interesting job advertised. It’s called play helper, with Play Matters Australia, and it caught my eye because it’s such an unusual entry role in early childhood education. It isn’t in long day care.
For this job you need a Working with Children Check, some experience with children and families, and even a few months of that is a good start. That’s what makes it a lovely segue into the sector, and it keeps you close to play.
The role is play helper at a supported playgroup. Organisations like Play Matters Australia run playgroups across different communities, and some of them are funded. I used to work for a not-for-profit that ran playgroups too, so I know the setting well.
As a play helper, you set up the play spaces, which was always one of my favourite jobs. You put out a simple play experience, welcome families as they arrive, and model calm, respectful interactions that help children settle. You also show parents and guardians how to facilitate play with their own children.
I think it’s a great role because it runs on people skills. The pay is modest. What you get in return is warm, hands-on work with families, and for a lot of people, that’s the part that matters most.
The role
https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/playmatters/play-helper-clyde-cranbourne?locations=1
