Ever wondered who shapes the educators of our youngest minds? Meet the early childhood education trainer and assessor—a vital professional who educates and evaluates students aiming to qualify in early childhood education and care. These professionals are the backbone behind qualifications like the CHC30121 Certificate III and the CHC50121 Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Who is an early childhood education trainer and assessor?

An early childhood education trainer and assessor is a professional responsible for educating and assessing students who are pursuing qualifications in early childhood education and care. These qualifications include the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

What do early childhood trainers and assessors do?

There are a few responsibilities of the early childhood trainer, including:

Delivery and teaching. Presenting lessons and workshops, both in-person and online, covering the curriculum of the CHC30121 and CHC50121 qualifications. We also conduct hands-on sessions that provide students with real-life skills necessary for working in early childhood settings. For example, making playdough, setting up play spaces, showing examples of engaging with children; and teaching songs.

Developing resources. Early childhood trainers create and customise learning resources Tailoring training materials to meet the compliance requirements and effective needs of diverse student groups, ensuring content is engaging and relevant. We also contribute to the development and updating of course materials and curricula to keep them current.

Assessing students’ learning. Evaluating student knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, practical demonstrations, and workplace observations. Trainers offer constructive feedback to guide students in their learning journey and improve their performance. Early childhood trainers and assessors make sure that students meet the required competencies for each qualification by following assessment guidelines.

Student support. As an early childhood trainer, I provide one-on-one support to students, helping them with course content, assignments, and practical placements.

The role includes tracking student progress and addressing any learning issues or challenges they might face. The trainers offer pastoral care, ensuring students’ well-being, and referring them to additional support services if needed.

Planning for own professional development. Participating in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of the latest trends and practices in early childhood education.

Administration or as we call it admin. Before you start getting excited about teaching a new generation of early childhood educators, remember it is a lot of admin or paperwork involved in this role.  Maintaining accurate records of student attendance, progress, and assessment outcomes and so on.

Compliance is a word, that every early childhood trainer and assessor is getting triggered by. We must make sure that all training and assessment activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies. Get ready to prepare reports on student performance and course effectiveness for internal and external stakeholders.

Work placement support. Early childhood trainers and assessors often support students in finding an appropriate placement or support them in finding it on their own. Early childhood trainers and assessors visit students on placement a few times during the course.

How to become an early childhood trainer and assessor?
To become an early childhood trainer you need to have a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116; TAE40122), you need to have early childhood education qualifications, e.g. Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. You may have an early childhood teaching degree, but it is not a requirement. At least 4-5 years (the more, the merrier) of experience working in early childhood education and care, with experience in leadership roles, e.g. as an educational leader; centre’s director, centre’s assistant director, curriculum leader; a room leader. You need to have a current Working with Children Check to ensure eligibility to work with children.

What do I like about my job?

As an early childhood trainer and assessor, I love the connections I make with my students, with industry representatives. It is a real pleasure to watch my students grow professionally, making their first “steps” in early childhood education. I feel very wonderful when I get good feedback from the students on my delivery or see them using the teaching techniques we have learned in class.

Here is my video to make this post more interactive👇

https://youtube.com/shorts/MsdXDfYmUls

Extra resources

Early Childhood Theories and Theorists Interactive Training Pack