There are a range of childcare courses that nannies and babysitters can undertake to gain qualifications. With a suitable childcare qualification you'll be able to apply for lots of great babysitting and nanny jobs on our site.
How do I qualify to become a babysitter or a nanny?
You don't require a formal qualification to be a nanny. You just need a range of skills including interpersonal skills, observational skills, planning, organisation and time management skills.
Plus lots of energy, creativity, patience, maturity, enthusiasm and a love of children!
That said, it can be helpful for you to have a qualification in early childhood education to ensure you provide high quality care and enjoy your work.
A qualification will increase your chances of getting the best nanny jobs and being paid well.
The most relevant qualifications in the childcare industry are a Certificate III or a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Are there any courses to become a babysitter in Australia?
There are no formal courses offered in Australia to become a babysitter. There are some online courses in the USA (e.g., The Red Cross) designed for teenagers to teach them relevant knowledge and skills.
Although there are no formal courses, there are steps to take to build up your babysitting business. Here are our tips about how to become a babysitter.
We recommend babysitters complete First Aid training as a good foundation before starting a babysitting or nanny job.
An essential requirement is a Working With Children Check (or the equivalent in your state). This is not a course or qualification, but it is a legal requirement to work with children in the home.
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What types of jobs are in a childcare centre?
If you are working in a childcare centre the main roles are
- Early Childhood Teacher:
Teachers lead the planning and delivery of programs
- Educator:
Educators work with teachers to support the delivery of kindergarten programs.
Educators can also work in families' private homes under the 'In Home Care' program.
What is an educator working within 'In Home Care'?
'In Home Care' (IHC) is a program supported by the government.
It is for families who need early childhood education and care, but cannot access mainstream care. e.g., complex or challenging needs.
It is only available to eligible families, who met set criteria.
It is delivered through registered IHC support agencies in each state or territory.
IHC Educators are employed to work in the home - similar to the role of a nanny.
IHC educators must hold, or be working towards, at least a Certificate III in early childhood education and care.
What courses do I need to work in childcare?
If you plan to pursue a career in childcare centres there are a range of courses that may suit you:
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
This will qualify you for entry roles in childcare settings including being a nanny in homes and working in childcare centres.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
A Diploma will allow you to hold more senior roles, to develop and manage early childhood programs and supervise staff and volunteers. Diploma traineeships combine work and study.
Degree in Early Childhood Education
A Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is the main degree. This degree is required to become a qualified early childhood teacher, it includes professional placements and ACECQA accreditation.
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Where can I find early childhood education courses?
You can study early childhood education courses at
- TAFEs
- Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
- Universities.
There are a range of reputable Early Childhood Education tertiary institutions around Australia. This is not a complete list - it is just a starting point to see the range of options available in your city and state.
Where can I study a Certificate III & Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care?
This entry-level qualification allows you to work as an educator in early childhood services (e.g., long day care, kindergarten, nannying). It is the pathway to a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
IN NSW
- TAFE NSW – Available across NSW campuses (Ultimo, Wodonga, various locations)
- NSW School-Based Traineeships – Complete Certificate III while finishing your HSC with NSW Education
- RTO - ECTARC Traineeships – Regional/metropolitan traineeships
IN VICTORIA
- Victoria University TAFE – Footscray Nicholson, Werribee, St Albans, Sunshine campuses
- GOTAFE – Shepparton campus
- Melbourne Polytechnic – various Melbourne campuses
- SW TAFE – Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton, Colac
- Bendigo TAFE – Bendigo campus
- Foundation Learning Centre – Casey Campus
- SuniTAFE – campuses in southwest Victoria
- Suzan Johnston Training Organisation
IN QLD
- TAFE Qld
- Queensland Academy of Technology
- Charlton Brown
- Charlton Brown
- Kirana Colleges
- Cairns Training Academy
- RTOs e.g., Skills Generation, Aurora Training Institute
IN ACT
- Canberra Institute of Technology
- Early Childhood Training Australia
- Australian College of Teacher Aides and Childcare
- Aurora Training Institute
IN W.A.
- WA TAFE
- CTAS (Community Training & Support)
- North Metropolitan TAFE
- Gateway Training Academy
- WAIFS (Western Australian Institute of Further Studies)
- South Metropolitan TAFE
- IHNA (Institute of Health & Nursing Australia)
Where can I study a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)?
This university degree qualifies you to become a teacher in kindergarten, early childhood, or pursue leadership roles in the sector.
IN NSW
- Australian Catholic University (ACU)
- University of Sydney
- Macquarie University
- Charles Sturt University
- Charles Sturt University
- TAFE NSW
- Victoria University - Sydney campus
- Western Sydney University
- Excelsia University College
IN VICTORIA
- Australian Catholic University (ACU)
- Melbourne Polytechnic
- Melbourne University
- Victoria University
- Federation University
- Deakin
- RMIT
- Monash
- Melbourne University
- La Trobe University
- Box Hill Institute (Higher Education)
IN QLD
- QUT
- University of Southern Qld
- Griffith University
In WA
- Murdoch University
- Edith Cowan University
- Curtin University
- University of Notre Dame Australia
Financial Support to Study Early Childhood Education
Remember to check whether your state government is offering a scholarship or financial support for your course. The government is encouraging students to upskill in the early childhood sector, so there are some great options available.
Find Your Perfect Nanny or Educator Job Today
There are lots of courses available for nannies and childcare workers to build their skills, knowledge and confidence in caring for children.
At Find A Babysitter, we have a wide range of babysitter, nanny and educator jobs waiting to be filled.
Find the perfect role for you by checking the job ads in your area today!