According to IBISworld, in 2010 the revenue of Child Care Services in Australia was over $7.5 billion and growing by 1.4 percent annually. The Australian Government Department DEEWR reports in the June quarter 2010 there were 869, 770 Australian children in approved child care, up 8.7 percent on the June quarter 2009. So there is plenty of opportunity out there for people who want to make kids the focus of their career.
Working with children is extremely rewarding and the industry is highly focused on finding the right people who possess characteristics and personality traits such as enthusiasm, patience, leadership and a caring nature. People in these roles are eager to contribute to creating safe, happy and friendly environments for children and many are looking to make a positive contribution to organisations within their own community.
There are a variety of businesses that focus on childrenÍs services and products, to name a few:
- Sports programs
- School readiness (before school education) and tuition
- Dance classes
- Out of School Hours (OOSH) care
Operating a business within this industry can be fulfilling and beneficial for many reasons. But it also has its challenges.
Have you got what it takes?
Being a childrenÍs services franchisee requires a multi-faceted skills set, including:
- A positive, energetic, supportive and caring attitude
- Strong communication skills
- The ability to be flexible and adaptable
- Creativity and leadership skills
- Possessing the skills or aptitude to grasp the tools required to effectively market and manage your business on a day-to-day basis, and
- Most importantly a passion and love for working with children
The nature of the business dictates franchisees can expect to liaise with government departments at both federal and state level: the national body, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), also has state representative offices and there are variously named departments of education and childrenÍs services in each state.
Franchisees will also quite possibly engage with a long list of other stakeholders including the family assistance office within Centrelink, the independent school boards of each state, industrial relations and human resources departments, independent or non-affiliated out of hours school care associations, local council and health departments, education unions, local community groups and businesses, and of course, parents and teachers.
Before the school bell rings
In addition to a passion for working with children, the following qualifications are a general guide of what is required when working with children:
- Working With Children Check (WWCC) —these are different in every state and help to keep children safe by preventing those who pose a risk to the safety of children from working with them, in either paid or volunteer work
The time it takes to get a WWCC is dependent on the applicant, criminal history and the processing speed of the department.
South Australia and New South Wales clearances are valid for the duration of your time as a franchisee, assuming the position within Australia remains the same.
All other states will require you to reapply for clearance after a certain time. The validity of these clearances varies from two through to five years.
- Appropriate accreditation – a degree or diploma from the accepted qualifications list in your state are required; for example a Diploma of Community Services, a Diploma of ChildrenÍs Services, a Bachelor of Education, or an Associate Diploma in Recreation or Youth Work.
It is up to the franchisee to adhere to all standards and requirements (regulations, qualifications etc) and the level of assistance provided by the franchisor will vary and be dependent on the individual business. As an example, sKids aims to assist the franchisee to understand and meet the necessary regulatory changes. Keeping up to date is important. In the area of childcare, for instance, DEEWR is overseeing the introduction in January 2012 of national regulations for OOSH with national, minimal qualifications standards of OOSH personnel expected around January 2014.
As a franchisee in this arena it is essential that on top of the regulatory demands you possess the right attitude, have a passion for working with children and place a large emphasis on maintaining and strengthening your communication skills. You have to be willing and passionate about embracing and portraying a truly inspirational image as you will be seen as a role model to children and you are in a position where children look up to you and aspire to be like you. DonÍt be mistaken, it can be hard work but it offers many positives.