Why the micro-credential?
The OSHC Educator Micro-Credential was created to give every OSHC educator a strong, consistent start in the sector. It brings together the essential knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, high-quality education and care. It’s now available online and on demand, so educators can learn when and where it suits them.
Why was the OSHC Educator Micro-credential Created?
Outside School Hours Care plays an important role in the lives of children, families and school communities across Australia. Since the introduction of the National Quality Framework, expectations for quality practice in OSHC have grown. My Time, Our Place has raised the bar for educational programs, and recent reforms have strengthened requirements around child safety, supervision and professional conduct.
Many people begin their OSHC careers with little formal training, often in casual or part-time roles that fit around study or other commitments. The Queensland Children’s Activities Network (QCAN) developed the OSHC Educator Micro-Credential, in partnership with industry, to make sure new educators start with the foundational knowledge they need to keep children safe and support their wellbeing, learning and development. It was developed using the National Microcredential Framework and was first delivered as face-to-face training by the QCAN team.
With funding from the Queensland Government through the Department of Trade, Employment and Training’s Industry Skills Solutions program, the OSHC educator micro-credential has now been fully refreshed to reflect current regulatory reforms. It has also moved online, so educators can complete self-paced modules on demand, fitting their learning around shift-based work and busy schedules.
The program aims to:
- Set a benchmark for entry and ongoing work in the OSHC sector, so new educators arrive with the essential knowledge and skills already in place
- Support services to meet their regulatory obligations, including child safety, supervision and National Quality Framework requirements
- Make training accessible to educators wherever they are, whenever it suits them
- Strengthen professional recognition of OSHC educators and the important work they do
The Training Modules
Each module has been designed based on feedback from the sector. The training is presented in 6 one-hour modules including:
- The National Quality Framework
- Work Health and Safety, Risk Management and Safe Environments
- Relationships with Children and Young People, Including Behaviour Guidance and Support
- Effective supervision and Safe OSHC Environments
- Designing and Delivering Experiences in OSHC
- Professionalism in OSHC