Job Ready Program – Early Childhood Education and Care

Commencing July 2024 at Ballajura

	Complete a short training course program and get a taste of what the Early Childhood Education and Care industry has to offer. In just ten weeks, you will learn how to work effectively with young children in a natural environment, work effectively in children’s education and care, support inclusion and diversity and understand the fundamentals of the workplace health and safety.
	Get hands-on experience working in an Early Childhood Education and Care setting During this program, you will get the chance to work with children and gain real life workplace experience as part of your training.
	Tailored support from Professional Trainers Students have access to qualified trainers who are highly skilled and have many years of industry experience. Meerilinga Training College offers a range of support services to students including mentoring, cultural and youth inclusion and access.
	Start your career in Early Childhood Education and Care By completing this program, you will gain credits towards the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, which you can undertake through Meerilinga Training College through a traineeship or in a classroom-based environment. If you decide this pathway isn’t for you, your unit credits may be transferable to an alternative accredited qualification.

About the Program

The Early Childhood Education and Care Job Ready Program has two components, training in the classroom and industry work placement.

Program Overview

• Four Nationally accredited and recognised units that will set you up with entry level skills to work in an early learning setting. You will build your knowledge of education and care programs for children.
• Completed units will give you credit towards studying  CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification
• Duration: 10 weeks with a minimum of 90 hours of work placement, arranged during the program and in a regulated early education and care service
• School friendly hours
  – Classroom learning days 9:30am to 2:30pm
  – Work placement days 9.00am to 3.30pm
• Week 1 and 2 – Blended delivery model of three days face to face training and one day virtual classroom training.
• Weeks 3 to 7 –  Blended delivery model of two days face to face and one day virtual classroom training with the fourth day at work placement.
• Weeks 8 and 9 – Work placement block of five days per week.
• Week 10 – Finalise assessments and end of program.

Classroom

Classroom training is an instructional method where unit content and learning material are delivered in person to a group of students, this allows for interaction between a student and Trainer. It is the most traditional type of learning instruction enabling a better understanding and recollection of lesson content. Students benefit from a greater level of interaction with their fellow students and opportunity to connect with each another. Classes are held on specific day and times, where students are accountable for their progress.

Work Placement

The theory learning component of the program is completed through classroom delivery however students are also required to compete 90 hours work placement in a regulated education and care service. Work placement is designed to give you workplace experience and an opportunity for you to apply your learning through demonstrated practice within an early childhood environment.

What will you need to study this program?

In accordance with legislative and industry requirements, you will be required to obtain the following before commencement of work placement:

• Working with Children Check(over 18yrs).
  If you are under the age of 18, an alternative criminal history check requirement and reference form is required.
• Certificate of Health at your own expense.
  Stating you are mentally and physically fit for the provision of early education and care.

MTC Administration Services will provide you with the relevant forms on application

Completing the Program

Completing the program can offer you a pathway to becoming industry qualified and ready for a fun and rewarding career working with children.

The starting level qualification is a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, where career opportunities for workers are in a range of early childhood education settings and is ideal for anyone seeking jobs in approved education and care services, schools, community services or education support setting, in the positions of:

• Early Childhood Educator
• Family Day Care Educator
• In-Home Child Care Provider
• Early Childhood Education Assistant
• Nanny

Program Units

There are a total of 4 units for this program:

Unit Code	Unit Title
CHCECE030	Support inclusion and diversity
CHCECE037	Support children to connect to the natural environment
CHCECE056	Work effectively in children’s education and care
HLTWHS001	Participate in workplace health and safety

 

Pre-Enrolment

Pre-enrolment at Meerilinga may occur face to face or virtually. Meerilinga will always provide written information along with marketing materials and website before enrolling or entering into an agreement with an applicant. We will cover:

• How training and assessment will be conducted and where – for example, face to face, virtual classroom, work placement and other location information
• Enrolment application and the required supporting documentation
• Practical work placement, including essential certificates and clearances required for working in early childhood education and care
• What equipment learners need to complete the course
• Program costs, including any possible additional fees, and payment due dates
• Refund and cancellation policies
• Complaint processes
• Barriers to learning and support services for students

During the pre-enrolment process, our Student Administration Officers are able to gather information from the potential applicant and analyse whether the training is the applicants desired outcome or solution. We request evidence about an applicant’s eligibility if seeking a funded place, their background and skills which are instrumental in making sure the learner is in the right class, studying the right subject and at the right level. A successful applicant becomes a student.

Students may be referred directly to a mentoring or support service to enable the best opportunity for a successful completion. Students are guided to the LLN survey and provided detailed information about the course, all of its expectations and induction dates.

Support Services

Meerilinga Training College offers a range of support services to learners, including:

• Training Needs Analysis
• Career Advice, Resume Writing and Work Readiness
• Commendations and Complaints
• Cultural Inclusion, Access and Support
• Direct Debit and Payment Plans
• Language Literacy and Numeracy
• Library
• Mentoring
• Referral to External Agencies and Services
• Study and Assessment Guidance
• Uniform and applicable PPE
• Work Placement

Learners can access these services during business hours 8.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays and Meerilinga closure) by appointment for the duration of their enrolment with Meerilinga. If you are unsure which service you need, please contact MTC Administration Services.

Learners may also seek guidance from their primary Trainer who may be able to address your need or guide you to alternate supports.

MTC Administration – General Enquiries, Work Placement, Referral and Learner Services
9489 4022
mtc@meerilinga.org.au

Cultural Engagement and Liaison Advisor
9489 4010
mihi.betham@meerilinga.org.au

Student Mentor
9489 4022
celia.riordan@meerilinga.org.au

Policy
9489 4005
rhonda.hagan@meerilinga.org.au

Fees and Payment Plans
9489 4007
sherryl.bowra@meerilinga.org.au

Virtual Classroom Support
9489 4022
mtc@meerilinga.org.au

Assessments
9489 4022
mtc@meerilinga.org.au

 

Am I Eligible?

All applications will be assessed by the Meerilinga based on the following criteria:

• Completed Application Form and all supporting documentation
• Proficiency in language, literacy and numeracy
• Essential job requirements to engage in child-related work, ability to obtain a compliant:
  • Criminal History Check
  • Certificate of Health
• Funding approval from the Department of Training and Workforce Development

You are eligible for the course if your primary place of residence is in Western Australia and you are:

• An Australian citizen; or
• A permanent visa holder; or
• A holder of visa subclass 309, 444, 785, 790, or 820.
• A secondary holder of a temporary visa of sub-class 457 or 482 visa; or
• A Bridging Visa E holder (subclasses 050 and 051) where the visa holder has made a valid application for a visa of subclass 785 or 790;
• A Ukraine citizens who are holders of a visa sub-class 449 or 786;
• An Afghan citizens who are holders of a visa sub-class 449; and
• A holder of a bridging visa who are eligible to work, and who have made a valid application for a subclass 866.

Secondary School Age

Secondary School Age students must be approved by the Minister of Education and Training to participate in an alternative combination of activities that equate to full-time participation in the final years of the compulsory education period, typically year 11 and 12.

Contact Meerilinga for more information on specific visa’s details or application for Secondary School Age students.

Enquire now

Program Fees and Government Subsidies

This short course skill set is part of the WA Government publicly funded Jobs and Skills WA initiative in 2023 which has been extended for 2024.

The Job Ready Program for Early Childhood Education and Care is 100% FREE for students that commence training in 2024.

The fees are based on the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development VET Fees and Charges Policy for the current year. Visit the Department of Training and Workforce Development website to read the current VET Fees and Charges.

Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

Additional fees may apply for student services, resource fees and incidental charges may be incurred through the course of study.

Meerilinga Training College will publish applicable fees on this web page and in Policy.

Please refer to MTC Fees, Charges, Waivers, Deferred Payment and Refunds Policy.

               

Job Ready Program – Early Childhood Education and Care

Fee Type Publicly Funded Job Ready Skills Set	Tuition Fees 01/01/24 – 31/12/24
Concession and Non-Concession Course/Tuition	$0

Please contact MTC Administration Services for any queries you have on fees and payments.

Fee Collection

Where fees apply, course fees for each calendar year will be invoiced on commencement of the students first unit and payment will be determined by the students option they elected on their enrolment form.

Program fees are calculated on the Nominal Hours of each unit set by the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD). Nominal hours do not represent the hours of training or instruction.

Meerilinga provides students with a ‘pay as you study’ fortnightly payment plan, using an automatic payment system linked to a nominated debit or credit card. This allows students to pay course fees over the agreed time frame.

During the enrolment process, if the student elects to pay by instalments a personalised Pay Fee By Instalment and Direct Debit Request and Agreement is establish outlining a fortnightly payment schedule, based on the student’s training plan. The Pay Fee By Instalment Application form is signed by the student over 18 years of age, or by their parent/guardian if the student is under 18 years of age.

Where a direct debit fails Meerilinga administration will contact the student to arrange immediate payment and/or update correct payment details.

Please refer to MTC Fees, Charges, Waivers, Deferred Payment and Refunds Policy. for Payment Plan terms and conditions.

Payment Option

On enrolment, students will take up one of the following payment options:

1. Pay a maximum of $1500 in nominated instalments;
2. Present a signed authority from an employer to invoice that employer for the student’s fees and charge;
3. Pay the fee by instalment;

Students who fail to take up one of the above options will not be enrolled.

Pre-paid Fee Protection

In accordance Standard 7, clause 7.3 of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) 2015,  ‘Prepaid fees’ refers to ‘fees collected in advance’ and relates to the fees collected before the relevant services have been provided. These include payments made at any time before, during or after the student enrols. All student fees paid in advance are protected until the training and/or assessment has commenced.

To comply with this clause, Meerilinga will not:

• Accept more than $1000 prior to the commencement of a qualification; or
• Collect more than $1500 in advance from a student, following commencement of enrolment

Where a unit or cluster of units exceeds $1000 or $1500 above, the ‘pay as you study’ fortnightly payment plan will apply or alternative payment arrangements can be made through the Manager Finance and Operations.

Waiver due to Severe Financial Hardship

Applications for consideration of severe financial hardship will be managed by the Manager Finance and Operations and determined on an Individual basis, taking into account all circumstances. Fee Waivers will follow the requirements for fee waiver assessments of VET Fees and Charges Policy Attachment C.

The applicant needs to establish with documentation that severe financial hardship would result (after reasonable expenses are deducted from income) if Meerilinga pursued the recovery of a fee.

At the sole discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, further tangible evidence of hardship may be requested.

Additional Costs

It is a condition of enrolment that students obtain the following at their own expense:

• Certificate of Health, stating physically and mentally fit for the provision of childcare
• A Working with Children Check (if 18+ yrs)

This documentation must be provided prior to the unit 1 census date advised at induction. Failure to do so will result in your enrolment being cancelled.

Resource Fees

Tuition Fees do not include the cost of recommended reading materials for the program. These can be purchased separately by the student through an external provider. Please note if purchased externally, they must be the correct edition and be purchased before the commencement of your studies. See below for resource information. Please note: students who cannot obtain a current copy of the recommended reading materials will be able to access the recommended text from the Class Set in the Student Library. These books cannot be taken home.

Recommended Reading Resource  

The Early Childhood Educator for Certificate III, 3e Revised
By: Lorraine Walker
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Australia
Print IBSN: 9781760423377

This resource is available to purchase online. You can purchase the resource directly from retailers such as Booktopia or Zookal. For those that prefer digital media, an eBook version is also available.

Student Resources 

Free training resources are available to download from the Meerilinga website to support student’s learning. All students need access to a personal computer or digital device to view and download additional Learner Resources . All students will be provided with WIFI access in all class locations.

Re-Issue of Record Fee

Where request is made to re-issue a record, a charge of $50.00 for each document will apply eg: certification documentation such as Qualifications and Statements of Attainment.

Deferring and Withdrawing from Course or Unit

Students that are studying a Unit, Certificate or Diploma can withdraw from a Meerilinga training course:

• If approached and signed up on the spot, students automatically have a 10-day cooling-off period by law; or
• Prior to the census date, as stated on the student invoice; and
• Must do so in writing, using the approved Deferment/Withdrawal Request Form

This ensures that Meerilinga can appropriately close off the student’s enrolment and maintain accurate and up-to-date records.

Students are able to view their Census Date on all unit invoices or you can calculate your Census Date using the Census Day Calculator here. Students are made aware that if the Census date has passed, they will be liable to pay any fees and charges for units that have been commenced and other costs applicable. Please contact mtc@meerilinga.org.au or phone 08 9489 4021 if you need additional support finding your Census Dates.

Students withdrawing from a unit or course prior to the cooling off period or census date can apply for a refund.  Any request for a refund will be assessed in accordance with the MTC Fees, Charges, Waivers, Deferred Payment and Refunds Policy.

Students must read the accompanying Deferment, Assessment Extension and Withdrawal Policy for all options and complete and submit the Deferment/Withdrawal Request Form with supporting evidence.

A student may lodge a complaint with their local consumer protection agency.

Resources Required

Students to supply:

• Digital device – Laptop or IPAD with Microsoft Office/Word
• A4 2 Ring Binder – small
• Stationery: Pen/pencil/notebook

Meerilinga will supply:

• Access to the internet
• Access to The Early Childhood Educator for Certificate III Lorraine Walker, Edition 3 and The Early Childhood Educator for Diploma Lorraine Walker, Edition 3
• Learner Resources and Learner Guide via website

Appeals, Complaints, Concerns and Grievances

Meerilinga Training College ensures that students and clients have access to a fair and equitable process of dealing with appeals, concerns and grievances and provides an avenue for students to appeal decisions which may affect the student’s progress. This includes the student’s right to appeal assessment outcomes, fees and payments and general concern. In the first instance students and clients should discuss concerns directly with the Education Team.

All concerns, complaints, grievances, and appeals and subsequent actions, outcomes and improvements will be recorded and forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer without delay, stored centrally (a copy can be retained where it was lodged). The central records will be used to identify any opportunities to improve our systems and identify appropriate corrective and preventative actions. All complaints and requests for an appeal will be acknowledged in writing and finalised as soon as practicable.

All documentation and records relating to a concern, complaint, grievance or appeal are to be held confidentially. All formal complaints will be attended to within 10 working days of being received.

No costs are associated with lodging a Complaint that is resolved internally by Meerilinga staff. Where a complaint is forwarded on to an external body for review, the costs will be shared by the student and Meerilinga. Students are encouraged to contact the Meerilinga Office for more information in this regard.

 

Meerilinga is a member of a Mediation Scheme which will handle all complaints and grievances that cannot be resolved internally by Meerilinga. Please contact the Meerilinga office if you require contact details. In the first instance students and clients should discuss concerns directly with the Education Team.

Please refer to our Appeals and Complaints, Grievances and Concerns Policies

APPEALS APPLICATION FORM DOWNLOAD

Privacy Notice

Under the Data Provision Requirements 2012, Meerilinga Training College is required to collect personal information about you and to disclose that personal information to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd (NCVER).

Your personal information (including the personal information contained on this enrolment form), may be used or disclosed by Meerilinga Training College for statistical, administrative, regulatory and research purposes. Meerilinga Training College may disclose your personal information for these purposes to:

• Commonwealth and State or Territory government departments and authorised agencies; and
• NCVER

Personal information that has been disclosed to NCVER may be used or disclosed by NCVER for the following purposes:

• Populating authenticated VET transcripts;
• Facilitating statistics and research relating to education, including surveys and data linkage;
• Pre-populating RTO student enrolment forms;
• Understanding how the VET market operates, for policy, workforce planning and consumer information; and
• Administering VET, including program administration, regulation, monitoring and evaluation.

You may receive a student survey which may be administered by a government department or NCVER employee, agent or third party contractor or other authorised agencies. Please note you may opt out of the survey at the time of being contacted. If you are concerned about a survey please contact MTC for guidance.

NCVER will collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the National VET Data Policy and all NCVER policies and protocols (including those published on NCVER’s website at www.ncver.edu.au).

All personal and sensitive information is held in Meerilinga archives for a reasonable period of time as per Australian Law dictates. Once this information is no longer required Meerilinga will take reasonable steps to destroy the information or to ensure it is de-identified. Meerilinga also uses an external provider, CTI Records Management, for secure and confidential off-site storage.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy.