Student testimonial
Sarah, Diploma of Children’s Services with pathway to Griffith Uni (Bachelor of Child and Family Studies), 2010
What was your reason for studying and why did you choose Southbank Institute?
“When I finished high school, I was interested in pursuing a career in children’s services. I enrolled in the Diploma of Children’s Services at SBIT. When I had completed my first year (Cert III) I was invited to continue my diploma and also attend Griffith University to complete a Bachelor of Child and Family Studies.”
“This opportunity was very valuable, it allowed me to complete both qualifications at the same time, therefore reducing my study time and being able to get into the workforce quicker.”
How do you find the teachers and course structure?
“The teachers were extremely helpful and strive to assist. They always have up to date information on contemporary issues in the sector and are excellent in conveying this information to students.”
What has been your Southbank Institute highlight to date?
“At all of my practicum’s [work placements] I received job offers to work in the centres. I feel this is because we are very well prepared for the sector and the staff and directors recognise our expertise and want to employ students who understand the goals of Early Childhood Education and Care.”
Would you recommend Southbank Institute to others?
“Yes, the [courses] are flexible and the outcome you receive is of a high standard that the sector really values.”
What are you hoping for from your career or further study?
“I am currently working in the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care within the Department of Education and Training. I completed my final university practicum at the Office and then applied for a position and received the role.”
“My role involves assisting the Queensland Office for Early Childhood Education and Care work with all jurisdictions within Australia contributing to the outcomes of the National Partnership Agreement on the National Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Education and Care.”
Children's Services
Tuition fee-free child care courses are possible due to a Federal Government funding initiative on the following two programs:
Diploma of Children's Services
Advanced Diploma of Children's Services
Whether you're looking to get started as a child care professional or are an existing child care worker looking to upgrade your qualifications you could take advantage of this funding. This initiative started in 2009 and is part of a Government commitment to spend $126.6 million over four years to train and retain a high quality early childhood education workforce.
This funding is only available through training providers with government funding, such as Southbank Institute of Technology. Courses with private training providers are not eligible for this funding.
If you are looking to start out as a child care professional then start with one of our full-time on-campus courses. As part of these child care courses you`ll gain practical experience working with young children at regular on-campus playgroups and during your work placement.
We also offer these courses to workers already working as a child care professional. These programs are workplace-based with support from Southbank Institute Teachers and Workplace Training Officers and a number of on-campus workshops.
Great news! Twelve study units from the Certificate III in Children's Services which are pre-requisite to entry into the Diploma are now included as part of this initiative, significantly reducing the cost of this course. However, three units which must be undertaken to complete this certificate are not covered by this funding full cost details can be found on the course brochure.
There are loads of reasons why you should study child care with us:
- we're Queensland's largest and a leading training provider
- we have world-class learning facilities designed to inspire teacher and student interaction
- we hold children's playgroups so you gain practical job-ready skills
- we have established pathways to university degree courses
- we have professional teachers with child care experience
- we're easy to get to and close to the city
Applications are now open for on-campus child care courses starting in July. Applications for our workplace-based courses are open all year. Information on the application process for each course is within each course brochure, and general application process information can be found on the website.
*Applies to tuition fees only. Students are required to pay material costs and an enrolment administration fee.
Last updated 9 September, 2011