Course Summary
This Career Taster gives you practical, real-world experience to help you discover whether a pathway in early childhood and education support is right for you.
You will explore what it’s really like to create safe, engaging and inclusive learning spaces for children from birth to 12 years. This taster is perfect if you’re curious about careers such as teacher aide, early childhood assistant, inclusion support worker or educational support roles across school and childcare environments.
Requirements - To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Entry RequirementsEnrolment in this course is subject to meeting the funding eligibility criteria for Career Tasters. Please see the Fees and Scholarships tab for more information.
Important information
- PPE must be worn at all times when directed by CQUniversity staff.
- Students who do not wear the required PPE will not be able to participate in practical activities
Course Details
| Course Type | Short Course (Non-accredited) |
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| Student Availability |
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| Fees | For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees |
| Application Mode |
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| How to Apply | Please Enquire |
| Study Area |
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| Skill Area |
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations
Through exposure to child development principles, inclusive practices, and classroom support techniques, students will develop a foundational understanding of learning environments and student needs. While relevant to teacher aides and early childhood educators, these insights also apply to community services, disability support, recreation programs, and community engagement initiatives. Students will gain experience in planning, observation, and communication, helping them build an understanding of diversity and supporting future opportunities in both formal and informal learning environments.
Study Mode Definitions
- Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
- On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
- Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.
*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.
Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.
This non-accredited Career Taster program is delivered face-to-face over five consecutive days at your enrolled CQUniversity campus.
Step into the world of education and early childhood to discover what it’s really like to support children as they learn, play and grow. This Career Taster gives you experience in environments similar to real classrooms and early learning centres. Across the week you’ll take part in practical activities that help you explore how children develop, how learning experiences are planned, and how educators create safe, supportive and inclusive spaces. You’ll learn about behaviour support, child development, observation techniques and the important role support workers play in both school and early childhood settings.
- On-campus
| Units | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUCRT277A | WHS and Introduction to Early Years and Education Support | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| NUCRT277B | Child Development & Inclusive Practices | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| NUCRT277C | Classroom Support & Planning Skills | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| NUCRT277A | WHS and Introduction to Early Years and Education Support |
| NUCRT277B | Child Development & Inclusive Practices |
| NUCRT277C | Classroom Support & Planning Skills |
Students will gain an engaging introduction to the early childhood and education sector, exploring how children learn and develop through supportive environments and play‑based learning. They’ll experience a range of practical, age‑appropriate activities that help them understand the role educators play in guiding children’s learning, wellbeing and daily routines in early learning and school‑aged settings.
The program also highlights the core values and responsibilities of education professionals, including communication, empathy, cultural awareness, safety and positive behaviour support. By discovering the diverse range of roles across early childhood and education, such as kindergarten assistant, education support worker and school‑aged care staff. Students can begin identifying potential pathways for future study, volunteering or employment in this rewarding sector.
Upon completion of this non-accredited course students will receive a Statement of Participation acknowledging their engagement and the skills areas covered.