Payment Plan From Only $25 per week
This after school care course is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to support and guide children's effective participation in school age care. This means working with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old.
"I have just started your course and I was previously studying the same course locally, but being a single mum I found it a juggle with my three boys. Swapping to online through Online Courses AUS was the best decision I ever made. It's so much more organised and I can work my studies around my children. It's no longer a juggle trying to fit everything into my busy lifestyle. Brigid that helped me prior to switching was so friendly and helpful which helped me in making my decision to swap from in class to online. I am enjoying the ease and the simple way in which the course is delivered. I can't thank you all enough for your help." - Robyn
A school-age care service is a service that offers care and education for children between the ages of 5 years and 12 years. This usually coincides with primary school years, from kindergarten/prep to grade 6. School age care services are also known as OSHC, Out of School Hours Care, Before School Care or After School Care.
If you would like to become an educator that works within this sector, our Before & After School care short course is a great first step.
Please check with your state department for the relevant "checks/permissions" that may be required to gain employment in this industry (I.E In QLD: If you wish to work with children in Queensland you must first have the appropriate blue card).
For any additional questions please see our comprehensive FAQ's.
Delivered 100% online, no classroom required
Instant access (simply enrol online, anytime)
Assessments are short answer and multiple choice
Fast turnaround on marking (within 1 business day)
One on one tutor support
Live chat, 7 days a week
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* Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
Communicating with School Age Children
Listening and communicating is an important aspect of collaboration and supporting school age children within the service. In this section, we
Identify the fundamentals of communication
Support children’s communication
Identify the Fundamentals of Communication
Do you ever feel like you are talking and no one is listening? Imagine how children feel when they are talking, but there is no response.
There is a difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is simply the act of perceiving sound via the ears. If you are not hearing-impaired, hearing simply happens. Listening is something you consciously choose to do. Listening requires concentration, so that your brain can process meaning from the words and sentences. (University of Minnesota Duluth, n.d.)
Listening and hearing are two important tools for children to understand what is happening around them, responding to language, following directions, and engaging within the environment.
Listening and hearing is a two-way street. There must be a sender and a receiver of information.
Consider the following general example. Educators (senders) need to ensure when communicating with children (receivers) that they are sending clear messages, directions and/or information. If clear messages are not received, the child is likely to respond in a manner that is opposite to what was intended, resulting in miscommunication.
Likewise, school age children tend to be impulsive and desire driven, so their communication may not be as effective as desired. Miscommunication can occur. Educators have a responsibility to help children understand about miscommunication and provide the tools to effectively communicate within the environment and during interactions.
Communication Strategies
To avoid miscommunication, educators can use the following strategies:
Foster engagement with other children
Give the child plenty of time to ask questions
Respond to questions meaningfully and respectfully
Use reflective skills in interactions
Been present in the environment and avoid distractions
Reduce background noise if possible
Use visual cues
Face children when speaking so they can see one’s face
Encouraging children to see what is happening through their own eyes and ears
Reading body language
Age appropriate language and expectations
Recognise and acknowledge diversity
Understanding children, their unique and special approach
Treat all children regardless of their language skills, with respect and dignity
For more information on listening and hearing, read the Listening Education resources and the learning topics and complete the following activity.
If you would like to preview more education and childcare courses, click on DEMO above or call our team on 1300 611 404. You may also be interested in these similar online courses.
* Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
