Section 187 of the Child Care Act 2002 provides for a transitional phase for school age care services that were operating prior to September 1 2003 and includes a provision relating to qualifications.
From September 2008, school age care services that were existing prior to September 1, 2003 will need to meet the qualification requirements. For a new service that commenced operation after September 1, 2003, qualification requirements must be met immediately.
Generally there will be up to three types of positions within an outside school hours care service.
1. Coordinating Position - a person who either:
~ holds an appropriate minimum 2 year qualification, or
~ commences a course within three months of starting the position, or
is enrolled in a minimum 2 year qualification and completes the course within the 'prescribed finishing period'.
2. Qualified Carer - a person who either:
~ holda an appropriate one year qualification, or
~ commences a course within 6 months of starting in the position, or
~ is enrolled in a minimum 1 year qualification and completes the course within the 'prescribed finishing period'.
3. Unqualified Assistant - holds no qualification and is not required to enrol in a course.