Course Overview
Course Duration: 61 weeks of learning and assessment based on a 20-hour study week, including the 100 hours of work placement. Students have up to 18 months to complete the course (Self-Paced)
This qualification reflects the role of workers in a range of education settings who provide support to teachers and students in the classroom environment. These settings could be public or independent schools and/or community education settings. Throughout this course, students will learn the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance and support to teachers and students whilst under broad-based supervision.
Education support roles can give great work/life balance as it is one of few careers where you get all the school holidays off. It is a rewarding career, helping shape the lives of our future generation.
First Choice College offers an RPL assessment only pathway for this course! If you have currently or recently worked/volunteered as a teacher aide, please contact our office on (07) 5689 5060 to discuss this option with one of our qualified trainers.
First Choice College offers two different elective streams: a General Stream, and a Library Services Stream. Please see the Structure tab for more information.
Please note: Within this course, there is a mandatory work placement requirement of a minimum of 100 hours, enabling you to graduate highly skilled and confident. Placement must be completed in an Australian regulated workplace. Students will be required to complete assessment tasks whilst in the workplace.
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Expected Outcomes
Education support roles can give great work/life balance as it is one of few careers where you get all the school holidays off. It is a rewarding career, helping shape the lives of our future generation. By participating in this program, you can expect to attain the following outcomes:
- Contribute to preparing and implementing classroom programs and lesson plans.
- Implement strategies to support students with developmental support needs.
- Understand, and communicate with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Support the development of literacy, oral language, and numeracy skills.
- Use behaviour management strategies and techniques.
- Implement safe and hygienic practices.
- Practical skills through a 100-hour work placement in an education environment.
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Career Opportunities
Possible job roles relevant to this qualification include:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education worker
- Education Assistant
- Literacy Worker
- Education Support Worker
- Home Tutor
- Teacher Aide
- Teacher Assistant
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Target Group Description
The target market for the delivery of the training product is identified as having 3 distinct groups, which we refer to as cohorts. The different cohorts will have different course structures (See “Structure” tab for more information).
Group/Cohort 1: General Stream
- This offering is aimed at students who are already working in an education setting, or
- Seeking employment within an education setting.
Group/Cohort 2: Library Services Stream
- This offering is aimed at students who are already working in an education setting with a library focus to their role, or
- Seeking employment within a library in an educational setting.
Group/Cohort 3: RPL assessment only pathway
- This offering is aimed at students who can provide evidence of their existing skills and knowledge in education support.
- Current/recent experience within the past 3 years.
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Pre-Enrolment Requirements
Student Liaison Officer Contact
During your enrolment application period, a Student Liaison Officer will contact you to run through the entry requirements specific to your course application and answer any questions that you may have about your enrolment.
Required Course Entry Skills
Existing skills needed to complete this qualification include:
- Computer skills such as typing and sending an email, and opening PDF documents,
- Basic skills to use your own printer and scanner,
- Basic skills to use Microsoft Office programs such as Word and PowerPoint such as creating and saving a new file, adding and editing text, tables, images and font,
- Basic internet skills to undertake online research.
Resources needed to complete the course
You will need to ensure you have access to the following resources:
- Stable internet connection with a minimum download speed of 3mbps,
- Go to speedtest.net to perform a speed test of your internet connection
- An email account – can be created through Yahoo, Hotmail and Gmail,
- Microsoft Office (2010 version or later) – must include Word, Excel and PowerPoint,
- Compatible operating systems – Windows 8 and higher, or MAC,
- Current version of a web browser – Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox,
- Latest version of Adobe Reader,
- Video recording device that produces clear footage and audio,
- Desktop computer/laptop,
- Printer and scanner,
- Video conferencing software (Zoom),
- A workplace in an education setting where a minimum of 100 hours of work placement can be undertaken,
- Access to a library within an educational institution (Cohort 2 only)
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a 10-character string unique to you which is needed to undertake nationally recognised training with First Choice College, such as applying into this program. All you need is a form of Australian identification, and 10 minutes of your time to create one. Click HERE to create a USI.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Indicator Tool
To determine a student’s learning support needs and eligibility for enrolment, prior to confirmation of enrolment, you may be required to complete the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Indicator Tool. an LLN report will be developed and utilised by your trainer and assessor to ensure your individual learning needs are supported throughout the duration of your studies. Any potential learning support strategies to address your LLN needs may be discussed with your trainer and assessor.
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Additional Course Requirements
Work Placement Requirements
Prior to commencing your work placement, you will need to complete:
- A Working With Children Check (or Blue Card),
- A Police Check,
- Any additional evidence as needed, depending on the education provider.
These requirements are not necessary for enrolment into this course, however students must be able to meet these requirements in order to complete the mandatory 100 placement hours within an education environment.
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Educational and Support Services
First Choice College will review your LLN Indicator results to determine if support services and reasonable adjustments are required. Reasonable adjustment options are available to accommodate anyone who may have a learning need, disability or impairment. Reasonable adjustments that are made to the training materials and assessments are recorded in the student’s file.
Prospective students who require other support services (not listed) can call the office to discuss the options available prior to enrolment.
Learner need Method of support offered by First Choice College Language barriers - Explain concepts in clear terms over the telephone
Visual impairment - Enlarge the font size of learning materials
Literacy issues - Allow students to be orally assessed
- Allow students to be assessed in person at the office of First Choice College by an assessor
Learning difficulties - Dedicated Learning Support Trainers
- Additional Learning Support Supplements individually tailored from LLN results
- Access to Foundation Skills Training
Trainer Support
Your trainer is available to support you during business hours and outside of normal business hours by appointment, either via email at rto@fcc.edu.au or by telephone on (07) 5689 5060 during office hours. There is no additional cost to speak with a trainer, as trainer support is included in your course fee. Our trainers are passionate industry experts who are available to guide you through your learning experience.
Administration Department
First Choice College has a dedicated Administration Department which provides administrative support to enrolled students. Contact may be made by email at rto@fcc.edu.au or by telephone (07) 5689 5060 during business hours.
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Structure
This course comprises 17 units of competency, of which 12 are core units, and 5 are elective units. First Choice College offers two separate streams for this qualification: a general stream, and a library services stream.
Unit Code Unit title CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety CHCECE006 Support behaviour of children and young people CHCEDS001 Comply with legislative, policy and industrial requirements in the education environment CHCEDS002 Assist implementation of planned educational programs CHCEDS003 Contribute to student education in all developmental domains CHCEDS004 Contribute to organisation and management of classroom or centre CHCEDS005 Support the development of literacy and oral language skills CHCEDS006 Support the development of numeracy skills CHCEDS007 Work effectively with students and colleagues CHCEDS017 Contribute to the health and safety of students CHCEDS018 Support students with additional needs in the classroom environment CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk CHCEDS016 Support learning for students with disabilities in a classroom environment HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety General Stream electives CHCEDS025 Facilitate learning for students with disabilities CHCEDS024 Use educational strategies to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education Library Services Stream electives BSBLIB201 Assist with circulation activities BSBLIB303 Provide multimedia support -
Mode of Delivery
First Choice College utilises a combination of modes to deliver the training and assessment components of the course. This includes online training, trainer support, self-paced study, and distance-based assessing. Features of our delivery mode include:
- The online training refers to the learning activities which take place through the online Portal.
- Trainer support refers to email and telephone contact with the trainers which is available to all students as and when required.
- Students must complete and upload the assessments via the Student Portal or submit these for marking via email to rto@fcc.edu.au.
- Self-paced study is a mandatory requirement of completing the course.
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Student Access to Resources
Once your enrolment application has been approved (e.g., after meeting the entry requirements), You will receive access to the following learning and assessment resources:
- Contact details for your allocated trainer,
- Access to the first 2 units of competency via the Student Portal.
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Duration
The course duration is 61 weeks of learning and assessment based on a 20-hour study week, including the 100 hours of work placement. Students have up to 18 months to complete the course from the day of commencement.
Your course will commence once your enrolment application has been finalised and enrolment fees have been paid. Notification of your course commencing is sent via email with your eighteen-month course period being defined in the official Enrolment Letter. Access to your course materials will be available through your student log-in on the day your course commences.
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Amount of Training and Assessment
The amount of training is calculated based on the following formal learning activities:
- Mandatory work placement
This will take place at a workplace in an educational setting. Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to organise work placement.
- Total duration of mandatory work placement for Cohort’s 1 and 2 is 100 hours
- Self-paced study
Self-paced study includes accessing the learner guides and associated readings, independent research, and trainer interaction via email and telephone.
- Cohort 1 (General Stream) total self-paced study is 610 hours
- Cohort 2 (Library Services Stream) total self-paced study is 553 hours
Where students present with Credit Transfers and/or RPL the self-paced study hours would be reduced accordingly.
Based on the above formal learning activities, the total amount of training is:
- Cohort 1 (General Stream) total amount of training is 710 hours
- Cohort 2 (Library Services Stream) total amount of training is 553 hours
Volume of Learning
*Cohort 3 is an RPL assessment only pathway. No study or assessment is required.
*Mandatory work placement hours are allocated to units of competency that specifically require performance of skills to a minimum duration of hours.
*Estimated assessment hours are a guide only. This will vary for individual students whereby the hours may be more or less depending on the student’s comprehension.
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Information Regarding Assessments
Each module in this course contains a range of assessments including written questions and project based practical assessments.
Assessment Marking System
Every assessment has been developed against the competency standards in each unit. Competency standards include elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, critical aspects for assessment, performance evidence, knowledge evidence, foundation skills and assessment conditions. You will be assessed against all of these standards. If your assessment responses satisfactorily meet all standards you will receive a satisfactory result. If they do not, then your assessors will provide assessment feedback to you and give you the opportunity to resubmit your assessment addressing just the areas where you have not met the standards.
For more information about how results are determined, please refer to the Student Handbook.
Assessment Resubmissions
Assessments will need to be attempted in full before being submitted for marking. You have up to three (3) attempts to demonstrate competency in each unit. If you are deemed Not Yet Satisfactory (NYS) on the third attempt, you are able to apply for re-assessment, however a $50.00 re-assessment fee applies. You will then have a further three attempts to demonstrate competency. If you are still unable to demonstrate competency after three further attempts, your enrolment will be reviewed by the General Manager before any further enrolment is permitted. Please refer to the fee schedule located in the Student Handbook.
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Recognition Processes
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
First Choice College offers an RPL assessment only pathway for this course! If you have currently or recently worked/volunteered as a teacher aide, please contact our office on (07) 5689 5060 to discuss this option with one of our qualified trainers.
For students in Cohorts 1 and 2, First Choice College offers you the opportunity to be assessed through recognition of prior learning. You have up to three (3) opportunities to submit your RPL application for review. If there are gaps in your RPL evidence, then you will be required to complete the remaining gaps through formal assessments which will be organised by your RPL assessor. This may result in being enrolled in specific units to complete some training and assessment for whole units and/or parts of units.
Credit Transfer (CT)
First Choice College recognises statements of attainment and qualifications issued by other registered training organisations (RTOs). There is no charge to transfer these into your enrolled program, just ensure you can send these through as evidence.
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Fee Information
Students interested in the RPL assessment only pathway (Cohort 3) are only required to pay a full payment upfront of $890! This fee covers your entire RPL application. Please note that you must discuss this option with one of our qualified trainers prior to enrolling on the website. Please contact (07) 5689 5060 to organise a call.
First Choice College offers two payment options for Cohorts 1 and 2:
OPTION 1 – Upfront payment: Receive a substantial discount by making a full payment upfront.
Total course price is $2,190. Apply now and SAVE $900 off the total course price, only pay $1,290!OPTION 2 – Payment plan: First Choice College offers an interest-free payment plan option for this course. Conditions of the payment plan include:
- Payment of a non-refundable establishment fee of $150 with your enrolment application. followed by 25 fortnightly instalments of $81.60 (Total financial commitment $2,190).
- Signing an EziDebit Direct Debit Request form to authorise weekly direct payments from either your credit card or your bank account. First Choice College will email you a pre-filled EziDebit Direct Debit link.
Please note:
By opting to pay your course fees via a payment plan, you also agree to the EziDebit terms and conditions. EziDebit will charge the following fees to the student:
- Amex credit card transaction fee – 3.8% each time
- SMS Payment Reminder – $0.28 each time (applies if you select the field: ‘I authorise EziDebit to remind me of upcoming debits via SMS’)
- Ezibebit can only process payments from Australian Bank Accounts and Australian Credit Cards.
Failed payment fees apply and are imposed by EziDebit. Refer to the EziDebit terms and conditions. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure there are sufficient funds in their nominated bank account or credit card, prior to the payment being made. Access to training materials, support services and the online learning system will discontinue if instalment payments are not received by First Choice College in accordance with the debit arrangement.
Note: Special offers, discounts, and sale prices are not available under the payment plan option.
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Pathways to University
First Choice College has an articulation agreement in place with Southern Cross University.
What does this mean?
A successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher qualification at First Choice College qualifies you for entry into many Bachelor’s degrees. An articulation agreement is a formal agreement whereby students completing a program of study with a partner institution receive advanced standing (credit) on beginning of their study at university. It aims to enhance progression into and between Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications, through consistent and equitable recognition of formal and informal prior learning. Articulation is usually the progression of a student from one course to a course at a higher level, with some partial credit given. It is often documented through an Articulation Agreement between two institutions. This is useful for students who do not yet meet the entry criteria for the course they would like to study or have a stepping stone approach to education.
Articulation Agreements are designed to ensure consistency in agreements with both higher and vocational education providers, whether public or private. First Choice College (RTO 31707) is the approved Registered Training Organisation who has a formal articulation agreement with Southern Cross University.
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Miscellaneous
National Accreditation
First Choice College’s national accreditation profile was adapted from the National Register. training.gov.au is the official National Register on VET in Australia and is the authoritative source of information on Registered Training Organisations. You can check out our registration HERE
National Regulator
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), First Choice College is required to comply with the Standards for RTOs (2015) which is regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). You can find more information about the governing body HERE
Consumer rights
Once a prospective student has enrolled and paid for a course offered by First Choice College, each individual is entitled to exercise their right as a consumer in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
For more information about our Refund Policy, you can refer to the Student Handbook.