Out of School Hours Care Educator
SOC 39-9011.00 · ESCO 5311 · OSCA 431431
Role snapshot
Overview
Supervises and engages school-aged children (typically 5-12 years old) in before- and after-school care programs. This role involves planning, organising, and leading a variety of recreational, educational, and creative activities in a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment. Educators ensure the well-being and development of children, manage group dynamics, and communicate with families and school staff until children are collected.
Provides a safe, enriching, and engaging environment for school-aged children outside of regular school hours, supporting their social, emotional, and physical development, and offering essential support to working families.
On the job
- Supervise children during free play, organised activities, and meal times, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Plan and implement age-appropriate recreational, creative, and educational activities (e.g., arts and crafts, sports, games, homework support).
- Maintain a positive and inclusive environment, managing children's behaviour and promoting social skills.
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding their child's progress and daily activities.
- Administer basic first aid and respond to emergencies as needed.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Relevant certificate or diploma in early childhood education, school-age care, or a related field.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Out of School Hours Care Educator
Teaching & Instruction
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
social · SAC
Individuals who enjoy helping and interacting with children, planning engaging activities, and working in a structured yet creative environment often thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Caring
Enjoys nurturing and supporting the development of children, showing empathy and patience.
Organised
Keeps activities, schedules, and materials well-structured for a smooth and safe program operation.
Energetic
Engages actively with children, maintaining a lively and positive atmosphere for play and learning.
Patient
Remains calm and understanding when dealing with children's varied behaviours and needs, especially during challenging moments.
Creative
Develops and implements imaginative and diverse activities that stimulate children's interest and development.
Best for
- People who genuinely enjoy working with school-aged children and fostering their development.
- Individuals who are organised, patient, and creative in planning engaging activities.
- Those seeking a dynamic role focused on community and child well-being.
Watch out for
- The role often involves split shifts (early mornings and late afternoons) and requires consistent energy levels throughout.
- Requires managing group dynamics and occasional challenging behaviour from children.
- Can be emotionally demanding, requiring resilience in interactions with children and parents.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Out of School Hours Care Educator — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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