Questions about studying with ACCCO

Who are the Trainers?

ACCCO Trainers are qualified and experienced people who have been selected because of the skills, knowledge and experience they can share with their students. They all have...
* A three or four year qualification specialising in Early Childhood
* A Certificate IV in Assessment and Training
* Extensive experience in child care - usually they have worked in the job for which you are studying
* A passion for helping students reach their potential

What are my study options?

Recognition

Delivery and Assessment

Questions about Enrolment

Questions about Cost

I want to study at home at a time that is convenient to me. Is this possible?

Absolutely. This is called 'External Study'. In this form of study, you will be provided with a Study Guide which contains all the learning and tasks you need to complete. You will also have a Trainer who will support and guide you as you learn. This mode of study is very popular with people who are currently working, are in regional areas and/or have a family to care for.

I would prefer to come to class. Can I do this?

Yes! ACCCO provides classes on Certificate III in Children's Services as well as the Diploma of Children's Services. These classes are during the day for both Certificate III and Diploma, and are at night for Diploma. By attending classes, you can benefit from having more contact time with your Trainer, getting immediate answers to questions and sharing ideas and networking with other students from different centres (therefore sharing more ideas).

You can also come to class if you are an external student. This helps you to fast track your course and it can also provide you with extra assistance if you need it. Further information and class timetables can be found on the 'Info for Students' page.

I have been working in child care for a long time and already have knowledge and skills. Can this be recognised?

Definitely. This is called 'Recognition' or 'Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)'. For these areas, you complete a 'Recogition Unit' which includes questions to help you demonstrate your knowledge. You will also need a qualified person to verify your skills as well.

How long will the course take?

On average, attending classes means you will finish the course earlier. Certificate III takes 20 weeks in class while Diploma takes 24 weeks if you attend Full Time.

If you are studying externally, then usually this takes longer. However, it does depend on the amount of time you can dedicate to study. On average, we find students who are working and studying can finish one module per month. If you are not working and can spend more time studying, then this time is reduced considerably.

What if I need help?

That is no problem. You will be allocated an ACCCO Trainer who will be able to assist you at any stage of your course. Your trainer will provide you with their contact details (phone and email) for you to use if you need any help.

If you are studying externally, your Trainer will visit you regularly. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have as well. If you are attending classes, your questions can be answered immediately.

What about the delivery of training and assessment?

Each unit has assessment tasks which need to be completed. However, if you understood the learning presented in the unit, these assessment items should not be difficult.

Some assessment tasks are completed at a children's service (eg a child care centre) while others you complete at a time and place convenient to you.

Your ACCCO Trainer is also your assessor. Therefore the person who trains you will also be the person who will mark your work as well. Therefore you don't have a 'stranger' marking your work.

All training of ACCCO units of competency and courses are delivered and assessed in English.

I'm not working in a children's service. Can I still do the course?

Definitely. Since some of the requirements of the course are completed in a child care service, we will place you in a service for Practicum or Vocational Placement. If you already know a service who can take you on Practicum, then usually this can be negotiated. However, if you don't know one then we will assist you to locate a service at a location convenient to you. The day and times you attend Practicum can be negotiated between you and the service.

Questions about Enrolment

Do I qualify for enrolment?

Students require a good understanding of English. A grade 10 pass in English is considered a guide for a minimum standard. If a prospective student does not meet that standard, or if they are an overseas student, they may be requested to undertake an English test to ensure they have the capacity to complete the training successfully.

There is no age barrier to course admission. However, students must realise that, to gain employment as an Assistant in the Child Care industry, Child Care (Child Care Centres) Regulation 2003 has age requirements.

Students are required to complete an application form, provided by the College. All aspects of social justice will be adhered to when admitting students.

When can I start?

All of our external (study from home) courses can be started anytime. This means you can start today if you come into our office at Fortitude Valley. If you can't get to our office, post or fax us the Enrolment Form (from the downloads page) and we'll post you your first unit so you can start ASAP.

If you wish to study by attending classes, you can generally start the beginning of the following week. Since we take a maximum of 16 people per class, booking to attend a class is a must. To book in, please phone ACCCO to arrange this.

How do I enrol?

By post: Simply download the appropriate enrolment form from the downloads page and fax or post it to our head office along with the enrolment fee and payment for the first unit.

In person: Visit our office at Fortitude Valley between 8.30am and 4.30pm. We can provide you with an enrolment form or you can bring one that has been printed from our downloads page.

My Centre wants proof that I'm enrolled. How do I provide this?

If you have just enrolled, then ask us and we will provide you with a Letter of Enrolment.

If you have been studying for some time, please telephone us to arrange a letter. Providing you are actively studying, that is, you have completed a unit in the last three months, we will provide you with a Letter of Enrolment.

I haven't done any work for quite some time but I want to get started again. What do I do?

Quite often you will have to re-enrol. This means you fill in another enrolment form (so we have your current details) and pay a re-enrolment fee. Once this is done, you can begin to study again.

I've been studying at another college/TAFE but want to change to ACCCO. Can I do this?

Yes! Provide us with a certified transcript of what you have completed with the other college/TAFE and we'll give you credit for these units. You can then complete the rest of your units with ACCCO.

Do I need any form of criminal check to work with children?

Yes. To work with children, many States/Territories require you to undergo a police/criminal check before working with children. If you have any criminal convictions, you should check prior to enrolling whether you are eligible for employment.

Questions about Cost

I can't afford to pay the course up front. Can I pay as I go?

Definitely. ACCCO has a range of payment schemes to help you pay for the course as you can afford it. This includes:

Pay as you go. If you are an external student you can pay for the individual units when you order them. This can be by cash, money order, cheque or credit card.
EZI-DEBIT. Under this system, payments are deducted from your nominated bank account/credit card each fortnight. For an Ezi-Debit form, go to our downloads page
Payment schemes. For full time/part time students, you can pay a lump sum at the beginning of the course and smaller payments each week as the course progresses.

How much does the course cost?

Each course is slightly different. Please email or telephone ACCCO for more information.