SALARY AND GENERAL CONDITIONS.
Salaries in New South Wales and Victoria have
been rising recently, and assistants in kindergartens
now receive about £l7O to £lBO and higher. Direc-
tors’ salaries in these two States range from about
£2OO to £3OO. (Directors of Lady Gowrie Centres
in all States receive £300.)
Salaries in the other States have been lower, assis-
tants being paid about £l5O, and in some States
less, while directors’ commencing salaries were in the
vicinity of £lBO except in Queensland where they
are paid £2lO. However, salaries in these States
also are now showing a tendency to increase.
The above salaries do not refer to persons employed
in the Education Departments, where the remunera-
tion is higher.
Hours are approximately from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
but sometimes are actually longer, for example, on
days when there are parents’ meetings in the evenings.
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED.
Good health is essential on account of the close
association with children and the exacting nature of
the work. There is a great deal of bending, lifting,
walking, and running about involved because very
young children are never still.
Above average to superior intelligence is necessary
in order to cope with the three-year course of train-
ing. Capacity, leadership, and skill in arts and crafts
are valuable assets.
A kindergarten teacher must be interested in
children and their development; she must be well-
balanced, with a happy personality. She must be
able to meet and talk to people easily, and gain their
confidence and co-operation.
METHOD OF ENTRY INTO THE
PROFESSION.
Entry to the profession is gained through the
successful completion of the three-year Diploma
Course at a kindergarten training college, one of
which exists in each capital city with the exception
of Hobart.
In New South Wales there is also a Nursery School
Training College run by the Day Nursery and
Nursery Schools Association.
AGE ON ADMISSION.
The minimum age for commencement of training
is 17 years.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
In most cases, the Leaving Certificate or equivalent
is necessary for admission to the Kindergarten Train-
ing College. Matriculation is essential for any
student who may wish later to take advanced work
in Child Development or related subjects at an over-
seas University.
However, a student 23 years of age and over who
desires to enter the college, but who does not possess
the above academic qualifications may, if she be
judged suitable in all other respects, be permitted
to enter, provided she is able to pass intelligence and
aptitude tests as well as an examination in selected
subjects.
In the case of ex-service personnel, special conces-
sions are sometimes given, and inquiries should be
made immediately at the kindergarten college at which
training is desired. In Victoria, for example, ex-
service personnel without the .Leaving Certificate may,
irrespective of age, be alloAved to sit for an examina-
tion in English expression and write an essay with a
wide choice of subject.
At the Nursery School Training College in New
South Wales, girls with the Leaving Certificate may
complete their training in two years. Those with
the Intermediate Certificate are required to do a three-
year course.
TRAINING.
Kindergarten training colleges give a three-year
training course (full-time day). In some States the
student may take a part-time position in a kinder-
garten during the third year, while attending lectures
part-time at the college.
Lectures are given at the Kindergarten Colleges
introducing such subjects as Child Development,
Biology, Physiology, Mental Hygiene and Child
Guidance, Psychology, Teaching Method, Parent
Education, History of Education, Social Organization, and Child Welfare, English, Speech Training,
Social Science, Natural and Physical Sciences, Arts
and Crafts, Music and Physical Education.
Practical experience and demonstrations in kinder-
gartens are given throughout the three years.
COST OF TRAINING.
Kindergarten college fees are usually about £2l per
annum (New South Wales, £27). Fees for the Nur-
sery School Training College in New South Wales
are £2l per annum. In all cases a few pounds
must also be allowed for extras such as class-room
materials, library fees, overalls, etc.
In Victoria, students taking a part-time position
in third year receive a salary of £160; in Perth
£110; while in New South Wales they may apply
for a student-assistantship valued at £lOO plus a
bursary for tuition valued at £27.
At the Nursery School Training College in New
South Wales, students during the third year take a
part-time position in a nursery school valued at £72
per annum.
All colleges have accommodation for a limited
number of students who may wish to reside there.
Cost of board and residence is usually about £7B
per annum (New South Wales, £9B). At the Nursery
School Training College board and residence costs
£63 per annum.
BENEFITS UNDER COMMONWEALTH
RECONSTRUCTION TRAINING SCHEME.
Ex-servicewomen eligible and suitable for training
may apply to have all compulsory fees paid, plus a
grant for books, and a living allowance throughout
the course of training. (See booklet “Return to
Civil Life,” issued by Ministry of Post-War
Reconstruction.)
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OTHER THAN
THROUGH THE COMMONWEALTH
RECONSTRUCTION TRAINING
SCHEME.
Most colleges grant a few bursaries each year to
cover cost or part-cost of training.
WHERE TO APPLY.
Full details as to eligibility and training benetits
under the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training
Scheme can be obtained at the offices of the Ministry
of Post-War Reconstruction in each State.
Those wishing to commence training for kinder-
garten teaching in 1946 should make immediate
application, as the college year begins in February.
