Introduction to Learning Support Officer (LSO) Courses in NSW

Are you looking for a rewarding career supporting students in New South Wales schools? Becoming a Learning Support Officer (LSO) opens doors to meaningful work assisting teachers and students across the state's diverse education landscape. As an LSO, you'll play a vital role in helping learners with additional needs thrive in mainstream classrooms, specialist support units, and intervention programs.

The pathway to launching your LSO career in NSW begins with gaining a nationally recognised qualification - either the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support or the more advanced CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support. These practical courses equip you with the specialised skills and knowledge needed to make a genuine difference in students' lives.

At ITAC, we're proud to be Australia's leading provider of LSO courses, with a proven track record of preparing graduates for success in New South Wales schools. Our innovative online learning model combines the flexibility of self-paced study with the support of experienced trainers based right here in New South Wales. Whether you're in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, or anywhere else across the state, you'll benefit from a training team that understands the local education landscape.

Key benefits of studying your LSO qualification with ITAC include:

• Flexible online delivery that fits around your existing commitments
• Practical skills that align with the needs of NSW schools
• Dedicated support from trainers with extensive experience in local classrooms
• Opportunities to gain hands-on experience through structured work placements
• Strong industry connections to help you secure employment after graduating

Throughout your LSO course, you'll develop essential capabilities such as implementing learning activities, supporting positive student behaviour, facilitating small group work, and assisting with the implementation of individual education plans. Our focus on authentic learning experiences ensures you graduate ready to step into any NSW classroom with confidence.

So, if you're ready to start a career that combines your passion for education with the opportunity to make a real impact, exploring ITAC's LSO courses could be your ideal next step. With the right qualification and a commitment to supporting diverse learners, you'll be well-prepared to build a fulfilling future in the growing field of learning support.

Key LSO Course Features include:

• Flexible online learning tailored to NSW schools
• Support from experienced local LSO trainers
• 100-hour placement in a NSW school
• Focus on special needs support strategies
• Family-friendly study options
• Interest-free payment plans

Choose from these nationally recognised Learning Support Officer courses:

• CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
• CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
• Education Support Combo (most popular and best value)

Navigating This Article

This detailed guide covers everything about the ITAC’s Learning Support Officer (LSO) courses available in New South Wales.

Quick Links - If you don't need the full article:

• CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
• CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
• Education Support Combo - Our Most Popular Option

Key Resources:

• Work Placement Information
• Study Mode Options
• Our Integrated Learning Approach

Contact Us:

• Phone: 1300 858 191
• Email: info@itac.edu.au
• Contact Page

Below you'll find links to an in-depth exploration of each topic - simply select the area you'd like to learn more about:

Table of Contents

• Summary of Key Information
• Comparing LSO Courses: Certificate III, Certificate IV, and Education Support Combo
• What is the Best LSO Course for Me?
• Is There Demand for Learning Support Officers in NSW Schools?
• Types of LSO Roles in NSW Schools
• Family-Friendly Work-Life Balance as an LSO
• Support Services for LSO Students
• Structured Placement Experience in NSW Schools
• Flexible Study Modes for LSO Courses
• Save Time and Money with ITAC's LSO Courses
• Course Structure and Assessments in LSO Courses
• Summary: Your Path to Becoming an LSO in NSW

Summary of Key Information

• Learning Support Officers (LSOs) in New South Wales assist teachers in providing educational support to students, particularly those with additional learning needs. They work under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support provides entry-level training for those beginning their LSO career. It's suitable for those with limited prior experience looking to work in mainstream classrooms.
• For more advanced skills in supporting students with disabilities, learning difficulties, and complex needs, the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support is the highest level LSO qualification. It prepares graduates for roles in both mainstream classes and specialist support settings.
• ITAC's popular Education Support Combo allows students to complete both the Certificate III and Certificate IV in a streamlined manner, maximising career opportunities.
• LSO positions in NSW schools often begin with casual relief work, allowing schools to assess an individual's fit with their specific environment and needs before offering permanent employment.
• There is strong, ongoing demand for well-trained LSOs across NSW, with employers valuing graduates who have completed high-quality, reputable qualifications.
• LSO pay rates in NSW vary based on qualifications, experience, and specific role responsibilities, but typically range from approximately $30 to $36 per hour.
• ITAC's unique integrated course structure allows students to complete their qualification efficiently by avoiding unnecessary duplication across units, leading to faster completion times compared to traditional delivery methods.

Comparing LSO Courses: Certificate III, Certificate IV, and Education Support Combo

When exploring LSO courses in NSW, you'll likely come across three main options: the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support, the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, and ITAC's unique Education Support Combo. While all these courses provide valuable training for working as a Learning Support Officer, there are some key differences in focus, depth, and outcomes.

CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support: As an entry-level LSO course, the Certificate III is designed to give you a solid foundation in the core skills needed to support students in mainstream classrooms. You'll learn strategies for fostering inclusive learning environments, assisting with lesson delivery, and providing general guidance to students under the direction of a qualified teacher.

This course covers essential topics like:

• Supporting student participation and engagement
• Contributing to educational program planning
• Providing basic assistance for diverse learners
• Helping maintain positive classroom behaviour
• Ensuring a safe, inclusive learning space

Graduates of the CHC30221 Certificate III LSO course are well-prepared for roles as general classroom support officers, working collaboratively with teachers to promote the learning and wellbeing of all students. This qualification can also serve as a stepping stone to further study and specialisation in the field.

CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support: Building on the foundational skills developed in the Certificate III, the CHC40221 Certificate IV LSO course offers more specialised training for supporting students with disabilities, learning difficulties, and additional needs. While it's a higher-level qualification, the focus is more on developing targeted strategies rather than being significantly more advanced or daunting.

In this course, you'll delve into areas like:

• Implementing personalised learning plans
• Supporting literacy and numeracy development
• Using assistive technologies to enhance accessibility
• Providing personal care and mobility assistance
• Working collaboratively with families and specialist staff
• Managing challenging behaviours and promoting wellbeing

For example, when supporting a student with autism, you might learn techniques like using visual schedules to provide structure, modelling social interactions through role-play, or creating social stories to help navigate challenging situations. The Certificate IV LSO course equips you with a toolkit of strategies to adapt support to individual student needs.

With this specialised knowledge, graduates can work effectively in both mainstream classrooms and dedicated support settings like special schools, support units, or intervention programs across NSW.

Education Support Combo: ITAC's Education Support Combo is a unique offering that combines both the CHC30221 Certificate III and CHC40221 Certificate IV into a streamlined, integrated program. By completing this popular LSO course with ITAC, you'll gain the full spectrum of skills needed to support diverse learners in any educational context.

The combo course covers all the key content from both qualifications, including:

• Fostering inclusive classroom environments
• Supporting student learning and engagement
• Implementing personalised support strategies
• Assisting with personal care and mobility needs
• Using assistive technologies effectively
• Collaborating with families and specialist teams
• Managing challenging behaviours positively
• Promoting student wellbeing and social-emotional development

Choosing the Education Support Combo can offer significant time and cost savings compared to completing the Certificate III and IV separately. It's an ideal path for those committed to building a long-term career as an LSO, as it prepares you to work with students across a broad range of needs and settings.

Ultimately, the best LSO course for you will depend on your prior experience, career goals, and the types of learners you're most passionate about supporting. Regardless of which path you choose, completing a nationally recognised qualification with a reputable provider like ITAC will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge to make a real difference in the lives of students across NSW schools.

What is the Best LSO Course for Me?

When it comes to choosing the best Learning Support Officer (LSO) course in NSW, there are two main options to consider: the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support and the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support. Both of these nationally recognised qualifications can lead to rewarding LSO careers, but the right choice for you will depend on your experience, goals, and the types of students you're most passionate about supporting.

If you're a recent high school graduate or learning English after migrating to Australia, the CHC30221 Certificate III is an excellent entry-level LSO course. This qualification provides a solid foundation for working as a general classroom LSO in mainstream settings, covering key topics such as:

• Supporting student learning and engagement
• Contributing to educational program planning and implementation
• Providing basic assistance for students with additional needs
• Assisting with positive classroom management and behaviour support
• Maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment

By completing this introductory LSO course, you'll be well-prepared to work under the direction of teachers, supporting the participation and learning of diverse students across NSW schools.

For those looking to develop more advanced skills through their LSO course, particularly in supporting students with disabilities, learning difficulties, or complex needs, the CHC40221 Certificate IV is the way to go. This higher-level qualification provides more opportunities and often leads to higher pay. It builds on the knowledge covered in the Certificate III LSO course, diving further into specialised areas such as:

• Implementing individualised learning plans and support strategies
• Supporting literacy and numeracy skill development
• Facilitating the use of assistive technologies and accessible learning experiences
• Providing personal care and mobility support for students with physical disabilities
• Collaborating with families, specialist staff, and external agencies
• Responding to challenging behaviours and promoting student wellbeing

Graduates of this popular LSO course are equipped to take on specialised roles in both mainstream classrooms and dedicated support settings, such as Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs), support units, or transitional education programs throughout NSW.

Can't decide between the two LSO courses? ITAC's unique Education Support Combo could be the perfect solution. This integrated program allows you to complete both the CHC30221 Certificate III and the CHC40221 Certificate IV in a streamlined manner, giving you a thorough grounding in all aspects of learning support. It's an ideal choice if you're committed to building a long-term career as an LSO, as it expands your job opportunities, earning potential, and ability to support a wide range of student needs. Plus, choosing this combo LSO course can save you time and money compared to completing the qualifications separately.

No matter which LSO course you ultimately choose, opting for a nationally accredited program with a reputable provider like ITAC is key. With the right qualification under your belt, you'll be well on your way to a fulfilling career making a real difference in the lives of diverse learners across NSW schools.

Is There Demand for Learning Support Officers in NSW Schools?

If you're considering embarking on an LSO course in NSW, you'll be pleased to know that the demand for qualified Learning Support Officers remains consistently high across the state. This strong need for skilled LSOs is evident in a wide range of educational settings, from bustling urban schools to tight-knit rural communities.

So, what's driving this ongoing demand for professionals who have completed LSO courses? Let's take a closer look at some of the key factors at play:

• Increasing student enrolments: As the population in many parts of NSW continues to grow, particularly in and around Sydney, more schools are being built to cater to the rising numbers of students. This expansion directly translates to a greater need for well-trained support staff, including graduates of LSO courses, to ensure that every student receives the personalised support they need to succeed.
• A shift towards inclusive education: In recent years, NSW schools have embraced inclusive education practices, which means that students with disabilities, learning difficulties, and additional needs are increasingly being supported within mainstream classrooms. As a result, LSOs who have completed relevant courses play a vital role in enabling these students to participate fully in learning alongside their peers.
• Growing recognition of diverse learning needs: Today's classrooms are characterised by a wide spectrum of learning needs, and schools are placing a higher priority on providing targeted support to students who may require extra assistance. This includes students with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disabilities, and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Graduates of high-quality LSO courses that focus on strategies for supporting these learners are in particularly high demand.
• A focus on early intervention: Research consistently demonstrates the importance of early intervention in achieving the best outcomes for students with additional needs. As a result, many NSW primary schools are investing in Learning Support Officers who have completed relevant courses to work closely with students in the early years of their education. These LSOs play a crucial role in building essential foundational skills and addressing any emerging challenges before they become more significant barriers to learning.
• An ageing workforce: Like many industries, the education sector in NSW is grappling with the challenges of an ageing workforce. As experienced LSOs retire or move into other roles, there is an ongoing need for graduates of reputable LSO courses to fill these positions and bring new ideas and skills to the field.

When it comes to specific areas of demand, LSOs who are willing to work in rural or regional areas of NSW often find themselves highly sought-after, as these schools can sometimes struggle to attract and retain qualified support staff. Furthermore, LSOs who have completed specialised courses focusing on supporting students with disabilities or complex needs, such as the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, are increasingly in demand across the state.

Special needs settings, such as Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs) or support units within mainstream schools, also have a high need for skilled LSOs. These environments require staff who have completed courses that provide an in-depth understanding of how to adapt teaching strategies and learning materials to meet the unique needs of individual students. Graduates of these specialised LSO courses are also well-equipped to work collaboratively with specialist staff and families to ensure consistent, wraparound support.

Finally, it's worth noting that while LSO positions are available in both primary and secondary schools, there is often a particularly high demand for support staff in high schools. This is because the academic and social demands on students tend to increase as they progress through their schooling, and the support of LSOs who have completed relevant courses can be instrumental in helping them navigate these challenges successfully.

In summary, for those who have completed a high-quality LSO course in NSW, the job opportunities are both diverse and plentiful. By developing a strong foundation of practical skills and specialised knowledge through a reputable course, you'll be well-positioned to build a fulfilling career making a real difference in the lives of students with a wide range of needs across the state.

Types of LSO Roles in NSW Schools

Learning Support Officers (LSOs) in New South Wales work in a variety of settings and roles, supporting students with diverse needs across the education spectrum. While many people associate LSOs primarily with assisting students with disabilities, the reality is that these dedicated professionals contribute to inclusive education in numerous ways. Let's explore some of the key settings where you might find yourself working after completing an LSO course in NSW.

Mainstream Classrooms:

• LSOs play a crucial role in facilitating the inclusion and engagement of students with additional needs within mainstream classrooms.
• This may involve providing in-class support to help students access the general curriculum, implementing adjustments and accommodations to learning materials and activities, and facilitating collaborative learning experiences.
• LSOs in mainstream settings also often offer individualised assistance with organisation, planning, and study skills, as well as supporting positive behaviour and social interactions.

Specialist Support Classes:

• Many NSW schools have dedicated support classes or units for students with more complex learning profiles, such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, or multiple disabilities.
• In these settings, LSOs work in close collaboration with special education teachers to provide intensive, targeted support tailored to each student's unique needs.
• This may include implementing individualised learning programs, assisting with personal care, mobility, and health management needs, supporting the development of communication and social skills, and facilitating access to specialist resources and assistive technologies.

Learning and Support Programs:

• LSOs are often integral to the delivery of targeted intervention programs and initiatives aimed at addressing specific learning or developmental needs.
• These programs may focus on areas such as intensive literacy and numeracy support for students performing below grade-level expectations, social skills development, positive behaviour support, or English language support for EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) students.
• LSOs working in these programs often work with small groups or individual students, providing structured, evidence-based interventions to help close learning gaps and build key skills.

Specialist Schools:

• NSW has a range of schools that cater specifically to students with particular disabilities or learning needs, such as Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs), Tutorial Centres, and Educational Support Units.
• In these specialised settings, LSOs are vital members of multidisciplinary teams, working alongside teachers, therapists, and other professionals to provide individualised support to students.
• LSOs in specialist schools may be involved in implementing tailored programs and therapies, supporting the development of alternative communication systems, facilitating community access and work experience programs, and assisting with personal care and medical interventions.

Across all these diverse settings, LSOs who have completed high-quality LSO courses share a common dedication to promoting inclusive, equitable learning opportunities for all students. As the education landscape continues to evolve, exciting new LSO roles are also emerging, such as supporting the integration of technology in the classroom, facilitating experiential learning programs, and contributing to whole-school wellbeing initiatives.

By gaining a nationally recognised qualification through a reputable LSO course, you'll be well-prepared to take on these varied roles and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with a wide range of needs. With the right training and a passion for supporting diverse learners, the career possibilities for LSOs in NSW schools are virtually limitless.

Whether you see yourself supporting students in a bustling mainstream classroom, working closely with students with complex needs in a specialised setting, or delivering targeted intervention programs, completing an LSO course is the first step towards a fulfilling career in this dynamic and growing field. With the skills and knowledge gained through your studies, you'll be ready to take on the challenges and rewards of supporting inclusive education in any NSW school setting.

Family-Friendly Work-Life Balance as an LSO

Pursuing a Learning Support Officer (LSO) course in NSW, such as the CHC30221 Certificate III or CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, can open the door to a genuinely family-friendly career. As an LSO, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives while still being present for your own children.

One of the most significant advantages of working as an LSO in NSW schools is the alignment between your work schedule and your children's school hours. With typical LSO hours being 8:30am to 3:00pm during school terms, you'll have ample quality time with your loved ones in the evenings and on weekends, without the stress of arranging after-school care or missing important family moments.

Here are some key benefits of an LSO career for parents:

• Work schedule aligns with your children's school hours, allowing you to be there for drop-offs and pick-ups
• Enjoy the same holidays as your kids, with up to 12 weeks off annually, providing ample time for family vacations and quality time together
• Many LSO positions are part-time enabling you to tailor your work commitments to your family's unique needs and circumstances
• With over 3,200 schools in NSW, almost all actively seeking qualified LSOs each year, you can find many opportunities to grow your career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance close to home

Completing an LSO course allows you to build a rewarding career at your own pace, aligning your professional ambitions with your family's changing needs over time. By choosing a path that synchronises work and family life, you'll create space for both professional growth and precious time with your loved ones.

Support Services for LSO Students

ITAC trainers provide adult-orientated support throughout your LSO course, ensuring you have the guidance and resources needed to succeed. Our range of support services is designed to help you navigate the challenges of balancing study with work and family commitments, making your learning experience as smooth and rewarding as possible.

As an ITAC student, you'll benefit from:

• Regular live webinars and Q&A sessions with experienced trainers who understand the NSW education landscape and can offer targeted advice
• Unlimited support from experienced trainers that’s only a phone or email away – combined with fast response times
• Prompt, constructive feedback on assessments, helping you refine your skills and build confidence in your abilities
• Access to valuable study resources, including interactive e-learning modules and a wealth of online materials, available 24/7 to fit your busy schedule
• Exclusive access to the JobAssist program, which provides help with resume preparation, interview techniques, and job applications, setting you up for career success

With expert support just an email or phone call away, you can feel confident in your ability to successfully complete your LSO course and launch a fulfilling career in education support. Whether you need clarification on an assessment or advice on handling a challenging classroom scenario, ITAC's NSW based team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Structured Placement Experience in NSW Schools

A cornerstone of ITAC's LSO courses is the 100-hour practical placement component, where you'll have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and strategies learned throughout your training in an authentic classroom setting. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing the skills and confidence needed to excel as an LSO in NSW schools.

During your placement, you'll work closely with experienced teachers and have the chance to:

• Implement learning activities and support positive student behaviour
• Facilitate small group work and assist with individual education plans
• Gain exposure to the diverse learning needs present in NSW classrooms
• Forge valuable professional connections within the school community
• Receive feedback from your ITAC assessor to help refine your practice

You'll gain valuable hands-on experience that prepares you to excel as a Learning Support Officer from day one. This authentic taste of the role allows you to apply your learning in a real school setting, reinforcing the practical skills you've developed throughout your LSO course.

Flexible Study Modes for LSO Courses

ITAC recognises that every learner has unique needs and circumstances, which is why we offer two flexible study modes for our LSO courses in NSW: Online and Experienced Learner Pathway. These options are designed to provide you with the flexibility and support needed to successfully complete your training while balancing work, family, and other commitments in an adult-friendly environment.

Our structured online mode allows you to access course materials 24/7 from the comfort of your own home. You'll engage with:

• Interactive e-learning modules and practical training materials
• Regular live webinars led by experienced trainers
• A supportive online community of fellow LSO students
• Personalised support from trainers and success advisors, just an email or phone call away

For learners with significant professional or life experience, the Experienced Learner Pathway (ELP) offers a more streamlined route to becoming an LSO. The ELP enables you to complete your qualification in as little as 16 weeks, meaning you can start earning sooner instead of wasting time re-learning what you already know.

Save Time and Money with ITAC's LSO Courses

Picture this: you're eager to kickstart your career as a Learning Support Officer (LSO) in NSW, but the thought of spending countless hours studying multiple units with repetitive content makes you want to hit the snooze button on your dreams. Fear not, because ITAC has revolutionised the way LSO courses are delivered!

Our innovative integrated learning approach is like a secret weapon that slashes through the clutter and gets straight to the heart of what matters most - equipping you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to shine in the classroom. No more wading through a sea of disconnected units that make you feel like you're stuck in a never-ending loop of déjà vu.

Here's how our integrated learning method works its magic:

• We've waved goodbye to the traditional "one unit at a time" approach that puts you to sleep faster than a lullaby. Instead, we've artfully woven related topics into cohesive, real-world modules that mirror the day-to-day responsibilities of an LSO.
• Imagine learning about effective communication, behaviour management, and inclusive education practices all in one go, rather than having to prove your knowledge of these essential skills over and over again across multiple units. It's like having a secret map that leads you directly to the treasure, without having to navigate through a labyrinth of redundant content.
• By eliminating the need to repeatedly demonstrate the same knowledge and skills, our integrated approach can shave up to 6-12 months off your study time compared to traditional delivery methods. That means you'll be making a difference in students' lives and earning a paycheck sooner than you ever thought possible!
• But the benefits don't stop there - our integrated learning model also helps you develop a deeper, more intuitive understanding of how various aspects of education support work together in harmony. It's like being handed the keys to the secret garden of knowledge, where everything is interconnected and makes perfect sense.

Not only does our integrated approach save you precious time, but it also saves you money in the long run. By streamlining your learning journey, you'll be able to complete your LSO course more efficiently, reducing the overall cost of your education. Plus, with the time you save, you can start earning an income in your new career sooner, putting more money back in your pocket.

So, why choose the scenic route when you can take the express lane to success? ITAC's integrated learning approach is like having a fast-pass to your dream career, without compromising on the depth and quality of your education. It's a smarter, faster, and more engaging way to gain the skills and confidence you need to excel as an LSO in NSW schools.

Don't let a drawn-out, disjointed learning experience hold you back from reaching your full potential. Embrace the power of integrated learning with ITAC and watch as the pieces of the puzzle fall effortlessly into place, creating a clear picture of your bright future as a Learning Support Officer.

Course Structure and Assessments in LSO Courses

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of how LSO courses are structured and assessed. These courses are carefully designed to help you build your skills and knowledge in a logical, step-by-step way. The goal is to get you ready to shine as a Learning Support Officer in any NSW school setting.

The learning journey is broken into two main phases:

1. Theory Phase: This is where you'll lay the foundation. You'll explore key concepts, strategies, and techniques through interactive online learning. Expect a mix of readings, webinars, practice activities, and theory assessments to check your understanding along the way.
2. Practical Phase: Here's where the rubber meets the road! You'll put your new skills into action during a hands-on placement in a real school. This is your chance to work directly with students under the guidance of experienced teachers and LSOs. You'll complete a variety of assessment tasks to demonstrate your growing capabilities in an authentic classroom setting.

Now, you might be wondering what types of assessments you'll encounter in your LSO course. Rest assured, there won't be any long, boring essays or stressful exams! Instead, you'll engage in practical, relevant assessment activities that mirror the real work of LSOs.

For example, in the theory phase, you might:

• Answer questions about how to support students with additional needs
• Create a sample learning resource or visual aid
• Reflect on how you'd handle a challenging classroom scenario
• Record a short video explaining a particular instructional strategy

When you get to your placement, your assessments will be all about showing what you can do:

• Implementing learning activities and behaviour support strategies with real students
• Documenting your experiences in a professional portfolio
• Being observed by your assessor as you work with students
• Getting feedback from your supervising teacher on your performance

Practical, Real-World Focus in LSO Course Assessments

ITAC's LSO courses, such as the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support, are designed to build the practical skills you'll need to thrive in real NSW classrooms. Our assessments focus on authentic tasks that mirror the day-to-day responsibilities of an LSO, ensuring you develop genuine confidence and capabilities.

One of the key advantages of ITAC's approach to LSO training is the integration of different skills throughout the course. Rather than teaching topics in isolation, our Certificate III and other LSO courses show you how various support strategies and techniques connect in actual classroom situations.

For instance, a single assessment task in your LSO course might ask you to demonstrate inclusive teaching practices, positive behaviour guidance, and effective communication skills simultaneously - just as you would when working with diverse learners on the job. By combining these skills in practical scenarios, ITAC's LSO courses help you understand how different aspects of the role work together in the real world.

This integrated approach to LSO training enables you to develop a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to succeed in this rewarding career. It also allows you to complete your Certificate III or other LSO qualification more efficiently, as you're not wasting time repeating the same concepts over and over for each unit.

So when you're researching LSO courses in NSW, keep in mind that ITAC's programs are carefully structured to help you build job-ready skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. From the CHC30221 Certificate III through to more advanced qualifications like our Education Support Combo, every aspect of our LSO training is designed to prepare you for the realities of working in diverse school settings. By the time you complete your course, you'll be well-equipped to step into any classroom and start making a positive difference in students' lives from day one.

Summary: Your Path to Becoming an LSO in NSW

Throughout this guide, we've explored the key aspects of becoming a Learning Support Officer (LSO) in New South Wales. From understanding the role and its various specialisations to choosing the right course and study mode, you now have a solid foundation to make informed decisions about your future career in education support.

Let's recap the main takeaways:

• LSOs play a vital role in supporting students with diverse needs across NSW schools, working under the guidance of teachers to facilitate inclusive learning experiences.
• The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support provides entry-level training for aspiring LSOs, focusing on foundational skills for mainstream classrooms. The CHC40221 Certificate IV offers more advanced, specialised training for supporting students with disabilities and complex needs.
• ITAC's unique Education Support Combo allows you to complete both the Certificate III and IV in a streamlined manner, maximising your career opportunities and earning potential as an LSO.
• There is strong, ongoing demand for qualified LSOs across NSW, with opportunities spanning mainstream classrooms, specialist support settings, intervention programs, and more. LSO pay rates typically range from $30 to $36 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
• ITAC's integrated course structure enables you to complete your LSO qualification efficiently by consolidating common topics and avoiding unnecessary duplication. This innovative approach, combined with flexible study modes and timely support services, sets you up for success in your learning journey.
• Practical, hands-on experience is at the heart of ITAC's LSO courses. You'll complete a 100-hour placement in a real school setting, where you'll apply your knowledge, develop your skills, and build your confidence under the guidance of experienced educators.

By choosing to pursue an LSO course with ITAC, you're on a path towards a fulfilling, family-friendly career that makes a real difference in the lives of students across NSW. With the right qualification, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a passion for supporting diverse learners, you'll be well-equipped to thrive in this dynamic and rewarding field.

So, if you're ready to take the first step towards becoming an LSO, there's no better time to start exploring your training options. Reach out to ITAC's friendly team to discuss your goals, ask any questions you may have, and learn more about how our courses can help you achieve your aspirations. With our expert guidance and unwavering support, you'll be on your way to a successful career as a Learning Support Officer in no time.