Reynadel Pag-ong
Overall, I had a really good experience with ITAC and would definitely recommend them to anyone wanting to study Early Childhood Education and Care.
The Education Support Combo is ITAC's most popular teacher aide course. It combines the Certificate III, suited to general classroom support roles, with the Certificate IV, suited to higher-paying specialist roles supporting students with additional needs. This gives graduates the broadest employment options and the benefit of two qualifications on their resume.
The course is delivered online and self-paced, with structured learning materials, local trainer support and a 100-hour placement in a registered Australian school. Many mature-aged students complete from 6 months, although completion time varies depending on experience and study routine. ITAC's flexible, module-based structure helps students progress through the course more efficiently by grouping related learning and assessment activities.
The Education Support Combo is designed to help students build practical skills for working in schools, including how to:
This course suits busy adult learners who want a structured, supported online course with the flexibility to manage work, family and other commitments. It is especially suitable for people who want both qualifications to maximise employment opportunities in Australian schools.
ITAC courses group related learning and assessment into practical modules, so students build connected skills in the way they are used in real workplaces. This makes the course clearer, easier to follow and more focused on practical workplace capability, while still meeting all qualification requirements. [Read more]
The Education Support Combo combines the Certificate III and Certificate IV in School Based Education Support into one planned study pathway.
It is designed for people who want the broadest teacher aide employment options. The Certificate III supports general classroom roles, while the Certificate IV builds skills for higher-paying and more in-demand roles involving disability support, behaviour support, inclusion and additional learning needs.
The Certificate III is suitable for students who are new to education support or who want an entry-level teacher aide qualification focused on general classroom support.
The Certificate IV may suit students who want to develop more specialised support skills, particularly for roles involving students with disability, additional learning needs or more complex classroom support needs.
The Education Support Combo is usually the strongest option for students who want maximum employment flexibility, stronger long-term value and both qualifications on their resume.
Yes. Students who successfully complete all course requirements receive both nationally recognised qualifications:
Yes. The Education Support Combo is suitable for people seeking teacher aide and education assistant roles in Australian schools.
It supports both general classroom roles and more specialised education support roles. Job titles vary by state and employer, but may include teacher aide, education assistant, education support worker, school support officer, student support officer, learning support officer, integration aide and classroom support assistant.
The main benefit is employment flexibility. Students complete both qualifications, which can help them apply for a broader range of teacher aide roles.
The Combo covers general classroom support, literacy and numeracy support, behaviour support, disability support, inclusion and additional learning needs. This can make graduates more competitive for both entry-level roles and higher-paying specialist support roles.
It may also be better value than enrolling in the two qualifications separately because related learning and assessment activities are grouped into one planned study pathway.
Many mature-aged students complete the Education Support Combo from 6 months, although completion time varies depending on experience, ability and routine.
Students may complete closer to the standard 6-month course schedule where they have relevant life, work, parenting, volunteering, school-based or prior study experience. Students who are newer to formal study, workplace routines or professional English may take longer.
The course is self-paced and includes a flexible enrolment period. Extensions are available for a published monthly fee.
Yes. Some students aim to complete from 6 months. This is most realistic for students who study consistently, complete assessments steadily and already have relevant experience with children, schools, community work, administration, caring roles or workplace communication.
Completion in 6 months is not guaranteed. Students must complete all required learning, assessment tasks, workplace evidence and placement requirements to the required standard.
Yes. The Education Support Combo includes a minimum 100-hour work placement in a registered Australian school.
During placement, you apply your learning in a real classroom environment. This may include supporting literacy and numeracy, assisting students with different learning needs, adapting learning activities, supporting positive behaviour, following school policies and working under the direction of teachers and school staff.
Yes. ITAC provides a site visit for every student as part of the placement and assessment process.
The site visit allows an ITAC trainer or assessor to observe practical skills, support the student, liaise with the workplace where needed and collect required assessment evidence. This helps maintain course quality and supports employer confidence in ITAC graduates.
ITAC provides placement support and can assist students to secure a suitable school placement.
Students are also encouraged to use their own contacts where appropriate, such as a local school, their child’s school, a school where they volunteer, or a school recommended by someone they know. This can sometimes lead to a smoother placement and stronger employment opportunities.
Where ITAC assists with placement, students may need to be flexible with location, days, school availability and timing. This may mean travelling further than preferred.
Most students begin placement after completing the main theory components of the course. This helps ensure they are prepared for classroom practice and can complete workplace tasks without unnecessary delays.
Your trainer will guide you based on your course progress, readiness, school availability and any placement requirements that apply in your state or territory.
Students receive support from experienced trainers, weekly live webinars, phone and email support, placement guidance, assessment support and access to ITAC’s online learning materials.
Students may also access targeted support programs where suitable, including EnablePath, Dandjoo Support, YouthWay, JobAssist and other student support services. These programs support students with different learning needs, cultural support needs, youth transition needs, career goals and personal circumstances.
No. The Education Support Combo does not use formal exams or academic essays.
Assessment is practical and workplace-focused. Tasks may include short answer questions, projects, developing resources, short video presentations, workplace documentation, portfolio evidence, supervisor feedback and trainer observation during placement.
Yes. The course is designed for adult learners who may be balancing study with work, parenting, volunteering or other responsibilities.
Study is self-paced, so students can progress more quickly during quieter periods and slow down when life is busy. The key requirement is that all assessment and placement requirements must be completed to the required standard within the enrolment period.
Graduates may apply for a wide range of school-based roles, including teacher aide, education assistant, education support worker, school support officer, student support officer, learning support officer, integration aide, classroom support assistant and similar roles.
The Combo is especially useful for students who want access to both general classroom support roles and higher-paying specialist support roles involving disability, behaviour, inclusion and additional learning needs.
Employment requirements vary between states, territories, school systems and individual employers. If unsure, contact local schools or relevant employers before enrolling.
Yes. Both qualifications in the Education Support Combo are nationally recognised.
This means the qualifications are recognised across Australia, although job titles, school requirements and employment processes vary between states, territories and employers.
ITAC uses a module-based course structure because real school work does not happen one unit at a time. Teacher aides use communication, safety, inclusion, behaviour support, documentation, learning support and collaboration skills together in the classroom.
The module-based structure groups related learning and assessment activities into practical modules. Students still complete all required training, assessment, placement and workplace evidence.
ITAC specialises in education support training and has supported tens of thousands of students across Australia.
Students choose ITAC because the Combo includes two nationally recognised qualifications, is purpose-built for teacher aide and education assistant roles, supports broader employment options, is delivered online with structured support, includes a site visit for every student, and is supported by experienced trainers in major states.
Real feedback from students who chose ITAC for flexible, supported online study.
Study related content together through a clearer, more efficient course structure.
Trainer visits and tailored support during your school or childcare placement.
Kylie is a degree-qualified early childhood teacher with over 10 years in adult education. She enjoys the variety of her role and planning family adventures.
Lisa is an experienced early childhood teacher who balances teaching and training roles. At home, she's happiest spending time with her family and their beloved pets.
Candace is a qualified primary teacher with nearly 10 years' classroom experience. She enjoys helping students succeed and relaxing at the beach with family and friends.
Aliesha has over 20 years' experience in education and loves supporting ITAC students and staff. Outside work, she enjoys camping trips and time with her grandchildren.
Tahlia is an experienced Early Childhood Educator with over 13 years’ experience in the industry. Tahlia loves to be outdoors exploring with her family.
Louise has many years of experience in WA schools and has lectured at TAFE and private providers. Louise enjoys nature, reading and spending time with her cat, Jasper.
Carolyn is a degree-qualified teacher who and university lecturer. She enjoys helping future educators and cheering on her son at swim meets.
Catherine has dedicated 25 years to supporting students with learning difficulties and disabilities. Outside work, her family life keeps her smiling—and she adores giraffes!
Natasha is an experienced educator with more than 10 years’ experience. She is especially passionate about Bush Kinder and enjoys running with her dog.
Krystal has over 23 years of experience in childcare and a strong passion for educating. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping and spending quality time with her family.
Kylie has nearly 12 years' experience supporting primary students, especially in literacy. She loves helping others achieve their goals and sharing the joy of reading.
Amy holds an early childhood degree and has over 20 years’ experience in the sector, including as a director. She enjoys live music and meaningful conversations.
Joy is an experienced primary and specialist education teacher. She loves reading, travel, and discovering amazing food along the way.
Margie is a secondary teacher experienced in special education and vocational training. She loves exploring Queensland’s countryside and beaches.
Lynette has been a Marriage Celebrant for over two decades. She holds a PhD and enjoys writing, cooking and gardening in her spare time.
Experience our range of innovative programs at ITAC, enhancing your educational journey towards success.
Build a study routine around work, family and other commitments, without fixed class times or due dates.
Access all webinars, assessments and course resources online whenever you are ready to study.
Experienced local trainers to help with course content, assessments, placement and study planning.
Who is it for:
For students who want a high-quality course with all essential resources and full support.
Includes:
Who is it for:
For students who want an enhanced study experience with added convenience and flexibility.
Everything in Standard, plus:
Who is it for:
For students seeking the highest level of service, including dedicated support and priority marking.
Everything in Platinum, plus: