Student Information Handbook

Welcome to ACTAC

Congratulations on taking this step and investing in your future!
This handbook covers all Learners enrolled with ACTAC

At ACTAC we are committed to helping people improve their lives through learning. We are here to support you every step of the way and to make your studies with us both rewarding and fulfilling.

In this handbook, you will find everything you need to know about studying with us including an overview of ACTAC, what learning here is all about, how our courses work, how to plan your studies and what support is available to you during your studies

We wish you every success in your studies!

Student Support Hours Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm QLD time Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm AEST (excluding public holidays)

About ACTAC

Here at the Australian College of Teacher’s Aid and Child Care (ACTAC) we invite you to come on a learning journey with us. ACTAC is an innovative college which offers suitable nationally recognised courses and qualifications for Learners who wish to have a career working in childcare or as a teacher aide or education support staff member.

We are based in Brisbane and we provide the following courses/qualifications:

• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
• CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
• CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC50221 Diploma of School Age Education and Care
• Dual Qualification in Early Childhood Education (CHC30121 + CHC50121)

ACTAC strives to provide flexible training and in demand qualifications at competitive prices. When studying with ACTAC learners will experience choice in pace as well as a flexible learning mode through Online learning mode through our designed and created learning units.

Vision

Our vision here at ACTAC is to develop a guided learning system that encourages independent learning, skill development, critical thinking and self- reflection in partnership with learner’s employers where possible. We aim to provide a nationally recognised qualification that is associated with quality education and career futures, that meets the needs of Industry employers.

Mission

At ACTAC, we promote and encourage learner potential. Our mission is to provide scaffolded learning that fosters guided independent learning relevant to industry employer’s needs. We offer Learners a cost effective flexible mode learning, and foster strong connections to our industry employers and partner groups.

Culture

ACTAC culture is industry stakeholder and learner needs based, aiming to maximise learner potential and satisfaction whilst meeting the needs of industry employers. ACTAC continually strives to meet the needs of industry stakeholders by taking a strategic approach to its growth direction, learner relations, employer relations, staff relations and workplace providers.

Our Prices

Here at ACTAC we recognise that it can be difficult coming up with a significant sum of money which is why our individual courses are no more than $1500, with the exception of a Dual Qualification. We operate as a social enterprise to deliver high quality but affordable Nationally Recognised Qualifications.

Courses on Offer with ACTAC

ACTAC’s scope includes:

*Learners should note that ACTAC will not accept a prepayment amount larger than
$1499. Please note that ACTAC also offers payment plans at varying costs. See website for current prices.

All ACTAC’s Courses are nationally recognised!

Qualification Information Sheets are available by clicking on the relevant course below

A Nationally Recognised Training qualification is part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF includes specific standards for courses at different levels.

The advantages of studying a Nationally Recognised Training qualification are:

• You will gain a qualification that has been developed in consultation with industry
• Your qualification will be recognised by industry across Australia
• Your qualification will carry the same level of recognition as courses delivered on campus
• It is generally easier to obtain credit or advanced standing towards further studies
• You can be assured that your course meets the standards required to be Nationally Recognised.

A Certificate III develops higher- level vocational skills and requires learners to demonstrate an understanding of basic theory within the field.

A Certificate IV builds both higher-level vocational skills as well as improved problem-solving and management skills and requires a higher level of theoretical knowledge in the area

A Diploma provides a greater depth of knowledge in the vocational area and builds higher-level problem-solving skills. A Diploma fosters analytical, planning and management skills. Learners that successfully complete a Diploma may receive credit towards an undergraduate degree at an Australian university.

ACTAC brings a cost effective, flexible, industry needs based and guided approach to education. ACTAC works to ensures students develop personal skills, knowledge and positive career connections.

ACTAC employs qualified staff with relevant experience, knowledge, empowerment, self-awareness and with a support network of peers in the Industry.

ACTAC’s courses are flexible, rewarding and competitively priced for potential students. We recognise that it can be difficult coming up with a significant sum of money which is why we have payment plans and split payment options available.

Changing ACTAC course

Learners wishing to change their course within the 14-day cooling off period can do so without incurring the change of course fee. A fee of $149 is payable by learners wishing to change their chosen course after the 14-day cooling off period including access to training materials, trainers and assessors. Further charges may apply if changing to a higher qualification. An emailed receipt will be provided upon successful payment. If a learner wishes to change their course again an additional $299 fee will be incurred. Payment can be made over the phone, please call 1300 511 455.

Learners may only apply for two (2) change of course throughout the duration of their course.

Please note: Further charges may apply if changing to a higher qualification.

Extension of course

Should a learner require extra time to complete their course, the learner can apply for a six-month extension for a cost of $299. This fee covers additional student hours = additional trainer/admin hours = additional wages. No learner may extend their course beyond double the length of the initial duration.

Government Regulation

ACTAC is regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and strives to be a provider that continually delivers high quality training and assessment.

Delivery Mode

Our delivery modes adds to the success and enjoyment of our learner’s experiences. Our delivery plan is supportive and flexible. We provide a multi-mode approach to learning. We provide a multi-mode approach to learning. Each learner that studies with ACTAC will receive independent study material and support online. Our courses are self-paced, therefore students can enrol at a time that is convenient to their needs.

Service Delivery Online

Sign Up/Enrolment for any of these courses can be completed online, via phone, email or from an external location. Prior to sign up students will be given extensive pre- course information to identify the most suitable that we have on offer. This information is available on our website and we invite you to contact our team and speak to a trainer to ask any questions you may have.

Learning Materials

Should you decide to study with ACTAC you will see that courses are broken down into units, each course is made up of a block of units, which you work through one at a time. No matter where you decide to study your course you will have to complete the same core units as stipulated by the government.

At ACTAC your core learning materials are your student learner guide and assessment book and or online learner guide and placement assessment booklet. The learning materials contain relevant information and the written assessment questions and tasks that you need to complete as part of that unit.

Learning at ACTAC includes:

Learner guides

These online guides have knowledge content information for each unit. Learner guides provide you with knowledge based on current research, theory, relevant industry requirements and regulations as required or stipulated for individual units of learning.

Written Tasks

These are tasks and exercises to help you gain a clear understanding of the content in your learning guide and support you in having a strong knowledge of the content.

Work Placement

On the job practical experience under the supervision of a suitably qualified supervisor. Each course has a component of work placement a student is required to complete to gain competency for each unit. Hours for each course are below:

For students studying either CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care note that ACTAC does not accept work placement being carried out in a family day care setting. Students accept that work placement must be carried out in an approved childcare centre under the supervision of a qualified educator holding the qualification being studied as a minimum and cannot be carried out in a Family Day Care.

One on One workshops with a trainer and assessor

While studying at ACTAC you may book in for a weekly one on one session via telephone with your trainer at a convenient time if required

First Aid

Should you undertake study with ACTAC as part of your course you may be required to complete HLTAID012  Provide First Aid in an education and care setting. This unit cannot be completed through distance mode and requires a face to face class to be undertaken successfully, for learners to achieve competency in this unit. As ACTAC is an online / distance educator this unit is not provided by ACTAC. Should learners wish to complete this unit they must undertake this with a local provider at their own cost and we can then provide a credit for this unit.

You may check out St John’s Ambulance for more information.

Written Assessments

Assessments form an important part of your learning experience and help you consolidate and integrate new knowledge.

Your assessments are an important part of your course and must be completed in order for you to progress through your course and to receive your qualification. To be awarded a Nationally Recognised Training qualification, you must demonstrate that you have achieved a competent grade in all the units of competency that make up the qualification. Evidence of competence is assessed through your assessment tasks and workplace assessments. These tasks are mapped to the unit requirements. You can view the mapping of each unit once you access each unit.

The assessment process includes the gathering of evidence to demonstrate the student’s competence. Students are advised of the assessment requirements at the beginning of their course through discussions with their trainer, staff and review of the information on the website www.actac.com.au and on their student dashboard.

Principals of Assessment:

All assessments are conducted in accordance with the principals of assessment:

• Fairness
• Flexibility
• Validity
• Reliability

All assessments are conducted in accordance with the Rules of Evidence:

• Validity
• Sufficiency
• Authenticity
• Currency

During the delivery of this course students demonstrate competency in the following areas, in the following ways:

• Knowledge evidence – through the satisfactory completion of written online tasks (summative assessment 1 and summative assessment 2).
• Performance evidence – written evidence and competency phone conversation with the trainer
• Elements and performance criteria – written evidence and competency call supported by online Third Party Evidence Booklet

Knowledge Evidence:

To demonstrate competency in this area, students complete the summative assessment 1 and summative assessment 2
questions and achieve a satisfactory ‘grade when they are assessed.

Authenticity:

Before submitting work for marking the student will be required to compete the following declaration for the purposes of
authenticity.

Declaration:
I declare that, All work submitted for assessment for this unit is my own with no part of any assessment being copied or plagiarized.

Students found to be submitting work that is not their own will have their assessment returned to them with a
notification that plagiarism has been identified. The student will be required to re-submit the questions that contain
plagiarized work, review the other answers for plagiarism and resubmit their work when they are confident it is their
own. Assessors accept a plagiarism % of 15% maximum

Assessment Marking:

Once written assessment tasks have been attempted and marked by the assessor and the feedback and outcome individual assessment will be available on your dashboard

Performance Evidence:

Students will be required to show their performance skills through demonstrating competency of the required performance while at field placement. Field placement include the minimum requirements of work placement hours as set out in earlier section on work placement.

Performance on placement may include some complex or non-routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or collaboration with others as part of a group or team.

As learners progress through their placement they detail evidence supporting the performance criteria and elements and performance evidence in the Placement Booklet (PB) and other placement booklet. The placement evidence is then sighted, assessed, and then signed by the supervisor. Once the tasks have been complete, and the supervisor is in agreeance, they may then sign supporting that the student can competently complete the task (in their opinion).

Once the student submits their PB and other placement evidence required to their assessor here at ACTAC, the evidence is viewed and assessed by your Trainer. Once we are satisfied with the placement submission, we conduct our competency call to assess performance evidence, elements and performance criteria and relevant knowledge evidence to determine the student’s competency.

We support this outcome with feedback from student’s industry supervisors, both verbal feedback from the reference check
and the written feedback from supervisors in the PB Booklet.

Once the learner has demonstrated all required competencies the are deemed competent to graduate.

*Work Placement is a mandatory component of this qualification for all units of competency.  Please note, learners not
completing or unable to source work placement will not be eligible for the issuance or a qualification.

Ongoing training for staff in the areas of training and assessing occurs to ensure consistency in staff performance and
knowledge.

Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable Adjustments are provided for students with learning difficulties or disabilities. Adjustments are based on
the student’s needs, with the aim of reducing the impact of potential barriers to learning and providing the learner
with opportunities to succeed. Each student is considered individually and is consulted regarding the adjustments.
Students are encouraged to disclose their needs early as ACTAC is prepared to make reasonable adjustments and this will
allow sufficient time for planning and preparation to better assist them.

Throughout the duration of a course a student/trainer may adjust the levels of support and assistance provided depending
on the students’ needs or suitability

Educational and Support Services may include:

• One on One Training sessions (Phone or online)
• Small group workshops
• Buddy System
• Shadowing a skilled Teacher Aide
• Simulated classroom training
• Additional Resources
• Skype Sessions with trainer
• Weekly progress calls with ACTAC

Reasonable Adjustments may include:

• Adaptive Technology
• Reduced word count requirements in written submission
• Customised Resources
• Additional Trainer Support
• Ongoing support and monitoring of adjustments
• Alternative assessments e.g. oral assessments.

Contextualization:

ACTAC may contextualize the material to relate it to aspects of the work environment when providing one on one training, for workplace requirements and during the competency conversation. 

Overview:

ACTAC trainers and assessors contextualize the content and questions to the individual student during phone calls and
the competency conversation.

When gaps are identified we work with our internal content and assessment team to contextualise and add to these tools. 

We work in partnership with student supervisors to assist assessment validity and student learning. Adjustments may be
needed to cater for different learner characteristics or needs.
If any student wishes to appeal a decision made by a trainer, or any other decision made by ACTAC students can review the appeal procedure here https://actac.com.au/complaints-appeals-policy/

Structured Workplace Learning

The completion of a mandatory work placement within the duration of your course is a requirement for many Nationally Recognised Training qualifications including all of our qualifications.

If you have questions about what structured workplace learning is required for your course, check your enrolment details or speak to the principal. Please be aware that there may be instances where you will be required to undergo a Criminal Record Check or a Working with Children Check. In many cases, these checks are mandatory.

Course Updates

At ACTAC, we review all courses to ensure that they are up to date, relevant and in line with industry and regulatory
requirements. Updates to course materials and assessments may occur as a result. You will be notified of any changes.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

We understand that you may already have relevant skills and areas of expertise that you have obtained in different ways
and these are recognised through our RPL process. Skills and knowledge you have acquired under many different conditions
such as life experiences, short courses and volunteer work all contribute to the sum total of your skills but may not be
recognised by formal accreditation. RPL is not concerned about how or where your learning occurs—it makes the
distinction between formal and informal training by focusing on outcomes rather than the location of learning. RPL
offers a new dimension to education by incorporating the breadth of your experience as it relates to your course. The
purpose of RPL is to identify and assess your accumulated learning experiences in relation to clearly defined vocational
outcomes. The College recognises that, regardless of the mode of delivery or engagement, all assessment must meet the same standards. This means that RPL assessment evidence must be compared to the requirements of the unit of competency or cluster of units to determine whether the decision is based on sound assessment practices.

To be granted RPL, your experience is measured against a series of already established benchmarks.
Some of the benefits of RPL include:

• confirming competence for a workplace position
• confirming eligibility for entry into a qualification
• ensuring that you do not have to re-learn existing skills and knowledge
• may reduce the time required to get a qualification the time required to get a qualification
• ensuring that training time is spent acquiring new skills and competencies.

Our RPL procedures explain:

• how to submit an RPL application
• how RPL applications are assessed
• what types of documentation are needed as evidence
• how to present your RPL portfolio
• how applications are processed
• how to appeal if you’re not satisfied
• how credits are transferred

Credit Transfer

Student’s are eligible for credit transfer of unit if the unit code and name are the same. The student will need to
verify any credit transfers by sending in statement of attainment for previous programs completed. ACTAC will then
verify the validity of the credit transfers by verifying this prior to issuing a formal statement of attainment showing
those credit transfers. It is the students responsibility to ensure that they provide ACTAC with genuine information.

Unit HLTAID012 Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting is a core unit of the following
courses:

• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
• CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
• CHC50221 Diploma of School Based Education Support
• Early Childhood Education Dual Qualification (CHC30121 + CHC50121)

As we are an online education provider we facilitate students in completing this unit by validating and accepting
accredited credit transfers and where required we will locate and provide a first aid course date to allow the student
to achieved competency in this unit.

Graduation and Certification

Once you have completed your course, you will receive the following:

• Testamur – students who successfully complete all course requirements will be issued with a certificate of completion within 30 working days of all course requirements completion.
• Academic Transcript (for Nationally Recognised qualifications only) – this record follows AQF guidelines and is a list
  of the competencies you have achieved.

A Registered Training Organisation issues a Statement of Attainment when an individual has completed one or more units
of competency from a Nationally Recognised Training qualification. To find a detailed description of the units of
competency within your course, please contact ACTAC.

To be awarded your Nationally Recognised Training qualification, Statement of Attainment, you must have:

• Successfully completed all assessments and work placement
• Been deemed to be competent in all your areas of study
• Met all your financial obligations.

Submitting Assessments

Upon completion students can submit their assessments for review and evaluation to their Trainer via their student online LMS dashboard. Students can continue with their learning and work towards completing other units while awaiting assessment feedback.

Assessment Feedback

When a student receives their
feedback, they will have achieved one of two results:

• Satisfactory
• Not Yet Satisfactory

If you achieve a “Satisfactory” mark, then your written work was deemed sufficient. If you achieve a result of “Not Yet
Satisfactory” then you will be required to change or add more information to your assessment to achieve a result of
“Satisfactory”. Your trainer will guide and assist you in this instance.

Structured Workplace Learning

The completion of a mandatory work placement within the duration of your course is a requirement for many Nationally
Recognised Training qualifications including all of our qualifications.

If you have questions about what structured workplace learning is required for your course, check your enrolment details
or speak to the principal. Please be aware that there may be instances where you will be required to undergo a Criminal
Record Check or a Working with Children Check. In many cases, these checks are mandatory.

Commitment to our Students

Just as ethical behaviour is expected of you, we want you to know what to expect of us. In all of our interactions with
you, we recognise our duty to:

• always act with professionalism, honesty and integrity;
• treat all students with fairness and equality;
• recognise and respect individual differences and abilities, including special needs;
• not denigrate or judge you, or act because of personal bias;
• provide prompt, efficient and quality services and support to students at all times;
• provide clear and simple information;
• maintain confidentiality and privacy at all times;
• offer a service based on up-to-date knowledge of current policy and practice; and
• act in a safe and responsible manner at all times.

Complaints Procedure

ACTAC has detailed complaints procedures in place should a dissatisfaction arise. Student will have a six-month cut-off
period to initiate a complaint or appeal a decision. This starts from the student’s end of study date. For example, if a
student started a 12-month course 01/01/18 and end date is 01/01/19 cut-off date would be 01/07/19.

Informal Complaints Process Overview:

If a client has a complaint, they are encouraged to speak immediately with an ACTAC representative to resolve the issue.
If the complainant is not satisfied that the issue has been resolved, they will be required to complete and submit to
ACTAC a written complaint by completing Form 6 – Complaints and Appeals form. This form is available on our website or
by contacting enquiries@actac.com.au

Complaints are to include the following information:

• Submission date of complaint
• Name of complainant
• Nature of complaint
• Date of the event which lead to the complaint; and
• Attachments (if applicable)

All complaints will be acknowledged in writing, and will be finalised as soon as practicable.

Formal Complaints Process Overview:

Formal complaints shall follow the below process:

1. Complaints are to be made in writing within 7 calendar days of the incident using Form 6 – Complaints and Appeals Form
   and provided to the Principal. (Complaints and Appeals Forms can be requested at any time and are also available for download on our website)
2. A submitted Complaint Form will constitute a formal complaint from the client. Further details of the complaint can be
   provided by the client verbally.
3. All complaints will be acknowledged in writing and will be finalised as soon as practicable.
4. The Principal of ACTAC may delegate responsibility for the resolution of the complaint.
5. In the case of a complaint, the Principal of ACTAC will initiate a transparent, participative investigation to identify
   the issues.
6. In all cases the final conclusion will be assessed by the Principal.
7. The client will be advised in writing of the outcome of their complaint, within seven (7) days of resolution.
8. If the outcome is not to the satisfaction of the Client, they may seek an appointment with the Principal of ACTAC.
9. ACTAC will provide for review of complaints and appeals by an independent party.
10. Appeal to Outside Authority

Our Policies

You can find our policies and procedures located on our website www.actac.com.au

We wish you all the success with your future!