Hi Hun,
I have my cert 3 teachers assistant and it's really hard to find fulltime work & yes the money isn't great.
I'm now studing a Batchelor of arts majoring in edu subjects externally, it's 3 yes & then I'll do my 1 yr dip Ed after that to be fully qual teacher.
I have found places that offer dip Ed externally also.
Last yr I worked fulltime & did my external studies fulltime, it was tough & I wouldn't manage with kids on top of that.
The great thing with external is you can choose your loading to suit you. Right now I'm at 75% loading, fulltime is 100%. When bub comes I'll drop to 50% loading. It's a great option as you study at home in your own time, you just have to be motivated. Good luck