Published: 27th September 2022. Last modified: 31st July 2024.
Written by Melinda Irvine
Are you thinking of a career in early childhood education? This blog takes a quick look at two different job options in this growing employment sector. Early Childhood Teachers and Educators are often confused, but they are actually quite different. Today’s blog unpacks both job roles in detail and will help you make the right choice for your future career.
Early Childhood Educators
Early Childhood Educator is a fancy name for the thousands of childcare workers, family day care workers, and nannies around Australia who support the development and wellbeing of pre-school aged children — including babies and toddlers. They work in day care centres as well as in private homes.
What they do
Childcare workers are super-busy and are always on the go. Your work day will include:
- Supervising children at play.
- Organising activities for the children.
- Preparing materials and equipment for educational activities.
- Entertaining kids by reading them stories or playing games.
- Supervising the safety and hygiene of children.
- Supporting teaching professionals.
Personal qualities
To be a great childcare worker you need to absolutely love babies and children, have lots of energy, and be ready to jump in and get your hands dirty. If you’re willing to clean up after a painting session, wipe a few runny noses, and help with toileting — all with a great big smile and enthusiasm for afternoon storytime — you’re definitely in the right job.
Qualifications
Early childhood educators can get started with the following VET qualifications. These must be obtained from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Additional requirements
Anyone in Australia who works with children, including early childhood educators, must have the following clearances:
Job prospects and salary
According to the latest labour market insights, there are almost 125,600 early childhood educators working in Australia right now, with 47% working full time. This occupation has high growth rate of 5.6% expected over the next 3-5 years.
Early childhood teachers with a VET qualification generally work around 41 hours per week and earn between $55,068 - $63,388 per annum.
Early Childhood Teachers
Early childhood teachers are degree qualified professionals who support the development of pre-school aged children and deliver educational programs according to the Early Years Learning Framework.
What they do
Early childhood teachers are busy working professionals. Your day might include:
- Providing different experiences and activities that develop social connections, cooperation, and motor skills.
- Promoting language development through storytelling, song, and informal discussions.
- Modifying the learning environment to support child development.
- Evaluating student progress and detecting signs of ill-health or emotional disturbance.
- Attending parent interviews to discuss student progress.
Personal qualities
Early childhood teachers need a great love of babies and children. They are usually adventurous and have a great sense of fun, but at the same time, have the organisation skills and fortitude to monitor child behaviour and interact with parents.
Qualifications
Early childhood teachers need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree (or a post-graduate qualification) that is recognised by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority. Suitable degrees include:
Additional requirements
Early childhood teachers also need the following certifications and clearances:
- National Police Check
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- First aid and CPR
- Immunisations (some employers require them)
Job prospects and salary
According to the latest labour market insights, there are almost 50,400 early childhood teachers working in Australia right now, with 56% working full time. This occupation has a high growth rate of 21.6% expected over the next 3-5 years.
Early childhood teachers with a Bachelor’s degree generally work around 42 hours per week and earn between $86,632 - $93,600 per annum.
What is the Difference Between an Early Childhood Teacher and Educator?
Apart from overall earnings, there are two main differences between an early childhood teacher and early childhood education. They relate to qualifications and job description. To make things easy to understand, we’ve put it all together in the comparative table below.
|
Early Childhood Teacher |
Early Childhood Educator |
| Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree |
VET certificate or diploma |
| Salary |
$86,632 - $93,600 per annum |
$55,068 - $63,388 per annum |
| Hours |
42 hours per week average |
41 hours per week average |
| Workforce |
56% of workforce fulltime.
21.6% annual growth rate.
|
47% of workforce fulltime.
5.6% annual growth rate. |
| Job Description |
Focus is on teaching and education, assessing children’s progress, tracking student development, and liaising with parents. |
Focus is on educational play, child welfare, guiding social development, and assisting with facility operations like hygiene and clean-up. |