Early Childhood Education

Browse careers that are in demand now and meet Australia’s future workforce needs.

Childcare Assistant

A Childcare Assistant cares for young children in various settings, providing activities, managing routines, and helping develop social skills.

Avg yearly income $57,200
Skill level Beginner

Nanny

A Nanny cares for young children at home, assisting with routines, activities, and basic chores while ensuring safety and communication.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Early Childhood Educator

An Early Childhood Educator delivers educational programs in childcare settings, assisting in teaching and supporting diverse groups of young children.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Outside School Hours Care Coordinator

An Outside School Hours Care Coordinator manages before/after school programs, plans activities, and ensures safety, communication, and child support.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Family Day Care Educator

A Family Day Care Educator operates a childcare service from home, delivering educational programs, organising activities, and supervising young children.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Beginner

Room Assistant

A Room Assistant cares for children at childcare centres, supervising daily routines, aiding educational activities, and communicating with families.

Avg yearly income $59,800
Skill level Advanced

Childcare Worker

Work with young children from a range of backgrounds in settings such as childcare centres and family day care.

Avg yearly income $57,200
Skill level Beginner

Childcare Centre Manager

A Childcare Centre Manager oversees daily operations, manages rostering and budgets, ensures compliance, and communicates with staff and parents.

Avg yearly income $93,496
Skill level Advanced

Childcare Director

A Childcare Director oversees daily operations at a childcare centre, supervising staff, ensuring compliance, organising programs, and managing budgets.

Avg yearly income $98,800
Skill level Advanced

Lead Educator

A Lead Educator cares for young children in a childcare centre, preparing educational programs, organising activities, and supporting daily routines.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Service Director

A Service Director manages operations at a childcare centre, ensuring compliance, overseeing staff, coordinating programs, and handling finances.

Avg yearly income $142,116
Skill level Advanced

Early Childhood Center Manager

An Early Childhood Centre Manager oversees operations in early education facilities, ensuring standards are met and implementing growth-focused programmes.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Advanced

Early Intervention Specialist

An Early Intervention Specialist supports young children with developmental delays by creating tailored strategies to enhance their skills and growth.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Preschool Teacher

Preschool Teachers nurture young children's learning and development, preparing them for primary school through engaging activities and support.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Primary School Teacher

A Primary School Teacher creates lesson plans, manages classrooms, supports student growth, assesses progress, and collaborates with staff.

Avg yearly income $95,680
Skill level Advanced

Kindergarten Teacher

A Kindergarten Teacher creates learning programs for young children, focusing on literacy, numeracy, social skills, and communication while building strong relationships with families.

Avg yearly income $79,976
Skill level Advanced

Early Childhood Teacher

An Early Childhood Teacher educates young children before primary school, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills through engaging activities.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Courses in early childhood education

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
5 - 18 months
$0 - $10,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Assistant Nanny Early Childhood Educator
Outside School Hours Care Coordinator Family Day Care Educator Room Assistant Childcare Worker
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Assistant Nanny Early Childhood Educator Outside School Hours Care Coordinator Family Day Care Educator Room Assistant Childcare Worker + 4 more
CHC50121

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Blended, On Campus, Online
52 - 76 weeks
$0 - $12,800
  • Completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care OR Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Centre Manager Early Childhood Educator Family Day Care Educator
Education Officer Service Director Childcare Director Lead Educator Early Intervention Specialist Early Childhood Center Manager Preschool Teacher Childcare Worker
+ 8 more
  • Completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care OR Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Centre Manager Early Childhood Educator Family Day Care Educator Education Officer Service Director Childcare Director Lead Educator Early Intervention Specialist Early Childhood Center Manager Preschool Teacher Childcare Worker + 8 more
BSB50420

Diploma of Leadership and Management
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $8,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Health Manager Wellness Coordinator Theatre Manager
Athletic Director Digital Project Manager Innovation Strategist Site Manager Political Consultant Early Childhood Center Manager Risk Consultant Development Manager Nurse Manager Talent Acquisition Manager Quality Control Manager Vendor Manager Product Specialist Hospital Administrator Clinical Manager Pharmacy Manager Public Administrator Training and Development Manager Technical Manager Customer Experience Manager International Business Strategist Service Delivery Manager Organisational Development Consultant Finance Director Acquisition Manager Executive Manager Program Evaluator Capability Manager Data Miner Senior Project Manager Chief Project Officer Project Director Mining Manager IT Specialist Strategic Advisor Transport Manager Geochemist Palaeontologist Photogrammetrist Nutrition Advisor Nutrition Scientist Logistician Research and Development Manager Innovation Manager IT Operations Manager Advertising Account Manager Economics Consultant Employee Relations Manager Company Director Business Relationship Manager Promotions Manager Hospitality Manager People and Culture Manager ICT Project Manager Arts Programmer Human Rights Advocate Editorial Writer Creative Writer Climate Scientist Resource Economist Agricultural Economist Neurologist Meteorologist Executive Director Location Manager Recruitment Manager Strategy Consultant Partnerships Manager Education Coordinator Business Process Analyst Program Leader Operations Analyst Strategy Manager Commercial Manager Primary Health Organisation Manager Health Administrator Healthcare Manager Global Account Manager Customer Relationship Manager Police Sergeant Food Service Supervisor Leadership Coach Sheriff Aviation Consultant Religious Education Coordinator Corporate Services Manager Clinical Supervisor Superintendent Performance Coach Continuous Improvement Manager Sports Marketing Manager Category Manager Contract Specialist Wellbeing Coordinator Social Work Supervisor Media Relations Specialist Operations Officer Information Officer Office Manager Supervisor Team Leader Customer Service Officer Customer Service Manager Account Manager Conservation Manager Real Estate Agency Manager Venue Manager Park Manager Event Planner Strata Manager Planning Officer Student Experience Officer Travel Agency Manager Regional Coordinator Radio Producer Sales Analyst General Manager Bank Manager Project Coordinator Cellar Door Manager Resilience Officer Head of Procurement Senior Risk Manager Aquaculture Manager Sustainable Farmer Winemaker Vineyard Manager Accounting Manager Financial Controller Forensic Accountant Fraud Analyst Financial Assistant Assistant Broker Library Assistant Museum Assistant Librarian Airport Operations Manager Concreter Steel Fixer Surveyor Assistant RTO Compliance Officer Duty Manager (Police Force) Life Coach Bakery Manager Clinical Coder Grip Gaffer Driller Drilling Supervisor Helicopter Pilot Flying Instructor Fleet Manager Parts Manager Executive Housekeeper Council Member Local Government Customer Service Assistant Plant Manager Facilities Manager Sports Facility Manager Gym Manager Fitness Centre Manager High Performance Coach Event Director Exhibition Manager Tour Operations Manager Reservations Manager HVAC Technician Service Manager Head of Digital Strategy Transformation Assistant Manager Area Manager Regional Manager Presales Consultant Reporting Analyst Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Crematorium Technician Athlete Community Coach Renewable Energy Tradesperson Funeral Director Funeral Assistant Electrical Fitter Electrical Linesman Rail Traction Linesman Cable Jointer Substation Technician Driller Offsider Geological Technician Workplace Inspector Rail Safety Manager Technical Project Manager Senior Merchandiser Abattoir Supervisor Landfill Supervisor Watchkeeper Deck Officer Timber Dispatch Coordinator Head of Cyber Security Dog Trainer Senior Rates Officer Senior Compliance Officer Environmental Health Officer Professional Dancer Water Treatment Supervisor Dam Operations Manager Irrigation Water Supervisor Water Networks Supervisor Trade Waste Officer Catchment Officer Cabin Crew Supervisor Investigation Manager Travel Operator Business Leader Diversity Consultant International Development Worker Lobbyist Policy Specialist Engagement Manager Crime Prevention Officer Social Justice Advocate Court Administrator Investigator Museum Director Records Manager Solutions Architect Agile Business Analyst Commercial Analyst Technical Business Analyst Technical Lead Technical Consultant Relationship Manager Program Coordinator Cost Controller Chief Operating Officer (COO) International Project Manager Intelligence Officer National Security Adviser Innovation Coordinator Chief Innovation Officer Film Producer Performance Manager Claims Specialist Governance Coordinator Cluster Manager Social Media Strategist Community Engagement Coordinator Policy Writer Financial Regulator Creative Entrepreneur Policy Researcher Workforce Analyst Facilities Coordinator Grants Officer Retention Specialist Workshop Supervisor Service Director Customer Success Manager Scrum Master Procurement Manager Retail Executive Category Specialist Procurement Consultant Operations Specialist Team Administrator Business Specialist Sales Engineer Business Development Executive Business Services Manager
+ 267 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Health Manager Wellness Coordinator Theatre Manager Athletic Director Digital Project Manager Innovation Strategist Site Manager Political Consultant Early Childhood Center Manager Risk Consultant Development Manager Nurse Manager Talent Acquisition Manager Quality Control Manager Vendor Manager Product Specialist Hospital Administrator Clinical Manager Pharmacy Manager Public Administrator Training and Development Manager Technical Manager Customer Experience Manager International Business Strategist Service Delivery Manager Organisational Development Consultant Finance Director Acquisition Manager Executive Manager Program Evaluator Capability Manager Data Miner Senior Project Manager Chief Project Officer Project Director Mining Manager IT Specialist Strategic Advisor Transport Manager Geochemist Palaeontologist Photogrammetrist Nutrition Advisor Nutrition Scientist Logistician Research and Development Manager Innovation Manager IT Operations Manager Advertising Account Manager Economics Consultant Employee Relations Manager Company Director Business Relationship Manager Promotions Manager Hospitality Manager People and Culture Manager ICT Project Manager Arts Programmer Human Rights Advocate Editorial Writer Creative Writer Climate Scientist Resource Economist Agricultural Economist Neurologist Meteorologist Executive Director Location Manager Recruitment Manager Strategy Consultant Partnerships Manager Education Coordinator Business Process Analyst Program Leader Operations Analyst Strategy Manager Commercial Manager Primary Health Organisation Manager Health Administrator Healthcare Manager Global Account Manager Customer Relationship Manager Police Sergeant Food Service Supervisor Leadership Coach Sheriff Aviation Consultant Religious Education Coordinator Corporate Services Manager Clinical Supervisor Superintendent Performance Coach Continuous Improvement Manager Sports Marketing Manager Category Manager Contract Specialist Wellbeing Coordinator Social Work Supervisor Media Relations Specialist Operations Officer Information Officer Office Manager Supervisor Team Leader Customer Service Officer Customer Service Manager Account Manager Conservation Manager Real Estate Agency Manager Venue Manager Park Manager Event Planner Strata Manager Planning Officer Student Experience Officer Travel Agency Manager Regional Coordinator Radio Producer Sales Analyst General Manager Bank Manager Project Coordinator Cellar Door Manager Resilience Officer Head of Procurement Senior Risk Manager Aquaculture Manager Sustainable Farmer Winemaker Vineyard Manager Accounting Manager Financial Controller Forensic Accountant Fraud Analyst Financial Assistant Assistant Broker Library Assistant Museum Assistant Librarian Airport Operations Manager Concreter Steel Fixer Surveyor Assistant RTO Compliance Officer Duty Manager (Police Force) Life Coach Bakery Manager Clinical Coder Grip Gaffer Driller Drilling Supervisor Helicopter Pilot Flying Instructor Fleet Manager Parts Manager Executive Housekeeper Council Member Local Government Customer Service Assistant Plant Manager Facilities Manager Sports Facility Manager Gym Manager Fitness Centre Manager High Performance Coach Event Director Exhibition Manager Tour Operations Manager Reservations Manager HVAC Technician Service Manager Head of Digital Strategy Transformation Assistant Manager Area Manager Regional Manager Presales Consultant Reporting Analyst Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Crematorium Technician Athlete Community Coach Renewable Energy Tradesperson Funeral Director Funeral Assistant Electrical Fitter Electrical Linesman Rail Traction Linesman Cable Jointer Substation Technician Driller Offsider Geological Technician Workplace Inspector Rail Safety Manager Technical Project Manager Senior Merchandiser Abattoir Supervisor Landfill Supervisor Watchkeeper Deck Officer Timber Dispatch Coordinator Head of Cyber Security Dog Trainer Senior Rates Officer Senior Compliance Officer Environmental Health Officer Professional Dancer Water Treatment Supervisor Dam Operations Manager Irrigation Water Supervisor Water Networks Supervisor Trade Waste Officer Catchment Officer Cabin Crew Supervisor Investigation Manager Travel Operator Business Leader Diversity Consultant International Development Worker Lobbyist Policy Specialist Engagement Manager Crime Prevention Officer Social Justice Advocate Court Administrator Investigator Museum Director Records Manager Solutions Architect Agile Business Analyst Commercial Analyst Technical Business Analyst Technical Lead Technical Consultant Relationship Manager Program Coordinator Cost Controller Chief Operating Officer (COO) International Project Manager Intelligence Officer National Security Adviser Innovation Coordinator Chief Innovation Officer Film Producer Performance Manager Claims Specialist Governance Coordinator Cluster Manager Social Media Strategist Community Engagement Coordinator Policy Writer Financial Regulator Creative Entrepreneur Policy Researcher Workforce Analyst Facilities Coordinator Grants Officer Retention Specialist Workshop Supervisor Service Director Customer Success Manager Scrum Master Procurement Manager Retail Executive Category Specialist Procurement Consultant Operations Specialist Team Administrator Business Specialist Sales Engineer Business Development Executive Business Services Manager + 267 more
BSB40520

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
10 - 24 months
$0 - $4,928
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Sheriff Police Sergeant Religious Education Coordinator
Location Manager Supply Planner Supply Chain Analyst HR Business Partner Change Management Consultant Risk Consultant Innovation Strategist Early Childhood Center Manager Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Workplace Relations Officer International Project Manager Tourism Manager Director Of Nursing Team Administrator Operations Specialist Scrum Master Customer Success Manager Cabin Crew Supervisor Head of Digital Strategy Transformation Operational Risk Manager Project Officer Assistant Manager Regional Manager Presales Consultant Rail Safety Manager Aerodrome Operations Supervisor Production Supervisor (Timber Systems) Landfill Supervisor Abattoir Supervisor Food Production Supervisor Workplace Inspector Investigation Manager Music Manager Sales Representative Telemarketer Senior Risk Manager General Manager Project Coordinator Sales Consultant Cellar Door Manager Retail Team Leader Park Manager Regional Coordinator Venue Manager Operations Officer IT Business Analyst Office Manager Information Officer Customer Service Officer Account Manager Team Leader Supervisor Plant Supervisor Customs and Border Protection Officer Community Engagement Officer Workshop Manager Cleaning Supervisor Life Coach Airport Operations Manager Sheep Shearing Trainer
+ 60 more
CHC40221

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
Blended, On Campus, Online
9 - 18 months
$0 - $6,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Learning Support Officer Instructional Leader STEM Teacher
Assistant Principal Guidance Officer Lead Teacher Learning Support Teacher Teacher's Aide Teacher's Assistant Student Support Officer Outside School Hours Care Coordinator International Student Advisor Integration Aide Education Assistant
+ 11 more
CHC30221

Certificate III in School Based Education Support
On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$0 - $6,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Education Assistant Integration Aide Humanities Teacher
Outside School Hours Care Coordinator Hospital Orderly Teacher's Assistant Teacher's Aide Disability Advocate Education Support Officer Adult Educator Youth Advocate Learning Support Officer
+ 9 more
CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care)
Online
18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Family Day Care Educator Childcare Assistant Nanny
Early Childhood Educator Childcare Worker
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Family Day Care Educator Childcare Assistant Nanny Early Childhood Educator Childcare Worker + 2 more
CHC50221

Diploma of School Age Education and Care
Online
18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Home Tutor Childcare Assistant Childcare Centre Manager
Dance Teacher School Administration Officer Education Officer Outside School Hours Care Coordinator
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Home Tutor Childcare Assistant Childcare Centre Manager Dance Teacher School Administration Officer Education Officer Outside School Hours Care Coordinator + 4 more
BSB80320

Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership
Blended, Online
18 months
$12,995
  • At least 5 years work experience in a related field OR
  • Completed Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above in related fields of study and 3 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience OR
  • Completed Bachelor degree in related fields of study and 2 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience.
Additional requirements may apply.
Innovation Strategist Global Management Consultant Foreign Service Officer
Strategy Manager Cluster Manager Partnerships Manager Executive Director Service Director Chief Operating Officer (COO) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senior Administrator General Manager Board Member
+ 10 more
  • At least 5 years work experience in a related field OR
  • Completed Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above in related fields of study and 3 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience OR
  • Completed Bachelor degree in related fields of study and 2 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience.
  • Completed Bachelor degree in related fields of study and 2 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience.
Additional requirements may apply.
Innovation Strategist Global Management Consultant Foreign Service Officer Strategy Manager Cluster Manager Partnerships Manager Executive Director Service Director Chief Operating Officer (COO) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senior Administrator General Manager Board Member + 10 more

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 - 5 years
$0 - $71,905
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Director Family Day Care Educator Childcare Centre Manager
Early Childhood Teacher Early Childhood Educator Education Support Officer Preschool Teacher
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Director Family Day Care Educator Childcare Centre Manager Early Childhood Teacher Early Childhood Educator Education Support Officer Preschool Teacher + 4 more

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Blended, Online
12 months
$0 - $25,920
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Center Manager Early Childhood Teacher Childcare Centre Manager
Childcare Director
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Center Manager Early Childhood Teacher Childcare Centre Manager Childcare Director + 1 more

Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Blended, On Campus, Online
4 years
$0 - $92,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
STEM Teacher Vocational Education Trainer English Tutor
Primary School Teacher
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
STEM Teacher Vocational Education Trainer English Tutor Primary School Teacher + 1 more

Master of Teaching (Primary)
Blended, On Campus, Online
18 - 24 months
$0 - $66,715
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Primary School Teacher Deputy Principal
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Primary School Teacher Deputy Principal

Master of Education (Early Childhood)
Blended
12 - 18 months
$0 - $6,750
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Lead Teacher
Early Childhood Center Manager
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Lead Teacher Early Childhood Center Manager + 1 more

Master of Education (Educational Leadership)
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 24 months
$0 - $45,400
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Center Manager Assistant Principal Education Coordinator
Deputy Principal Program Leader Education Manager Educational Administrator Principal
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Center Manager Assistant Principal Education Coordinator Deputy Principal Program Leader Education Manager Educational Administrator Principal + 5 more

Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Needs Education)
Blended, On Campus
12 - 18 months
$0 - $34,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Special Educational Needs Teacher Learning Support Teacher Early Intervention Specialist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Special Educational Needs Teacher Learning Support Teacher Early Intervention Specialist

Master of Education (Leadership and Management)
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 24 months
$0 - $64,616
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Center Manager Assistant Principal Lead Teacher
Deputy Principal Educational Administrator Principal
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Center Manager Assistant Principal Lead Teacher Deputy Principal Educational Administrator Principal + 3 more

Master of Education (Special Education)
Blended
12 - 18 months
$8,375 - $43,632
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Special Educational Needs Teacher Early Intervention Specialist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Special Educational Needs Teacher Early Intervention Specialist

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Blended, On Campus, Online
18 - 24 months
$0 - $66,715
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Kindergarten Teacher Early Childhood Teacher
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Kindergarten Teacher Early Childhood Teacher

Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)
On Campus
4 years
$0 - $105,280
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Speech Pathologist Speech Therapist Early Intervention Specialist
Paediatric Speech Pathologist
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Speech Pathologist Speech Therapist Early Intervention Specialist Paediatric Speech Pathologist + 1 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Key questions

What additional certificates and courses do I need to get a job as an early childhood educator?

To get a job you must have a Working With Children Check (WWCC) and a National Police Check (NPC) that is less than 3 months old. Most organisations also expect current First Aid and CPR certificates. It’s definitely worthwhile doing anaphylaxis and emergency asthma management training and one of the best options is to complete the nationally recognised short course Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting because it covers Asthma & Anaphylaxis as well as CPR. Another helpful certificate is Food Handling because many early childhood educators have to prepare basic meals and snacks for the kids.

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Melinda Irvine Industry expert

I have an overseas qualification, is it recognised by the Australian early education sector?

If you hold an overseas qualification you will need to have it assessed for equivalence by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) before you can work in the sector. You can learn more about this process on the ACECQA website, but if you are currently located outside Australia you should first contact the Department of Home Affairs?.

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Melinda Irvine Industry expert

What qualifications do early childhood educators need and how long do they take?

Early childhood education in Australia is a regulated sector and there are three standard qualifications:

Many employers will check if your qualification and training provider is recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

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Melinda Irvine Industry expert

What is Child Protection Training for early childhood educators?

Early childhood qualifications in Australia include child protection awareness training but these skills must be updated every year. In most states you can complete online refresher training through the state education authority but you can also complete Child Protection Bridging Courses to meet your duty of care.

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Melinda Irvine Industry expert

Is it difficult to study early childhood education?

Studying early childhood education is not necessarily difficult but it can be challenging. You will learn a lot about child behaviour as well as the duty of care and legal responsibilities of an early childhood educator. During your studies, you will have to complete written assignments and you will be tested on your understanding of the early childhood curriculum and learning framework in your state or territory. You will also need to do a supervised work placement and complete a practical assignment while you are there.

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Melinda Irvine Industry expert

What is a work placement?

Before you can graduate from your ECT qualification you need to complete an unpaid work placement at an approved pre-school, kindergarten, or childcare centre. You must be supervised by qualified staff and have them sign-off on your project portfolios as you complete different tasks. Work placement hours are currently:

Most training providers expect you to organise the work placement yourself but offer plenty of support services to guide you through the process.

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Melinda Irvine Industry expert

How long does it take to become an early childhood educator?

It takes 12 months to complete the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care which is the minimum requirement to become an early childhood educator. However, you can begin casual work before you have completed your qualification.

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Melinda Irvine Industry expert

What are the most important skills for an early childhood educator?

To work in early childhood education you need to be a very empathetic and understanding person. Having a long list of qualifications is great, but your genuine passion for the development and care of young children is what really makes a great childcare worker.

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Nick Preston Industry expert

How do I get a job as a childhood educator?

Don’t wait to finish your course qualification before getting a job in the early childhood education sector. Here at Earlyhood Recruitment in Sydney, we invite students who have already completed one third of their early childhood qualification to register for casual work and temp opportunities with our specialist agency. To get a full-time job you will need professional experience outside of your work placement and taking on short-term and casual work is excellent for your resume and future employment opportunities.

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Nick Preston Industry expert

Is there a demand for male early childhood educators?

Yes, absolutely! The early childhood education sector is traditionally the domain of women but in recent years a lot of men are getting their ECT qualifications. Male early childhood educators are definitely making a valuable contribution to the industry.

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Nick Preston Industry expert

How much does an early childhood educator earn in Australia?

You can find the latest salary and employment information for early childhood educators on Jobs and Skills Australia using the following links:

  • Early childhood teacher (ECT) — average salary for degree-qualified ECTs working at pre-schools or kindergartens and registered with their state education body.
  • Child Carers — average salary for early childhood educators with VET qualifications (Certificate IV or Diploma). These figures also include the average salaries of family day care workers, nannies, and out of school hours care workers.
Remember, the salaries quoted on Jobs and Skills Australia are median figures for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. For the job listings and salary information, you can visit Kinder Careers, which provides detailed job descriptions and compensation packages.

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Melinda Irvine Industry expert

How can I access subsidised training for early childhood qualifications?

In most Australian states and territories, early childhood education qualifications are on the list of fee-free courses and subsidised trainings. You can check your eligibility for government funding by using this free tool or better still, enquire with a course training provider for personalised information. If you are eligible, you won’t have to do anything at all, the cost of your studies will be automatically reduced when you enrol. Sometimes the courses are completely fee-free — but that will depend on your age, where you live, and if you have completed other qualifications in the past.

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Melinda Irvine Industry expert

Further reading

Most popular early childhood courses

6th June 2022)

How to start a career in Early Childhood Education

27th November 2021)

Career Spotlight: Early childhood educators and teachers

27th August 2019)

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