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

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

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

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
4 - 18 months
$0 - $8,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Assistant Nanny Early Childhood Educator
Family Day Care Educator Room Assistant Childcare Worker Trainee Home Tutor Outside School Hours Care Coordinator Dance Teacher Early Childhood Center Manager
+ 8 more
BSB50420

Diploma of Leadership and Management
Blended, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $6,068
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Office Manager Team Leader Supervisor
Project Coordinator Assistant Manager General Manager Area Manager Presales Consultant Regional Manager Service Director Team Administrator Governance Coordinator Creative Entrepreneur ICT Project Manager Data Miner Product Specialist Digital Project Manager Corporate Services Manager Account Manager Senior Risk Manager Park Manager Information Officer Customer Service Officer Life Coach Sports Facility Manager Landfill Supervisor Investigation Manager RTO Compliance Officer Intelligence Officer National Security Adviser Innovation Coordinator Customer Success Manager Chief Innovation Officer Logistician Innovation Manager Event Planner Strata Manager Student Experience Officer Travel Agency Manager Regional Coordinator Conservation Manager Venue Manager Real Estate Agency Manager Bank Manager Aquaculture Manager Sustainable Farmer Winemaker Vineyard Manager Planning Officer Social Media Strategist Cellar Door Manager Resilience Officer Head of Procurement Head of Digital Strategy Transformation Radio Producer Accounting Manager Financial Controller Forensic Accountant Customer Experience Manager Innovation Strategist Operations Officer Customer Service Manager Fraud Analyst Financial Assistant Assistant Broker Library Assistant Museum Assistant Librarian Gym Manager Fitness Centre Manager Sales Analyst High Performance Coach Event Director Exhibition Manager Tour Operations Manager Local Government Customer Service Assistant Reservations Manager HVAC Technician Council Member Bakery Manager Clinical Coder Grip Gaffer Driller Drilling Supervisor Service Manager Helicopter Pilot Flying Instructor Concreter Parts Manager Steel Fixer Executive Housekeeper Surveyor Assistant Plant Manager Fleet Manager Duty Manager (Police Force) Facilities Manager Airport Operations Manager Abattoir Supervisor Technical Project Manager Senior Merchandiser Workplace Inspector Rail Safety Manager 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 Watchkeeper Deck Officer Timber Dispatch Coordinator Head of Cyber Security Dog Trainer Senior Rates Officer Senior Compliance Officer Environmental Health Officer Cabin Crew Supervisor Professional Dancer Water Treatment Supervisor Dam Operations Manager Irrigation Water Supervisor Water Networks Supervisor Trade Waste Officer Catchment Officer Reporting Analyst Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Business Specialist Sales Engineer Business Development Executive Business Services Manager Procurement Manager Retail Executive Category Specialist Procurement Consultant Operations Specialist Workforce Analyst Facilities Coordinator Grants Officer Retention Specialist Workshop Supervisor Performance Manager Scrum Master Claims Specialist Solutions Architect Agile Business Analyst Commercial Analyst Technical Business Analyst Technical Lead Technical Consultant Relationship Manager Program Coordinator Cost Controller Travel Operator Cluster Manager Business Leader Diversity Consultant International Development Worker Lobbyist Policy Specialist Chief Operating Officer (COO) Crime Prevention Officer Social Justice Advocate Court Administrator Investigator Museum Director Records Manager Financial Regulator Policy Researcher Engagement Manager International Project Manager Film Producer Location Manager Arts Programmer Recruitment Manager Strategy Consultant Human Rights Advocate Editorial Writer Creative Writer Climate Scientist Partnerships Manager Resource Economist Agricultural Economist Neurologist Meteorologist IT Specialist Strategic Advisor Transport Manager Geochemist Palaeontologist Photogrammetrist Nutrition Advisor Nutrition Scientist Commercial Manager Executive Director Mining Manager Primary Health Organisation Manager Health Administrator Healthcare Manager Global Account Manager Customer Relationship Manager Program Leader Capability Manager Public Administrator Training and Development Manager Technical Manager International Business Strategist Service Delivery Manager Organisational Development Consultant Operations Analyst Strategy Manager Business Process Analyst Project Director Hospital Administrator Clinical Manager Pharmacy Manager Health Manager Political Consultant Community Engagement Coordinator Policy Writer Wellness Coordinator Risk Consultant Development Manager Theatre Manager Clinical Supervisor Early Childhood Center Manager Superintendent Performance Coach Continuous Improvement Manager Police Sergeant Sheriff Aviation Consultant Religious Education Coordinator Sports Marketing Manager Category Manager Contract Specialist Wellbeing Coordinator Social Work Supervisor Media Relations Specialist Nurse Manager Talent Acquisition Manager Quality Control Manager Vendor Manager Site Manager
+ 247 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Office Manager Team Leader Supervisor Project Coordinator Assistant Manager General Manager Area Manager Presales Consultant Regional Manager Service Director Team Administrator Governance Coordinator Creative Entrepreneur ICT Project Manager Data Miner Product Specialist Digital Project Manager Corporate Services Manager Account Manager Senior Risk Manager Park Manager Information Officer Customer Service Officer Life Coach Sports Facility Manager Landfill Supervisor Investigation Manager RTO Compliance Officer Intelligence Officer National Security Adviser Innovation Coordinator Customer Success Manager Chief Innovation Officer Logistician Innovation Manager Event Planner Strata Manager Student Experience Officer Travel Agency Manager Regional Coordinator Conservation Manager Venue Manager Real Estate Agency Manager Bank Manager Aquaculture Manager Sustainable Farmer Winemaker Vineyard Manager Planning Officer Social Media Strategist Cellar Door Manager Resilience Officer Head of Procurement Head of Digital Strategy Transformation Radio Producer Accounting Manager Financial Controller Forensic Accountant Customer Experience Manager Innovation Strategist Operations Officer Customer Service Manager Fraud Analyst Financial Assistant Assistant Broker Library Assistant Museum Assistant Librarian Gym Manager Fitness Centre Manager Sales Analyst High Performance Coach Event Director Exhibition Manager Tour Operations Manager Local Government Customer Service Assistant Reservations Manager HVAC Technician Council Member Bakery Manager Clinical Coder Grip Gaffer Driller Drilling Supervisor Service Manager Helicopter Pilot Flying Instructor Concreter Parts Manager Steel Fixer Executive Housekeeper Surveyor Assistant Plant Manager Fleet Manager Duty Manager (Police Force) Facilities Manager Airport Operations Manager Abattoir Supervisor Technical Project Manager Senior Merchandiser Workplace Inspector Rail Safety Manager 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 Watchkeeper Deck Officer Timber Dispatch Coordinator Head of Cyber Security Dog Trainer Senior Rates Officer Senior Compliance Officer Environmental Health Officer Cabin Crew Supervisor Professional Dancer Water Treatment Supervisor Dam Operations Manager Irrigation Water Supervisor Water Networks Supervisor Trade Waste Officer Catchment Officer Reporting Analyst Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Business Specialist Sales Engineer Business Development Executive Business Services Manager Procurement Manager Retail Executive Category Specialist Procurement Consultant Operations Specialist Workforce Analyst Facilities Coordinator Grants Officer Retention Specialist Workshop Supervisor Performance Manager Scrum Master Claims Specialist Solutions Architect Agile Business Analyst Commercial Analyst Technical Business Analyst Technical Lead Technical Consultant Relationship Manager Program Coordinator Cost Controller Travel Operator Cluster Manager Business Leader Diversity Consultant International Development Worker Lobbyist Policy Specialist Chief Operating Officer (COO) Crime Prevention Officer Social Justice Advocate Court Administrator Investigator Museum Director Records Manager Financial Regulator Policy Researcher Engagement Manager International Project Manager Film Producer Location Manager Arts Programmer Recruitment Manager Strategy Consultant Human Rights Advocate Editorial Writer Creative Writer Climate Scientist Partnerships Manager Resource Economist Agricultural Economist Neurologist Meteorologist IT Specialist Strategic Advisor Transport Manager Geochemist Palaeontologist Photogrammetrist Nutrition Advisor Nutrition Scientist Commercial Manager Executive Director Mining Manager Primary Health Organisation Manager Health Administrator Healthcare Manager Global Account Manager Customer Relationship Manager Program Leader Capability Manager Public Administrator Training and Development Manager Technical Manager International Business Strategist Service Delivery Manager Organisational Development Consultant Operations Analyst Strategy Manager Business Process Analyst Project Director Hospital Administrator Clinical Manager Pharmacy Manager Health Manager Political Consultant Community Engagement Coordinator Policy Writer Wellness Coordinator Risk Consultant Development Manager Theatre Manager Clinical Supervisor Early Childhood Center Manager Superintendent Performance Coach Continuous Improvement Manager Police Sergeant Sheriff Aviation Consultant Religious Education Coordinator Sports Marketing Manager Category Manager Contract Specialist Wellbeing Coordinator Social Work Supervisor Media Relations Specialist Nurse Manager Talent Acquisition Manager Quality Control Manager Vendor Manager Site Manager + 247 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.
Office Manager Team Leader Supervisor
Project Coordinator Assistant Manager Team Administrator General Manager Presales Consultant Regional Manager Project Officer Retail Team Leader Account Manager Senior Risk Manager Park Manager Information Officer Customer Service Officer Life Coach Community Engagement Officer Landfill Supervisor Investigation Manager Customer Success Manager Customs and Border Protection Officer Venue Manager Regional Coordinator Cellar Door Manager Head of Digital Strategy Transformation Operational Risk Manager Innovation Strategist Operations Officer IT Business Analyst Music Manager Sales Representative Telemarketer Sales Consultant Workshop Manager Cleaning Supervisor Plant Supervisor Airport Operations Manager Sheep Shearing Trainer Abattoir Supervisor Food Production Supervisor Workplace Inspector Rail Safety Manager Aerodrome Operations Supervisor Cabin Crew Supervisor Operations Specialist Scrum Master Workplace Relations Officer International Project Manager Tourism Manager Location Manager Production Supervisor (Timber Systems) Supply Planner Supply Chain Analyst HR Business Partner Change Management Consultant Director Of Nursing Risk Consultant Early Childhood Center Manager Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Police Sergeant Sheriff Religious Education Coordinator
+ 60 more
CHC50121

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Blended, Online
9 - 18 months
$0 - $6,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Centre Manager Early Childhood Educator Childcare Assistant
Childcare Director Lead Educator Service Director Room Assistant Family Day Care Educator Childcare Worker Home Tutor Dance Teacher Education Officer Education Support Officer Academic Tutor Early Childhood Center Manager
+ 12 more
CHC40221

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
Blended, On Campus, Online
9 - 18 months
$0 - $3,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Teacher's Aide Teacher's Assistant Education Assistant
Learning Support Officer Student Support Officer Integration Aide Outside School Hours Care Coordinator International Student Advisor Learning Support Teacher Lead Teacher Assistant Principal Guidance Officer Instructional Leader STEM Teacher
+ 11 more
CHC30221

Certificate III in School Based Education Support
Online
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Teacher's Aide Teacher's Assistant Education Assistant
Learning Support Officer Integration Aide Outside School Hours Care Coordinator Hospital Orderly Humanities Teacher Disability Advocate Education Support Officer Adult Educator
+ 8 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.
Childcare Assistant Early Childhood Educator Nanny
Family Day Care Educator Childcare Worker
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Assistant Early Childhood Educator Nanny Family Day Care 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.
Childcare Centre Manager Outside School Hours Care Coordinator Childcare Assistant
School Administration Officer Home Tutor Dance Teacher Education Officer
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Centre Manager Outside School Hours Care Coordinator Childcare Assistant School Administration Officer Home Tutor Dance Teacher Education Officer + 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.
Senior Administrator General Manager Board Member
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Service Director Innovation Strategist Cluster Manager Chief Operating Officer (COO) Partnerships Manager Executive Director Foreign Service Officer Strategy Manager Global Management Consultant
+ 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.
Senior Administrator General Manager Board Member Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Service Director Innovation Strategist Cluster Manager Chief Operating Officer (COO) Partnerships Manager Executive Director Foreign Service Officer Strategy Manager Global Management Consultant + 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.
Early Childhood Educator Early Childhood Teacher Education Support Officer
Childcare Centre Manager Childcare Director Family Day Care Educator
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Educator Early Childhood Teacher Education Support Officer Childcare Centre Manager Childcare Director Family Day Care Educator + 3 more

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

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
Education Consultant Early Childhood Center Manager
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Lead Teacher Education Consultant Early Childhood Center Manager + 2 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.
Assistant Principal Deputy Principal Educational Administrator
Principal Program Leader Early Childhood Center Manager
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Assistant Principal Deputy Principal Educational Administrator Principal Program Leader Early Childhood Center Manager + 3 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.
Early Intervention Specialist Education Consultant Learning Support Teacher
Special Educational Needs Teacher
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Intervention Specialist Education Consultant Learning Support Teacher Special Educational Needs Teacher + 1 more

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.
Assistant Principal Educational Administrator Lead Teacher
Principal Early Childhood Center Manager
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Assistant Principal Educational Administrator Lead Teacher Principal Early Childhood Center Manager + 2 more

Master of Education (Special Education)
Blended
12 - 18 months
$0 - $43,632
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Education Consultant Special Educational Needs Teacher Early Intervention Specialist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Education Consultant 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.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten 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 Early Intervention Specialist Speech Therapist
Paediatric Speech Pathologist
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Speech Pathologist Early Intervention Specialist Speech Therapist 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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