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Early Childhood Education Courses

Learn how you can nurture young minds and shape futures by specialising in Early Childhood Education, becoming an influential figure in roles like Early Childhood Educator, Teacher, or Private Nanny, and guiding the developmental journey of children.

Beginner courses

If you're new to early childhood education, these courses are a great place to start.

CHC30121
Online
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CHC30121
Online, On Campus, Distance, Traineeship
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CHC50121
Online, On Campus, Distance, Traineeship
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Advanced courses

These courses are best suited for those already in this field who wish to progress their career.

Online, On Campus
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Online, On Campus
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Online, On Campus
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COURSE DETAILS
Online, On Campus
More info
COURSE DETAILS
Online, On Campus
More info
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Online, On Campus
More info
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Job outcomes

Here are some potential job outcomes within early childhood education. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.

$960 weekly pay

$960 weekly pay

$1050 weekly pay

$1050 weekly pay

$1150 weekly pay

$1150 weekly pay

$1200 weekly pay

$1600 weekly pay

$1630 weekly pay

$1700 weekly pay

Government funding

The Australian government provides funding for students completing a qualification in high demand industries. To receive government funding, you need to find a subsidised course by an approved provider and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.

Find government funded courses in early childhood education:

government funded courses

[STUDENT STORY]

Ghazala Story

Quote

It was hard to get started and to study while some of my kids are still at school, and I felt nervous starting the course.

My life is completely different now. If you could see me two years ago and compare it to now — it’s like I’m a different person.

Ghazala, Melbourne VIC
Graduate of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

READ STORY

Further Reading

Early Childhood Education articles

Sunday, July 15, 2018

What can you do with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care?

Find out what the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care can do for you, including expected job roles, pathways and salaries.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Early Childhood Teachers vs Early Childhood Educators. Is there a difference?

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.

All early childhood education courses

Frequently Asked 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.

Written by Melinda Irvine

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?.

Written by Melinda Irvine

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).

Written by Melinda Irvine

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.

Written by Melinda Irvine

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.

Written by Melinda Irvine

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.

Written by Melinda Irvine

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.

Written by Melinda Irvine

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.

Written by Nick Preston

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.

Written by Nick Preston

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.

Written by Nick Preston

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.

Written by Melinda Irvine

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.

Written by Melinda Irvine

Courses by Location

Learn more about early childhood education courses in your area.