‘Education has the power to transform lives […] This begins with making sure that every young child has the opportunity to benefit from structured play-based learning before they start school, because this helps build the social, emotional and cognitive skills they need to succeed in the years to come.’
– Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration, 2019
What are the Big Roles?
EDUCATORS
We work with children aged birth-5 years. We establish strong relationships with them, to help them feel secure and confident. We plan and deliver activities for children, and we also respond to lots of amazing spontaneous moments. We explain, question and demonstrate. We are always assessing how each child is doing and what they need to support their learning and development. At a minimum, we have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or we are studying for our Cert III while we work. We play an incredibly important role.
LEAD EDUCATORS
We take a lead role in planning the educational program. That means we decide the best way to deliver the early childhood curriculum for the children in our care. We provide advice and support to other educators, to build an effective early learning team. We also work directly with children, alongside our educator colleagues. We have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, or we are gaining our diploma while we work. Our role has a remarkable impact in little lives.
EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS
We deliver preschool/kindergarten programs to children in the two years before they start school. We help them to develop the knowledge and skills that will set them up for success at school and beyond. We know how to teach early literacy and numeracy and to support emotional development. We understand the importance of children becoming self-reliant, collaborative and confident. We have a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, or we are studying for our degree while we work. We play such an important part in little lives, preparing them for everything to come.
Learn how to become an early childhood teacher at the ELACCA website.
MANAGERS & DIRECTORS
We make sure that all of the children at our service are thriving and that our educators are a great team. We work with parents to understand the best ways to help their children learn. We collaborate with other organisations to find specialised support for children and families who need it. We are responsible for ensuring our service meets the National Quality Standard for early learning and care services. At a minimum, we have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, or we are undertaking this qualification while we work. Our big role supports so many children and families in our community.
Learn how to become an early childhood manager or director at the ELACCA website.
Educators
Lead Educators
Early Childhood Teachers
Learn how to become an early childhood teacher at the ELACCA website.
Managers & Directors
We make sure that all of the children at our service are thriving and that our educators are a great team. We work with parents to understand the best ways to help their children learn. We collaborate with other organisations to find specialised support for children and families who need it. We are responsible for ensuring our service meets the National Quality Standard for early learning and care services. At a minimum, we have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, or we are undertaking this qualification while we work. Our big role supports so many children and families in our community.
Learn how to become an early childhood manager or director at the ELACCA website.
How do I get started?
Early childhood educators are skilled professionals. That means you need a qualification to do the job.
Lots of support is available to help you find your role in early learning and care. You can choose to get qualified first or find a job in the sector that enables you to study while you’re working.
The fastest way to become qualified to work as an early childhood educator is through vocational study. This means gaining a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, which can lead on to a Diploma. These two qualifications can be delivered through a registered training organisation (RTO), which may be privately operated or government-owned.
There are options for studying part-time and online. Course start dates vary. While many courses start early in the calendar year, others are available for mid-year entry.
Certificate III
- Available from an RTO.
- A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care takes around 12 months to complete.
- It can be undertaken as part of a traineeship, meaning that you work while studying part-time.
- It can be undertaken as part of a traineeship, meaning that you work while studying part-time.
Diploma
- Available from an RTO.
- A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care takes one year to complete.
- New students will need a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in order to gain entry to the Diploma course.
- Typical roles may include Educator, Lead Educator or Manager/Director
Bachelor Degree
- Many universities (and some RTOs) offer a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
- This is a three-year or four-year degree (full-time).
- Typical roles may include Early Childhood Teacher or Manager/Director.
Graduate Diploma
- Available from some universities.
- If you already have a Bachelor degree (in any field), you may be able to undertake a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
- This will take one year and qualifies you as an early childhood teacher.
In 2021, the Australian Government cut the student fees for education degrees by up to 75%. There’s never been a better time to become an early childhood teacher!
Learn more about courses and qualifications in your state or territory at the ELACCA website.
Many early learning and care providers offer traineeships, so you can work as an educator while you gain your qualification through an RTO. Traineeships begin throughout the year.
Many governments around Australia are offering financial support to help you gain your qualification in early childhood education and care.
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‘Education has the power to transform lives […] This begins with making sure that every young child has the opportunity to benefit from structured play-based learning before they start school, because this helps build the social, emotional and cognitive skills they need to succeed in the years to come.’
– Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Declaration, 2019
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