How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher: A Fulfilling Career in 2023 - ICV
International College of Victoria
How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher: A Fulfilling Career in 2023

As a teacher of young children, you should nurture, motivate, and encourage them throughout their crucial, early years. A child’s life undergoes a significant change when they first enter a setting like a school.

The crucial social, cognitive, and behavioural development that takes place during this period is driven by early childhood educators.

To start a rewarding and fascinating new profession as an early childhood educator, you need to complete a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care degree!

What Does a Teacher of Early Childhood Do?

Small kids are cared for and educated by early childhood educators. They work with kids between the ages of one and five in a range of places, including daycare facilities, preschools, and private homes.

Early childhood educators assist in school readiness by exposing kids to activities and experiences that impact the information and abilities necessary for success.

These early learning opportunities boost a child’s self-confidence, self-esteem, and social connection for children who frequently struggle with their emotions—which prepares them for success in kindergarten or preschool later on.

To allow you to work as a teacher while obtaining your certification, many early learning and care organisations give traineeships.

Tasks and Duties of an Early Childhood Teacher

The development of children’s crucial formative abilities depends on the creation and planning of vital learning activities by early life educators.

These instructors carry out a variety of duties with the help of teacher’s aides and childcare helpers, such as:

  • Creating and organising exercises and classes that encourage innovation and learning
  • Building foundational literacy, numeracy, and social skills via the use of learning theories and instructional techniques
  • Utilising multidisciplinary techniques to improve linguistic and social abilities, such as theatre, music, and storytelling
  • Evaluating and keeping track of each child’s development and requirements 
  • Ensuring the application of health and safety measures
  • Interacting with parents, other educators, support personnel, and experts

Trends in the Early Childhood Teaching Job Market

The present Australian early childhood education sector is made up of 25.3% of early childhood teachers. With a predicted growth of 16% by 2024, employment possibilities are predicted to expand during the next few years.

This is mostly a result of Australia’s rising need for skilled teachers. Particularly in Victoria, where greater financing for free competent teacher-led kindergarten programmes was requested in the budget deficit for 2020–21.

Top Skills You Need to Become an Early Childhood Education & Care Teacher

You need to have soft and hard skills to become an early childhood education & care teacher in Australia. Some of them are as follows:

  • Good Communication Skills
  • Social Skills
  • Creativity
  • Time Management
  • Organizational Skills
  • Leadership Qualities
  • Behavioural Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Lesson Planning
  • Progress Reporting
  • First Aid and CPR Providing

How to Become An Early Childhood Education & Care Teacher in Australia?

At different points in life, one might choose to pursue a profession as an early childhood educator. There are flexible course choices available, if you have always tried to teach in the early education profession and are prepared to dive into a university degree or if you have spent years teaching in another industry and have chosen to transfer jobs.

You might choose to register with the Australian Institute for Teaching and Leadership when you have achieved your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care. You will then have access to information and assistance that will benefit your career.

Qualifications Needed to Become an Early Childhood Teacher

A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care or Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care is the very minimum prerequisite for becoming an early childhood educator. These qualifications represent the responsibilities of teachers who operate in Australia’s licensed childcare facilities. 

They assist in the development and well-being of kids within the framework of a recognised educational system. When performing their duties within the parameters of firmly established norms and processes, educators make use of a variety of well-developed skills and knowledge while exercising discretion and judgment. 

Get Formal Education

The minimum educational requirement to become an early childhood teacher is must complete a 4-years Bachelor of (Early Childhood) or any related qualification.

Alternatively, you can complete Diploma of Early Childhood Education. The credit you receive will help you achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in just 2-years.

Get Registered

Lodge an application form to register with the Department of Education as an early childhood teacher in your Australian state or territory.

How Much Does an Early Childhood Teacher Earn in Australia?

Projected job growth

The average early childhood teacher wage in Australia is $66k/ year, corresponding to $30.09 per hour and $1,488 per week. Their wages rise as they gain more skill in this segment.

Based on Indeed, the early childhood teacher in NSW earns $69,578per year. The early childhood teacher’s salary in QLD is $72,897 per year.

Earnings in other Australian cities are as follows:

  • Melbourne VIC: Avg. $74,000 per year
  • Perth, Western Australia: Avg. $67,500 per year
  • Adelaide South Australia: Avg. $51,652 per year

Conclusion

There are more career prospects for various education jobs as Australia’s childcare and early education sector continues to grow. Enrol in CHC30121-Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC50121-Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at International College of Victoria right away if working with children interests you. Hurry up, admissions are now open! Contact us now!