Skip to main content

How to become an early childhood professional

Assist parents in caring for and supervising their children.

Pathways to this career

  1. Aspiring early childhood professionals need to complete an undergraduate degree in early childhood education and teaching

  2. f you've already graduated with a bachelor degree in another field, redirect your pathway with a postgraduate qualification in early childhood education.

  3. Maintain a Working with Children licence and comprehensive First Aid Certificate.

  4. Register as an early childhood professional with the Department of Education in your state or territory.

What does an early childhood professional do?

Early childhood professionals and nannies assist parents in the provision of ongoing care and supervision for babies and children, usually in the child's home.

Duties and tasks

  • Assists in the preparation of materials and equipment for children's education and recreational activities.

  • Manages children's behaviour and guides children's social development.

  • Prepares and conducts activities for children.

  • Entertains children by reading and playing games.

  • Supervises children in recreational activities.

  • Supervises the daily routine of children.

  • Supervises the hygiene of children.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover related degrees

Curtin University

Work towards your future in early childhood teaching

Study 4 core subjects in teaching children—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Topics include language, literacy, and curriculum. Start thinking about your career as a professional early childhood or primary educator.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Curtin University

Comprehensive pre-service teaching preparation

Enter the valued profession of early childhood teaching and child care. Study core subjects, professional studies and electives to be qualified to teach children aged 0-8 years in early learning centres and in junior school settings.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Australian Catholic University

Bring your love of learning to the classroom

Focus on creating a great environment to support childhood learning. Become a passionate advocate for the rights of children. Explore the ways that you can help children to build knowledge, skills and positive attitudes.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Southern Cross University

Double your options to work with young learners

From play to personal development, subjects in this degree prepare you to teach young and school aged children. Study the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy. Delve into science and art. Professional placements help you put theory into practice.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Explore early childhood education courses

Discover related subjects

Curtin University

Child Development for Educators

UndergraduateCUR-EDC135

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Curtin University

Educators Inquiring About the World

UndergraduateCUR-EDC175

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Curtin University

Performing Arts for Educators

UndergraduateCUR-EDC153

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium
Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

  • Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.

  • Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.

  • Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Step up your career with these resources

The benefits of studying early childhood education

When Sarsha Mennell started her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2019 she thought she would go on to become a classroom teacher, but her studies led her to exciting and unexpected opportunities.

Why teaching is a good career choice

Teaching could help you find purpose and make a genuine difference in the lives of young people. Here's how.

What makes a good teacher?

The best teachers aren’t just knowledgeable authority figures—they also know how to inspire and motivate their students. Here are the characteristics of a good teacher.

Early childhood education vs childcare courses: What’s the difference?

Want to teach and inspire young children before they reach primary school? There are two main study paths to choose from, depending on your goals.