How to become an early childhood professional
Assist parents in caring for and supervising their children.
Pathways to this career
Aspiring early childhood professionals need to complete an undergraduate degree in early childhood education and teaching
f you've already graduated with a bachelor degree in another field, redirect your pathway with a postgraduate qualification in early childhood education.
Maintain a Working with Children licence and comprehensive First Aid Certificate.
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
Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching Education Studies
UndergraduateCUR-HTE-CTF
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.
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
UndergraduateCUR-ECE-DEG
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.
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)
PostgraduateACU-TEC-MAS
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
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood/Primary)
UndergraduateSCU-ECP-DEG
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
Discover related subjects
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
Educators Inquiring About the World
UndergraduateCUR-EDC175
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
UndergraduateCUR-EDC153
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
UndergraduateCUR-EDUC1040
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 1 Jun 2026, 30 Nov 2026
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Step up your career with these resources
Early childhood teaching scholarships in Australia
Scholarships and financial support could help you pursue your dreams in early childhood education. Here's what you need to know about the government and university programs available to you in 2026.
Early childhood teacher registration in Australia
Taking the next step towards becoming an early childhood teacher can feel big, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here we explain how registration works in each state, and what support is available to you as a student.
Can early childhood educators teach in primary schools?
We asked Joshua Paleologou, our student advisor specialising in education and teaching courses, whether you can teach in both a primary school setting and a daycare setting once you’re qualified.
Early childhood career pathways explained
Working in early childhood education is an opportunity to help guide the thinkers, leaders, and changemakers of tomorrow. Find out which career path is right for you.