00

How to become an early childhood teacher

Teach important basic skills to pre-primary children and promote emotional, intellectual and physical wellbeing.

Pathways to this career

  1. Complete an undergraduate degree in early childhood education or teaching.
  2. Already qualified in another field? Study a postgraduate degree in early childhood education to change careers or progress your career further.
  3. Register as an early childhood teacher with the Department of Education in your state or territory.
  4. Maintain a Working with Children Licence and comprehensive First Aid certificate.
Study early childhood teaching online

What does an early childhood teacher do?

Early childhood teachers teach the basics of knowledge to pre-primary school students. Taking a holistic approach, early childhood teachers focus on basic literacy and counting skills, as well as promote development in art and music. They are also responsible for the basic health and well-being of their students and must also focus on helping students with their basic physical development skills.

Duties and tasks

  • Plan and structure indoor and outdoor structured learning classes.
  • Use a variety of materials and equipment to develop motor skills, cooperative social skills, confidence and understanding.
  • Promote language development through storytelling, role play, songs, rhymes and discussions.
  • Observe and evaluate students' progress and discuss with parents and staff.
  • Monitor nutritional health, welfare and safety needs of students.
  • Participate in community and family support programs.

Professional bodies

Related jobs

Discover related degrees

Postgraduate USQ-ELT-MAS-2023

Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years)

Postgraduate SWI-ECT-GDI-2023

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching

Postgraduate VIC-ECE-GDI-2023

Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Undergraduate SCU-ECP-DEG-2023

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood/Primary)

Undergraduate CUR-ECE-DEG-2023

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Postgraduate ACU-TEC-MAS-2023

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)

Undergraduate LAT-ECE-DEG-2023

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Discover related subjects

Related degrees

Undergraduate CUR-EDE413-2023

Social Justice and Diversity in Early Childhood

Related degrees

Postgraduate MAQ-ECHX8230-2023

Language and Literacy in Early Childhood

Related degrees

Undergraduate CUR-EDE260-2023

Health and Physical Education in Early Childhood

Related degrees

Explore early childhood education courses

Step up your career with these resources

Is a career in project management right for you?

Do you get a kick out of thinking big and getting things done? You could make a great project manager. 

Are microcredentials worth it?

You can study a microcredential in just about any industry, from healthcare and education to business and marketing. Here’s why these skills-based short courses are worth your time.

5 qualities that make you a leader vs a manager

While managers dole out tasks, leaders take things a step further by inspiring everyone around them. Discover how you can become this kind of leader, no matter where you work.  

How to write a business plan

Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan. 

We're here to guide you there

Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.

13 OPEN (13 67 36) Message, chat or SMS

Talk to a student advisor

We'll be in touch to answer your questions.

Student advisor Jason Student advisor Maria Student advisor Peter

Usually replies in 30 mins