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
Complete an undergraduate degree in early childhood education or teaching.
Already qualified in another field? Study a postgraduate degree in early childhood education to change careers or progress your career further.
Register as an early childhood teacher with the Department of Education in your state or territory.
Maintain a Working with Children Licence and comprehensive First Aid certificate.
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
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
The Professional Educator: Developing Teacher Identity
UndergraduateCUR-EDC163
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
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
Need help making study choices for your career?
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
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.
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.