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.

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

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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

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