How to become an early childhood teacher
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?
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
- Early Childhood Teachers' Association (ECTA)
- Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority
- NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
- Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
- Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
- Teachers Registration Board of South Australia
- Teachers Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA)
- Teachers Registration Board (TRB) Tasmania
- Teachers Registration Board (TRB) of the Northern Territory
- ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI)
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