How to become a Teacher - Early Childhood

Early childhood teachers plan and conduct education programmes for young children while helping them learn early social, cognitive and physical life skills.

Personal requirements for a Teacher - Early Childhood

Able to relate to children and their families
A keen desire to teach children
Willing to learn
Good problem-solving skills
Sound literacy and numeracy skills
High-level planning and organisational skills
Enthusiastic, tactful, patient and a sense of humour
Prepared to work outside of school hours
Patience

Education & Training for a Teacher - Early Childhood

To become an early childhood teacher you usually have to complete a degree in education, with a major in early childhood. Alternatively, you can complete a bachelor degree in a related area, followed by a postgraduate qualification in education, specialising in early childhood. To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

Before undertaking practical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a Working with Children Check. A National Police Certificate may also be required. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.You will need to register with the teaching board in your state or territory. Teachers are required by mandatory reporting laws to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. You may also be required to hold an approved Provide First Aid Certificate and have completed training in anaphylaxis management and emergency asthma management. Contact the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a Teacher - Early Childhood

Early childhood teachers:

Plan activities using a variety of materials and equipment to develop good coordination, social skills, creativity, self-expression and an interest in learning
Promote language development and self-confidence through storytelling, drama, music and discussions
Help to organise and participate in excursions to enhance learning experiences
Encourage children to question and explore the world in which they live
Observe children to evaluate and record their progress and to detect signs of developmental disorders, ill health or emotional disturbance
Recommend appropriate programs for further development
Work with guidance officers, speech pathologists and psychologists to assist children with special needs
Help integrate children with special needs into mainstream classes
Promote health and safety concepts and social interaction with other children
Promote awareness and appreciation of diversity in multicultural societies
Attend to sick children and those in need of first aid
Comfort children who are hurt or distressed
Assist children with their toileting and personal hygiene
Discuss aspects of children's development with parents and other educators
Discuss the aims of the education program with parents
Participate in community activities and parent/staff committees
Supervise and work with student teachers and trainee childcare workers.

Tasks

Observing nutritional health, welfare and safety needs of students and identifying factors which may impede students' progress
Planning and structuring learning in both indoor and outdoor environments using a variety of materials and equipment to facilitate students' development
Discussing students' progress with parents
Participating in community and family support programs as appropriate
Attending parent interviews, and staff and committee meetings
Providing a variety of experiences and activities to develop motor skills, cooperative social skills, confidence and understanding
Supervising student teachers on placement
Promoting language development through story telling, role play, songs, rhymes and informal discussions held individually and within groups
Observing students to evaluate progress and to detect signs of ill health, emotional disturbance and other disabilities

Working conditions for a Teacher - Early Childhood

Early childhood teachers work in government-owned pre-school centres, early education classes, community kindergartens and community childcare centres.

Employment Opportunities for a Teacher - Early Childhood

Early childhood teachers are employed in education and care services for children aged 0-8 years by state and territory education departments, government and non-government schools or childcare centres. They may work in metropolitan or remote areas, or Aboriginal communities.Self-employment opportunities exist as the proprietor of a private preschool or childcare centre. Other opportunities may be available as home tutors.

Specializations

Teacher - Early Childhood

Early childhood teachers plan and conduct education programmes for young children.

Average age
40
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
96% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,660
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
56%
Employment Size
61,200
Employment by state
ACT: 1.8%
NSW: 35.2%
NT: 0.9%
QLD: 16.5%
SA: 8.7%
TAS: 2.0%
VIC: 24.1%
WA: 10.8%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.9%
20-24: 7.5%
25-34: 28.3%
35-44: 26.8%
45-54: 22.1%
55-59: 8.4%
60-64: 4.4%
65 and Over: 1.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 16.3%
Bachelor degree: 59%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 4.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 16.3%
Year 10 and below: 0.7%
Year 11: 0.3%
Year 12: 2.9%
Years 11 & 10: 0%