Early Childhood Educator
Work with children and support their learning and development on a day-to-day basis.
Play a vital role in children’s development
Early Childhood Educators support the emotional, social, and intellectual development of children through educational and recreational activities. Working in a childcare setting, you will develop strong relationships with the children in your care, as well as their parents or guardians, and learn to identify and interpret different behaviours and learning styles amongst the children in your care. Working with children every day, you will supervise and conduct activities designed to further children’s development, and will also be responsible for maintaining a healthy, hygienic, and child-safe environment.
Key stats
Early Childhood Educators provide an important role in supporting the growth and development of preschool-aged children, and report high levels of job satisfaction. Here are some key facts and figures about this career path:
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$1059
Average weekly salary
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41 hrs
Average hours worked per week
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33 yrs
Average age of people in this career
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Multi-region
Jobs available in metro and rural areas
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~165,000
People employed in this industry
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43%
Of employees are full time
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Above average
Unemployment for this industry
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5.9%
Future growth (next five years)
Stats as of April 2024. Source: LabourMarketInsights.gov.au
Core skills of an Early Childhood Educator
Working as an Early Childhood Educator, you’ll have specialised skills in assessing and supporting your clients’ needs. Some of the core skills of Early Childhood Educators include:
Supporting children’s development
Guide and support children in developing key social, literacy, and numeracy skills through specialised activities.Entertaining and caring for children
Playing games, supervising, and caring for children throughout the day, developing strong relationships.Working with parents and carers
Developing relationships with parents, guardians, and carers, and identifying and communicating the needs of individual children within your care.Maintaining a child-safe environment
Supervising hygiene and safety in the childcare environment.Start here
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
No previous experience is required for this course, meaning it is ideal for individuals who are passionate about child development, and with a desire to make a difference in a child's life.
Once you’ve completed your Certificate III
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
The recognised pathway to becoming a fully qualified Early Childhood Educator, which is in demand more than ever across Victoria, with an estimated 6000 educators needed by 2029.
You may also choose to continue your studies at university to become a qualified Teacher.
For more information about studying to become an Early Childhood Educator, get in touch with one of our Course Coordinators. They'll help you understand your study options and match the right course with your goals.
Why choose GOTAFE?
Community connections
We work closely with the local community and early childhood education industry to make sure your training gives you all the skills you need to succeed in the workforce.
Accredited courses
Get a recognised qualification with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, allowing you to get straight into the workforce after graduation.
Real-life experience
Our courses give you the opportunity to apply theory to practice and develop your skills working in a local childcare centre.
Explore more career opportunities
Not sure this is the right career path for you? Explore our other careers and find the right fit for you.