Your First Step for a Career in Early Childhood Education

What do Early Childhood Educators do?

Early childhood educators work with children typically aged between 0-8 years. They help develop the skills they need for future learning and provide a supportive and flexible learning environment. Often, early childhood educators work closely with the parents or caregivers of each child to provide feedback for children to follow outside of the learning centre.

A career in early childhood is built on an ability to relate to children well. Early childhood teachers are able to understand each child’s needs, from activities and create learning strategies based on these. They also promote communication skills within a group setting.

Early childhood workers are sometimes the first to notice a development issue in a child. Working closely with a range of children each day, they will be able to identify any problems early on and address these immediately. This can help manage learning difficulties and improve the child’s well-being.

What Skills Do You Need?

Working with children requires professional and interpersonal skills. It is important to have theoretical and practical knowledge of working in early childhood. This underpinning knowledge can be obtained through a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121). Knowledge of childhood development is essential and applied throughout the course. Many TAFE courses in early childhood education integrate developmental studies into the course outline, as it is so relevant when working with young children.

Interpersonal skills such as operating within a team, active listening and clear communication are also crucial in the role. Early childhood teachers have excellent organisational and time management skills to keep up with their workload and avoid burn out. Ask yourself if you are showing signs that you should work in early childhood education.

Career Prospects

The demand for early childhood educators is high, with continued growth predicted over the coming year. Professionals in early childhood education are closely intertwined. There is a high level of networking in the field so it is easy to meet other people in the industry and learn of new job opportunities or professional development events.

How To Get Qualified

To start a career in early childhood, you must obtain an approved teaching qualification. A bachelor’s degree takes a number of years to complete. If you are looking to getting into the industry sooner, research TAFE courses in early childhood education.

A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) can be completed in one year and gives individuals the skills and knowledge to successfully work within a team and in leadership roles. The completion of this qualification can allow you to enter into further study if you decide you would like to complete a bachelor degree in early learning. Research any additional requirements that you may need in your state.

How To Get Qualified

The Victorian Government announced in 2019, that it would be offering 50+ Free TAFE courses and pre-apprenticeship pathways for eligible students. The great news is that many of those included in the Free TAFE scheme fall under the early childhood education and care sector. Not only can you start working towards a career you’ll find incredibly satisfying, but you can do it free from student debt.

Courses include:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121)

If you would like to find out more about getting certified for a career in early childhood education and care, check out one of Kangan Institute’s wide variety of courses, or drop us a line for some help.