Early Childhood Educator

An Early Childhood Educator delivers educational programs for young children in a childcare facility. You might assist other childcare staff to create appropriate teaching materials and help to carry out learning programs. Early Childhood Educators may work in a childcare centre or a home care service or they might be employed by other facilities such as hospitals or community centres. You’ll be working with large groups of children with a range of ages and developmental levels.

Being an Early Childhood Educator is a demanding but rewarding role. You should be energetic and able to keep up with multiple children. You’ll need to be patient and a good communicator. Early Childhood Educators work with young children from a range of backgrounds and you’ll need to be flexible in the way you carry out your daily tasks.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a early childhood educator?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
5 - 18 months
$0 - $10,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Assistant Nanny Early Childhood Educator
Family Day Care Educator Room Assistant Childcare Worker
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Assistant Nanny Early Childhood Educator Family Day Care Educator Room Assistant Childcare Worker + 3 more
CHC50121

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Blended, On Campus, Online
52 - 76 weeks
$0 - $12,800
  • Completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Centre Manager Early Childhood Educator Childcare Director
Lead Educator Service Director Family Day Care Educator Childcare Worker Education Officer Early Childhood Center Manager Early Intervention Specialist Preschool Teacher
+ 8 more
  • Completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Centre Manager Early Childhood Educator Childcare Director Lead Educator Service Director Family Day Care Educator Childcare Worker Education Officer Early Childhood Center Manager Early Intervention Specialist Preschool Teacher + 8 more
CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care)
Online
18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Assistant Early Childhood Educator Nanny
Family Day Care Educator Childcare Worker
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Assistant Early Childhood Educator Nanny Family Day Care Educator Childcare Worker + 2 more

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 - 5 years
$0 - $71,905
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Educator Early Childhood Teacher Education Support Officer
Childcare Centre Manager Childcare Director Family Day Care Educator Preschool Teacher
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Educator Early Childhood Teacher Education Support Officer Childcare Centre Manager Childcare Director Family Day Care Educator Preschool Teacher + 4 more

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership
On Campus
4 years
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Director Early Childhood Educator Lead Educator
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Director Early Childhood Educator Lead Educator
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Childcare Assistant

A Childcare Assistant cares for young children in various settings, providing activities, managing routines, and helping develop social skills.

Avg yearly income $57,200
Skill level Beginner

Nanny

A Nanny cares for young children at home, assisting with routines, activities, and basic chores while ensuring safety and communication.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Kindergarten Teacher

A Kindergarten Teacher creates learning programs for young children, focusing on literacy, numeracy, social skills, and communication while building strong relationships with families.

Avg yearly income $79,976
Skill level Advanced

Early Childhood Teacher

An Early Childhood Teacher educates young children before primary school, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills through engaging activities.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Childcare Centre Manager

A Childcare Centre Manager oversees daily operations, manages rostering and budgets, ensures compliance, and communicates with staff and parents.

Avg yearly income $93,496
Skill level Advanced

Outside School Hours Care Coordinator

An Outside School Hours Care Coordinator manages before/after school programs, plans activities, and ensures safety, communication, and child support.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Family Day Care Educator

A Family Day Care Educator operates a childcare service from home, delivering educational programs, organising activities, and supervising young children.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Beginner

Childcare Director

A Childcare Director oversees daily operations at a childcare centre, supervising staff, ensuring compliance, organising programs, and managing budgets.

Avg yearly income $98,800
Skill level Advanced

Lead Educator

A Lead Educator cares for young children in a childcare centre, preparing educational programs, organising activities, and supporting daily routines.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much does an Early Childhood Educator earn?

In Australia, a full time Early Childhood Educator generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for an Early Childhood Educator?

The childcare industry has seen strong growth in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 96,300 people working as an Early Childhood Educator in Australia compared to 80,500 five years ago. Early Childhood Educators may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Early Childhood Educator?

If you’re thinking of becoming an Early Childhood Educator consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This qualification will give you the practical skills you need to succeed in this industry and covers topics including caring for children, developing relationships with babies and toddlers, keeping children safe and supporting children’s play and learning.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to start a career in Early Childhood Education

27th November 2021)

Career Spotlight: Early childhood educators and teachers

27th August 2019)

Early Childhood Teachers vs Early Childhood Educators. Is there a difference?

27th September 2022)

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