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Lead Educator Courses

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

    • AI Exposure: Medium

      This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.

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  • This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
      • NSW
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • NT
      • SA
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a Lead Educator?

Get qualified to work as a Lead Educator with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Lead Educator generally earns $1,400 per week ($72,800 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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The number of people working in this industry has grown strongly in recent years. There are currently 96,300 people working in the childcare sector and many of them specialise as a Lead Educator. Lead Educators may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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If you’re thinking of becoming a Lead Educator, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. You’ll develop the skills to provide education and care for young children in a range of settings. A Dual Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Family Day Care) and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care may also be suitable.

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Related fields of study

Education and Training

For pathways in early childhood education, teaching, tutoring, training and development and other education support roles, your journey begins here.

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Early Childhood Education

Empower the next generation with a career in early childhood education. Browse career pathways and compare nationally recognised course providers. Take the first step toward a fulfilling future.

Career opportunities

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

All lead educator courses

Lead Educator careers

A Lead Educator cares for young children and babies in a childcare centre. You’ll prepare educational programs and organise activities that nurture children’s creativity and development. Lead Educators support children during daily routine activities such as eating or toileting and may focus on areas such as social skills or personal hygiene practices.

Lead Educators should be organised and able to handle several tasks at one time. It’s important you have strong personal skills and enjoy working with young children. Lead Educators should have good communication skills and be able to liaise with colleagues, parents and children. You’ll need to be patient and be able to follow correct procedures.

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