Early childhood studies broadly look at young children from birth to age five. It emphasises early childhood as the foundation for lifelong advantages, where children are viewed as fully functioning members of society. Students majoring in early childhood studies have multiple opportunities for career progression in various settings.
Students undertaking early childhood education courses could, for instance, begin their career educating young children in long day care, community preschool, or childcare centres. As they acquire the necessary qualifications to advance to the position of service manager, they can then work their way up to a policy or management position in government and finally end up as a lecturer in good universities, empowering the next generation of educators.
However you desire to support children and child development, there are a few factors to consider when determining which degree would help you go where you want to in your professional practice. We’ll discuss several routes future students, whether domestic students or international students, may take to begin a journey in personal development and a rewarding career in the professional practice of educating children.
Early Childhood Education Pathways
The National Quality Framework (NQF) establishes the minimum qualification requirements for some roles in early childhood education services.
Educators help shape lessons and ensure each child achieves the goals laid forth in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the School Age Care Framework. Educators in early childhood must have or are pursuing a Certificate III (CHC30121) or Diploma (CHC50121) in Early Childhood Education from a programme nationally accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Teachers in the early years of education help kids learn and grow in ways that are in keeping with the EYLF. Teachers of young children typically hold a Bachelor degree or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field that the ACECQA has accredited.
An undergraduate degree with a concentration in early education is required for employment as an Early Childhood Teacher. A teaching degree followed by a postgraduate qualification in early education or a diploma recognised by the ACEQUA is an alternative route.
Be sure to look at further information and schools officially recognised for providing early childhood education degrees. Below are some course details with entry requirements on early childhood education courses for young people looking at education and care for the next generation.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)
You’ll acquire skills through theoretical and hands-on study in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. Candidates must successfully complete course requirements, 15 core units and 2 elective units depending on the registered training organisation.
To obtain this undergraduate certificate, the candidate must have completed at least 160 hours of work in Australia’s regulated children’s education and care service, as outlined in the unit’s assessment requirements. The total number of hours may be applied to all levels of competency requiring workplace hours.
There are no entry requirements to apply for this qualification. Completion is under a year and a registered training organisation may offer online courses for Australian permanent resident and international students.
Upon successful completion, students can be responsible for the well-being and care of infants and young children and implement an approved learning framework. You will be able to encourage healthy eating and enjoyable dining experiences and promote healthy growth through play and learning.
An undergraduate certificate is essentially a college taster course. It consists of the first four subjects of an associated Bachelor’s degree. As an international student, you can use the course to experience what it is like to study for a Bachelor’s degree without committing to lengthier study. And after six months, you will receive a nationally recognised credential. Your certificate can also be applied as degree credit points.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121)
Students undertaking a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, recognised across Australia, will develop the management and instructional expertise necessary to work in the child care sector. An early childhood educator will ensure everyone feels comfortable learning in the classroom by designing educational programmes that encourage innovation.
Through theoretical and practical training, students will learn to ensure that all children feel welcome and valued. You’ll be able to create and preserve a safe and healthy setting for kids while upholding occupational safety and health.
The course is usually done in one year. Course details include 12 core units and 3 elective units. Education can be done on campus or online and is available to domestic student and international student alike.
A diploma qualification is available to those with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, whether CHC30121 or CHC30113. A diploma is a standalone course that qualifies those who successfully complete it for employment opportunities in entry-level positions.
Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education
Earning an undergraduate degree or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education opens opportunities for professional growth and success. The course focuses on the growth and development of children from birth to age five. The programme equips participants with real world experience and in-depth understanding of early development, which can then be used to create more positive learning environments for the child’s learning and personal development.
Early childhood teachers or teachers of pre primary schools are taught the fundamentals of early childhood teaching of mathematics, reading, writing, music, art, and literature. An undergraduate degree in early childhood education courses gives pre service teachers the knowledge to help develop a child’s interpersonal skills, emotional skills, intellectual development, and physical growth.
Australia’s educational system is predicated on providing students with the highest quality education possible. The best part is that they don’t just rely on the theoretical understanding. They offer the best opportunities for genuine engagement and education possible. Through internships and positive experience, they promote the development of a wide range of skills for young people. Programs of study in Australia will equip future students with the skills necessary to compete in today’s global economy.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have completed the equivalent of the 12th grade. A candidate must also meet a minimum ATAR score and any additional requirements imposed by state authorities to be admitted to the course.
For international students, there are additional requirements such as English Language Proficiency, credentials and a transcript from previous education, a student visa, a copy of curriculum vitae, an official transcript, and other documents required by the early childhood education courses of the institution.
In your final year of study, students may qualify as pre service teachers if they can work in Australia, possess a current Working With Children Check (WWCC), and complete and attach Application for Limited Registration to your application for the Casual Teacher Pool. Children’s services can contact you about early childhood teaching possibilities as a pre service teacher. Depending on your availability, temporary and relief employment might range from 3 hours to 4 weeks in duration depending on their need for early childhood teachers.
Graduate Diploma
The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Leadership) provides early childhood educators with professional development to upgrade their three-year teaching degrees. Graduates will be recognised as holding the equivalent of a four-year teaching qualification, which can satisfy employer and teacher registration requirements in Australia, upon completion of the course. This course may also be of interest to certified early childhood educators who are reentering the field of education after an extended absence.
Students will enhance their teaching knowledge, abilities, and practises, graduating with a specialism in therapeutic play, education business leadership, or International Baccalaureate Early Years (Primary Years Programme (PYP)).
Graduates will be qualified to seek jobs as early childhood educators in a variety of early childhood settings. In addition, the knowledge acquired through specialisation and advanced curriculum studies prepares graduates for leadership roles in educational settings.
Admission will be determined by requirements such as the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or higher or at least two years of relevant work experience (or comparable part-time experience), or evidence of academic competence deemed equivalent.
Initial Teacher Education
The goal of initial teacher education courses (ITE) in Australia is to equip new teachers with the expertise and character traits they’ll need to thrive in any classroom.
An initial teacher education course is accredited by presenting proof against the nationally accepted Accreditation Standards and Procedures. All Australian initial teacher education courses are accredited by state and territorial teacher regulatory agencies utilising these nationally accepted Standards and Procedures.
Career Opportunities
The early childhood professional practice normally requires current and satisfactory record checks for employment and practical placement purposes. For both Australian permanent resident as well as international students, requirements usually include a Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check, a Criminal Record Check as well as Immunisation Records.
Those who interact with young children in an early childhood setting are expected to be completely immunised. Education students who choose not to reveal their immunisation status, who have a conscientious objection to vaccinations, or who have a contraindication must contact the placement coordinator to explore how this may affect their ability to participate in placement. Inadequate placement possibilities may impede your course progression if you are not fully immunised.
Other local prerequisites for Traineeship applicants’ admission include passing a Pre-training Review (PTR) and a literacy and numeracy test (LN) as part of the application procedure to determine their admissibility.
After obtaining a certificate, diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education in Australia, you will have ample opportunities to advance your career in the field like other professionals.
Depending on your qualification, there are numerous employment opportunities from which to pick, such as:
- Nanny
- Childcare Worker
- Childcare Centre Director
- Special Education Teacher
- School Counselor or Psychologist
- Preschool or Early Childhood Teacher
- Kindergarten & Elementary School Teacher