Before beginning formal schooling, early childhood educators in Australia are essential in providing the next generation of children with high-quality play-based learning opportunities, including kindergarten and preschool programs.

If working with children is your passion, you appreciate being a part of a team, and you want to positively impact other people’s lives, early childhood education might be the appropriate career for you.

These are 5 excellent reasons to think about pursuing an early learning profession right now.

1. Steady work in an industry with high demand

More than 155,000 early childhood educators* work in Australia’s early learning industry.

Australia has over 1.3 million children in over 974,600 families utilizing early learning services that have been recognized, therefore there is a high demand for competent individuals with these skills to work as early childhood educators and teachers. Every year, the number of service providers increases, and there will likely always be a high need for early childhood experts.

2. Make money as you train (while working)

Without any prior experience in the sector, newcomers to the early learning profession can begin as trainees or apprentices. Employers in the early learning (child care) industry could offer you a position that includes an apprenticeship or traineeship, allowing you to work in the field and gain useful experience while obtaining a nationally recognized certificate.

People of different ages and phases of life, including high school students and those looking to start, modify, or improve their careers, can apply for traineeships or apprenticeships.

The course includes both on-site work and practical learning at the early learning center, as well as a manageable amount of study hours that you can complete at home or off-site.

3. It provides you with a stable professional path in a range of environments.

A linear career path is provided by early learning professionals, with entry-level positions beginning as trainees. Initially, you can decide to work in kindergartens/preschools, after-hours care, or early learning (center-based, long day care) services.

As an early childhood educator, you could want to pursue more coursework to advance into the role of lead educator, educational leader, nominated supervisor, or early childhood teacher. Subsequently, you might want to pursue positions in center support, like those of a center manager, area or operations manager, administrative assistant, consultant, early childhood educator, or someone who manages quality and compliance.

There are many different types of professional employment in the early learning industry, so there’s always room for you to develop, add to your skill set, and take on more responsibility.

4. It’s a fulfilling position that promotes kids’ social, academic, and personal growth.

During a critical period of brain development, early childhood specialists assist a child’s psychological, academic, and social growth. Their social and emotional growth, physical development, language and reading abilities, mathematical reasoning, and scientific inquiry are all positively impacted by this.

Helping young children in these developmental domains increases their chances of being well-adjusted, self-assured, curious about the world, tolerant of difference, resilient to overcome obstacles, and lifelong learners.

5. You might be able to get free education.

Thanks to government assistance, you can obtain your qualification in the early learning sector for free, or for as little as $1 to $2 per unit, providing you meet the requirements. The CHC50113 Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and the CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care are among the courses offered under these programs.

Since state funding for these courses varies, we advise you to inquire about the money available by calling or visiting the Department of Education in your applicable state or territory.

Are you feeling motivated? The Next Moves…

Overcoming obstacles on a daily basis is part of being an early childhood educator. In addition to requiring tolerance and empathy, working with children entails having many heartwarming and good interactions with the kids, their families, and your team. For people who sincerely want to assist young children, it’s a very fulfilling work choice.

An early learning service may be the ideal place for you to complete a traineeship or apprenticeship if you envision yourself having a long career in early childhood education.

For additional information, inquire about courses offered by a Registered Training Organization (RTO) or directly contact your local early learning service(s) about employment and training options at their facility. For this purpose, you will require a Working With Children Check or Police check, which can be arranged through the appropriate state or territory government.