Early Childhood Teacher

An Early Childhood Teacher educates young children in the years before they begin primary school. You might work in a childcare centre, a kindergarten or other early education facility. Early Childhood Teachers focus on basic literacy and numeracy skills as well as social and communication skills. You’ll prepare age-appropriate activities to encourage children’s learning and development and introduce them to skills they will need throughout their school years.

Early Childhood Teachers play an important role in young children’s lives. You’ll need to be energetic and patient and be able to communicate easily with young children. You’ll liaise with families and other educators to ensure the children in your care are developing appropriately and getting the support they need.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a early childhood teacher?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 - 5 years
$0 - $83,160
  • 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

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 months
$0 - $25,920
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Centre Manager Early Childhood Teacher Childcare Director
Early Childhood Center Manager Early Childhood Educator Kindergarten Teacher Preschool Teacher
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Centre Manager Early Childhood Teacher Childcare Director Early Childhood Center Manager Early Childhood Educator Kindergarten Teacher Preschool Teacher + 4 more

Master of Education (Early Childhood)
Blended
12 - 18 months
$0 - $6,750
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Lead Teacher
Early Childhood Center Manager
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Lead Teacher Early Childhood Center Manager + 1 more

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Blended, On Campus, Online
18 - 24 months
$0 - $66,715
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
Blended, On Campus, Online
4 years
$0 - $88,160
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Family Day Care Educator Kindergarten Teacher
Primary School Teacher
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Family Day Care Educator Kindergarten Teacher Primary School Teacher + 1 more

Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
On Campus
6 months
$0 - $3,700
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Childcare Director
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Childcare Director

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)
On Campus, Online
24 months
$8,880 - $75,054
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Primary School Teacher
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Primary School Teacher

Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Blended, Online
6 - 12 months
$0 - $2,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Preschool Teacher Curriculum Developer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Teacher Preschool Teacher Curriculum Developer

Associate Degree of Early Years Studies
On Campus
2 years
$40,400
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Educator Childcare Assistant Family Day Care Educator
Education Support Officer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker Early Childhood Teacher
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Early Childhood Educator Childcare Assistant Family Day Care Educator Education Support Officer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker Early Childhood Teacher + 3 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
Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Preschool Teacher
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Childcare Director Early Childhood Educator Lead Educator Early Childhood Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Preschool Teacher + 3 more
*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

Early Childhood Educator

An Early Childhood Educator delivers educational programs in childcare settings, assisting in teaching and supporting diverse groups of young children.

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

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

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 Teacher earn?

In Australia, a full time Early Childhood Teacher generally earns $1,300 per week ($67,600 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.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for an Early Childhood Teacher?

This industry has seen very strong job growth in recent years. There are currently 42,300 people employed as an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia compared to 27,000 five years ago. Early Childhood Teachers may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Early Childhood Teacher?

If you’re planning a career as an Early Childhood Teacher, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. This course will show you how to develop and deliver a curriculum suitable for children of a young age. You’ll explore topics including working with families and nurturing creativity in early childhood.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia

13th December 2022

How to start a career in Early Childhood Education

27th November 2021

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

27th September 2022

Courses by location