Explore courses designed to give you the knowledge and practical skills for a career in Early Childhood Education.
The following providers offer Early Childhood Education courses in Melbourne, Victoria.
What additional certificates and courses do I need to get a job as an early childhood educator?
To get a job you must have a Working With Children Check (WWCC) and a National Police Check (NPC) that is less than 3 months old. Most organisations also expect current First Aid and CPR certificates.
It’s definitely worthwhile doing anaphylaxis and emergency asthma management training and one of the best options is to complete the nationally recognised short course Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting because it covers Asthma & Anaphylaxis as well as CPR.
Another helpful certificate is Food Handling because many early childhood educators have to prepare basic meals and snacks for the kids.
I have an overseas qualification, is it recognised by the Australian early education sector?
If you hold an overseas qualification you will need to have it assessed for equivalence by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) before you can work in the sector. You can learn more about this process on the ACECQA website, but if you are currently located outside Australia you should first contact the Department of Home Affairs?.
What qualifications do early childhood educators need and how long do they take?
Early childhood education in Australia is a regulated sector and there are three standard qualifications:
Many employers will check if your qualification and training provider is recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
What is Child Protection Training for early childhood educators?
Early childhood qualifications in Australia include child protection awareness training but these skills must be updated every year. In most states you can complete online refresher training through the state education authority but you can also complete Child Protection Bridging Courses to meet your duty of care.
Is it difficult to study early childhood education?
Studying early childhood education is not necessarily difficult but it can be challenging. You will learn a lot about child behaviour as well as the duty of care and legal responsibilities of an early childhood educator.
During your studies, you will have to complete written assignments and you will be tested on your understanding of the early childhood curriculum and learning framework in your state or territory. You will also need to do a supervised work placement and complete a practical assignment while you are there.
What is a work placement?
Before you can graduate from your ECT qualification you need to complete an unpaid work placement at an approved pre-school, kindergarten, or childcare centre. You must be supervised by qualified staff and have them sign-off on your project portfolios as you complete different tasks.
Work placement hours are currently:
Most training providers expect you to organise the work placement yourself but offer plenty of support services to guide you through the process.
How long does it take to become an early childhood educator?
It takes 12 months to complete the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care which is the minimum requirement to become an early childhood educator. However, you can begin casual work before you have completed your qualification.
What are the most important skills for an early childhood educator?
To work in early childhood education you need to be a very empathetic and understanding person. Having a long list of qualifications is great, but your genuine passion for the development and care of young children is what really makes a great childcare worker.
How do I get a job as a childhood educator?
Don’t wait to finish your course qualification before getting a job in the early childhood education sector. Here at Earlyhood Recruitment in Sydney, we invite students who have already completed one third of their early childhood qualification to register for casual work and temp opportunities with our specialist agency.
To get a full-time job you will need professional experience outside of your work placement and taking on short-term and casual work is excellent for your resume and future employment opportunities.
Is there a demand for male early childhood educators?
Yes, absolutely! The early childhood education sector is traditionally the domain of women but in recent years a lot of men are getting their ECT qualifications. Male early childhood educators are definitely making a valuable contribution to the industry.
How much does an early childhood educator earn in Australia?
You can find the latest salary and employment information for early childhood educators on Jobs and Skills Australia using the following links:
- Early childhood teacher (ECT) — average salary for degree-qualified ECTs working at pre-schools or kindergartens and registered with their state education body.
- Child Carers — average salary for early childhood educators with VET qualifications (Certificate IV or Diploma). These figures also include the average salaries of family day care workers, nannies, and out of school hours care workers.
Remember, the salaries quoted on Jobs and Skills Australia are median figures for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.
For the job listings and salary information, you can visit Kinder Careers, which provides detailed job descriptions and compensation packages.
How can I access subsidised training for early childhood qualifications?
In most Australian states and territories, early childhood education qualifications are on the list of fee-free courses and subsidised trainings. You can check your eligibility for government funding by using this free tool or better still, enquire with a course training provider for personalised information.
If you are eligible, you won’t have to do anything at all, the cost of your studies will be automatically reduced when you enrol. Sometimes the courses are completely fee-free — but that will depend on your age, where you live, and if you have completed other qualifications in the past.
In Victoria, is there a demand for Early Childhood Educators with VET qualifications?
Yes. Early Childhood Educators (including Childcare Centre Workers, Centre Managers, Group Leaders, and Coordinators) are currently on the state government’s high-demand jobs and careers list.
Recent studies indicate more than 2,000 new ECE jobs will open up over the next 3-4 years in Victoria.
Even better, eligible students who live in Victoria can do free training right now under the Free TAFE, JobTrainer and Skills First incentives. Use our quick tool to check your eligibility for the following free courses:
Is Free TAFE in Victoria really free?
If you are eligible for an ECE qualification under the Free TAFE incentive, all your tuition fees are paid by the state government of Victoria (in conjunction with the federal government). However, you may still need to pay for things like textbooks, materials for practical work, and amenity fees.
Reach out to any of our ECE course training providers for more information about free early childhood qualifications.
Is there a big demand for qualified ECTs in Melbourne and regional Victoria?
Yes. Right now in Victoria, the Kindergarten Funding Program, sponsored by the state Government, offers an Early Childhood Teacher Supplement (ECTS) to registered preschools and kindergartens.
ECTS is a funding bonus that helps kindergarten providers employ extra teaching staff.
ECTS funding is only available for qualified Early Childhood Teachers who are registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
Are there also training incentives for Victorian students who want to become registered ECTs?
Yes. The government in Victoria is currently offering scholarships of (up to) $25,000 for students who want to enrol in a Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Diploma, or Master’s Degree in early childhood education.
There are also cash incentives for qualified ECTs from other states who are willing to relocate to Victoria. Check the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) website for more information about funding support for Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs).
Is there much demand for part-time and casual ECTs in Victoria?
Not really. Most ECTs are employed full-time and casual vacancies are usually filled by CERT III and Diploma Educators.
Here at Inspired Recruitment, we help a lot of working parents find permanent part-time work as early childhood educators and support workers at childcare centres and kindergartens throughout the state.
What about ECT temp assignments?
Most temp assignments are to relieve qualified ECTs who are on maternity leave. You need to be a qualified Early Childhood Teacher to apply for an ECT temp role.
I’m studying Early Childhood Education at university, can I work in Melbourne or Victoria while I am studying?
Yes. Get your Working With Children Check Card (WWC Card) and a first aid certificate. As soon as you complete 50% of your course, Inspired Recruitment can place you in CERT III Educator roles and after 75%, Diploma Educator roles. Just ask the university’s student services department to arrange a completion letter for you.
What is VIT registration for early childhood teachers in VIC?
To work in Victoria as an early childhood teacher (ECT) you must hold a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) and be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
How do I get a Working With Children Check (WWC Card) in Victoria?
Apply for your WWC Card online with Service Victoria, remembering it can take (up to) 12 weeks to process your application. It is illegal to work in Australia without a current WWCC clearance.
I live in Victoria, how can I build my career profile in Early Childhood Education and Care?
A great way to get established in the ECE industry is to join a professional association like Early Childhood Australia. This national organisation has regional branches including ECA Victoria who offer networking events, awards, and scholarships for students.
If you are currently studying your Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) you might even be eligible for a student excellence award.
Are there many job opportunities in Melbourne for qualified ECTs who have studied overseas?
Yes. Here at Inspired Recruitment, we partner with a number of registered migration agencies as well as preschools and kindergartens in Melbourne and regional Victoria who welcome overseas candidates.
To work in Australia as an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) you need to have your overseas qualification assessed and accredited by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). You also need a valid work visa.
If you are currently outside Australia we recommend contacting the Australian Department of Home Affairs? and checking the ACECQA website as well as the Overseas Qualification Unit Melbourne.
After you have obtained these documents, by all means reach out to the team here at Inspired Recruitment.
How long does it take to have my overseas teaching qualification assessed by ACECQA?
It varies. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and can take anywhere from 4-16 weeks.
Sometimes a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from another country does not meet the full requirements of the Australia equivalent degree. For example, in countries like the Philippines the overseas candidate might be issued with an Australian Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care rather than a full degree.
Remember! You must have obtained your accreditation documents plus an approved working visa before you can apply for ECE jobs in Victoria and other parts of Australia.