Why Early Childhood Education is Important for a Child’s Future
Recent studies show that children who are involved in formal early childhood education perform better when entering school and achieve better results in later schooling years. So, as you can see, early childhood education is important because it sets a child up for success from day one.
During the first five years of a child’s life, they experience rapid cognitive, emotional and physical growth. Having that quality exposure to early childhood education has been shown to:
- Improve school readiness
- Support emotional and behavioural regulation
- Promote physical health and wellbeing
- Encourage curiosity, problem-solving and confident
- Better social interactions.
Educators play a critical role in delivering these outcomes, using structured frameworks, like the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
How Early Childhood Education Impacts the Community
It’s not just the benefits to children that makes early childhood care so important. A large percentage of Australian families rely on child care centres to allow them to work, as well as support early developmental stages in their children.
In the March quarter of 2022, 48% of children aged 0 to 5 years and 33% of children aged 0 to 12 used a Government-subsidised child care centre alone. In March 2021, more than 938,470 Australian families used these centres. It’s an essential service relied on throughout the country, creating so many jobs and opportunities for those trained in early years education.
Why a Career in Early Childhood Education is Worth It
For someone passionate about or interested in working with children and making a difference, working in early childhood education offers big benefits, both personally and professionally.
Job Stability:
There are more than 200,000 early childhood educators in Australia, with a need for more. Even at the time of publishing this article, there were more than 8,000 ‘early childhood’ jobs on SEEK.com.au throughout the country. It means wherever you live, there’s a high chance of gaining work, even if you move.
Career Growth
With your certifications in child care, your career can go many places, including studying and training to become a centre manager, room coordinator, playgroup coordinator, assistant director of early childhood services, and more. Even as a starting point, there are many different roles, including child care worker and early childhood educator.
Flexibility
Working in child care or early childhood education isn’t like a 9 to 5 desk job. There’s often full-time, part-time or casual positions to suit your schedule, which can be beneficial if you’re interested in further studies to advance your career further, have children of your own or other responsibilities.
Purpose
Every day as an early childhood worker is an opportunity to shape a child’s future. It’s incredibly rewarding, and you get to say you’ve played a hands-on critical role in so many children’ s success in the future, long after they’re grown.
How to Work in Early Childhood Education
To work in early childhood education, you’ll need to complete a nationally recognised qualification, such as:
These qualifications will give you the essential practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and work placement experience to work confidently and competently in a range of ECEC settings and roles.
Ready to become an early childhood educator?
Aurora Training Institute is here to help you step into your role as an early childhood educator and shape the lives of Australia’s future. If you’re ready to pursue the certifications or diploma you need to enter the ECEC industry, we can help you with the right courses and guidance. Enquire today to find your right pathway.
