What Qualifications Do You Need To Work In Early Childhood Education?

If you love children and want to play an important role in the first years of development, a career in early childhood education might be a good career pathway for you. Unlike a role as a teacher where you need years of study at university, you only need a certification to get started in child care, and a diploma can help you advance your career faster.

While some of the particulars of working in child care differ from state to state, the types of early childhood education qualifications you need are similar. This guide will help you learn where to start if you’re considering a career in early education in any state.

Why work in early childhood education?

Working with children can be a very rewarding career, giving you an opportunity to pursue a fulfilling, secure career, while meeting like-minded people. Some of the reasons people choose to work in early childhood education include:

• High demand, expected to increase with the 3% annual population growth.
• Job security and stability due to demand.
• Highly rewarding making an impact in a child’s early years of development.
• Opportunities to be creative.
• Good career progression for the right people.
• Flexible work options all over the country.

How to Become a Childcare Worker in Australia

To work in child care in Australia, you’ll need a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) and also pass a working with children check in the state you’ll be working. As part of your training, you’ll also need to undergo placement to be able to work in an early childhood setting.

Different Types of Early Childhood Education Qualifications

A Certificate III and a diploma are the key to starting and growing a career in early childhood education. Each gives you the core knowledge and experience you need to safely and creatively care for children in a range of childcare settings, especially for entry-level childcare educators. A diploma is more advanced than a certificate, with more specialised course work to help you in your career.

Certificates For Early Childhood Education

A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) is the bare minimum needed to work in child care. The course includes placement in a child care centre or setting, which requires you to attain your Blue Card for Working with Children before commencing.

While there are slight differences in course requirements depending on the state you’ll be working, each course helps you learn how to care for and nurture babies, toddlers and young children in a safe, ethical and creative environment. It may be the bare minimum needed to work in child care, but there are many opportunities for your career this certificate can take you.

Career opportunities

Once you’ve attained your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care (CHC30121), you can pursue a career as a:

• Childcare centre assistant
• After-school hours care assistant
• Family day care provider
• Child care worker
• Early childhood education and care assistant

You can also pursue a diploma following your certificate for more career opportunities.

Diplomas For Early Childhood Education

If you have your heart set on managing or running your own child care centre, you’re going to need a Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care (CHC50121). It’s a 52-week long course, with practical experience in a childcare setting, helping you learn how to manage, lead and mentor teams, plan and implement education frameworks and more.

With more than 36,000+ advanced childcare role vacancies available throughout Australia, pursuing a diploma can help you open up new career opportunities. There are many career opportunities for people who want to take the next step in their early childhood education career.

Career opportunities

Some of the roles a Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care (CHC50121) can open up for you include:

• Centre manager (children’s services)
• Authorised supervisor (children’s services)
• Group coordinator/team leader (children’s services)
• Family day care coordinator

How do I progress my career in early childhood care?

Aside from qualifications, there are many other traits that can help you progress your career in early childhood care and education. Nurturing these skills can help you stand out, both in the workplace and on your resumé, helping you open new pathways. Some of the top skills valued in the early childhood education field include:

 

• Communication, being able to effectively communicate with parents and other educators, as well as age-appropriately with children of all ages.
• Passion, showing you genuinely care about the development of children, always striving for the best outcomes.
• Respect for every person of every age, being aware of different cultures, backgrounds and personalities.
• Creativity, thinking outside the box to give children a positive, engaging environment where they can thrive.
• Organisation, and being able to create and adhere to efficient routines to benefit the children and your work environment.

Get Your Early Childhood Education Qualifications at the Aurora Training Institute

It’s important you study early childhood education in a supportive environment where you can learn and grow your skills. At the Aurora Training Institute, we give our students the opportunities and nurturing they need to succeed, with flexible study options, industry-expert educators, and both online and on-campus study options. Contact our team today and learn more about studying early childhood education and our next intake today.