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Early Childhood Educator

ANZSCO 241111

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

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • NSW
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • NT
      • SA
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a early childhood educator

Get qualified to work as a early childhood educator with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Early Childhood Educator.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Early Childhood Educator generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 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.

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The childcare industry has seen strong growth in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 96,300 people working as an Early Childhood Educator in Australia compared to 80,500 five years ago. Early Childhood Educators may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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If you’re thinking of becoming an Early Childhood Educator consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This qualification will give you the practical skills you need to succeed in this industry and covers topics including caring for children, developing relationships with babies and toddlers, keeping children safe and supporting children’s play and learning.

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Related fields of study

Education and Training

For pathways in early childhood education, teaching, tutoring, training and development and other education support roles, your journey begins here.

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Early Childhood Education

Empower the next generation with a career in early childhood education. Browse career pathways and compare nationally recognised course providers. Take the first step toward a fulfilling future.

Career opportunities

Further reading

How to start a career in Early Childhood Education

27th November 2021

Career Spotlight: Early childhood educators and teachers

27th August 2019

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

27th September 2022

All early childhood educator courses

Early Childhood Educator careers

An Early Childhood Educator delivers educational programs for young children in a childcare facility. You might assist other childcare staff to create appropriate teaching materials and help to carry out learning programs. Early Childhood Educators may work in a childcare centre or a home care service or they might be employed by other facilities such as hospitals or community centres. You’ll be working with large groups of children with a range of ages and developmental levels.

Being an Early Childhood Educator is a demanding but rewarding role. You should be energetic and able to keep up with multiple children. You’ll need to be patient and a good communicator. Early Childhood Educators work with young children from a range of backgrounds and you’ll need to be flexible in the way you carry out your daily tasks.

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