Find Everything You Need to Study Early Childhood Education Here

First of all, what is Early Childhood Education and Care and why is it so important? 

Early childhood educators and teachers plan and create play-based learning experiences that guide children’s learning and development and teach skills for everyday life.  

It’s all about giving young children from birth to five the best possible start in life by helping them develop their physical, social, emotional, cognitive and communication skills. 

They’re important roles because access to quality early childhood educators can help children succeed later in life by supporting their learning, development and wellbeing.  

Because so much brain development happens when children are young, early childhood education is a job where you can make a big difference. Children who need extra support benefit from spending more time at kindergarten as it provides them with more time to participate in rich learning experiences.  

What does all of this have to do with me? I’ve already been to kinder!

The Victorian Government is expanding Three- and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, delivering Free Kinder and building 50 new government-owned early learning and childcare centres in areas where they’re needed most. This investment in early childhood education means that thousands of new jobs are being created over the next few years.  

If you’re thinking about what you’d like to do with your career, and you’re someone who: 

• Wants to work in a fulfilling and creative environment 
• Is interested in a career that makes a positive impact  
• Enjoys communicating with a range of different people 
• Is looking for a career with opportunities to progress and develop 

Then this could be an amazing opportunity for you! 
 

You mentioned early childhood educators and teachers before – what is the difference between the two? 

Educators and teachers both engage with children and support children’s learning, and both jobs are rewarding and let you make a real difference in kids' lives. But they are different jobs with different tasks and ways to move up in your career. Early childhood teachers are responsible for planning and leading kindergarten programs including the design of play-based learning experiences, while early childhood educators have an important role in delivering play-based learning activities.   
 

How can I get started in my career as an early childhood teacher or educator?

If you want to become an early childhood teacher, you’ll need to go to university to study early childhood education. A bachelor degree typically takes three to four years to complete, and combines learning about the subject with getting real-world practice through work-based placements. 

If you’re interested in becoming an early childhood educator, you can complete a Certificate III and then potentially a Diploma of Early Childhood Education through a VET provider (such as TAFE). Or, you can earn while you learn through an early childhood education traineeship! These VET courses typically take 1 year to complete, and if you’re still in high school you may have the opportunity to start studying in Year 11 or 12. 

And if you have been working as an educator and decide you want to become an early childhood teacher there are pathways that recognise your skills and experience as a Diploma-qualified educator, meaning you can complete your teaching degree faster.  

Is there any support I can access to help me start my career in early childhood education?

There are Early Childhood Scholarships of up to $25,000 available for eligible people who are commencing study or are already studying an approved course to become an early childhood teacher. This includes educators who are looking to upskill. 

The Victorian Government also offers Free TAFE for a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education, meaning if you’re eligible, your tuition fees will be covered by the Victorian Government. 

There are also location incentives of between $9,000 and $50,000 for eligible early childhood teachers who take up a teaching role at selected services in regional and hard to staff areas.  
 

Where can I learn more about working in early childhood education?

• If you want to get a taste for what it’s like working in the sector, why not take a look at our Early Childhood Teacher Virtual Work Experience?  

• Become an early childhood teacher or educator | vic.gov.au