SA Bachelor of Early Childhood students able to teach preschool while they study

University students who have completed at least 50 per cent of their early childhood teaching degree can apply now to work in terms 3 and 4 this year, working up to 15 hours per week as an early childhood teacher (ECT) in a preschool setting. 

Through the program students will be able to get ‘hands on’ experience working with children while they study, with other benefits including: 

• Being employed in their professional field
• Flexible hours (up to 15 hours per week) to work around study
• Competitive pay rates
• Valuable classroom experience
• The opportunity to build a professional network and create contacts for future employment
• Assistance from the Department of Education to complete training and registration 
• Assistance to get job ready – registration with the Teachers Registration Board (TRB) will be valid for three years which will stay valid after graduation (if that’s within the three years).

In order to fill one of the preschool based ECT roles students must meet the following criteria:

• Have completed at least 50 per cent of an early childhood teaching degree at university
• Be able to provide an interim transcript of studies along with application
• Be an Australian resident either with an Australian birth certificate, residency permit or current visa that allows the student to work at least part time
• Have completed a full day Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – education and care (RRHAN-EC) training
• Have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC)
• Have a ‘special authority to teach’ from the Teachers Registration Board (TRB) of South Australia, which involves a criminal history check.

The Department of Education team can assist with arranging the RRHAN-EC training, the WWCC and applying for the ‘special authority to teach’.

To apply, students should complete the registration of interest form, which will trigger a representative from the Department of Education to contact the student about next steps.