Early Childhood Jobs | The Sector
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Early Childhood Jobs

Are you in search of rewarding positions in early childhood jobs in Australia? Look no further than The Sector Jobs, a dedicated job board exclusively for the early learning and child care sector.

Discover a diverse array of opportunities in long day care, outside school hours care, family day care, kindergartens, and pre-schools. 

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in early childhood jobs by exploring the wide range of prospects available on The Sector Jobs.

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Early Childhood Jobs

The early childhood jobs sector is experiencing a notable surge in demand as more individuals recognize the valuable service provided by child care professionals to the community.

These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in nurturing children, ensuring their safety, and facilitating their holistic development in an enriching environment that fosters joy, learning, and exploration.

The demand for early childhood jobs professionals, including teachers, is robust, offering excellent prospects for individuals who are passionate about early learning and making a positive impact on young lives.

Four reasons to choose early childhood jobs as a career

1

Making a positive impact on children:

Engaging in early childhood jobs is a fulfilling and enjoyable calling that allows educators to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children they care for, contributing to the betterment of society as a whole.
2

Every day brings something new:

Children are in a constant state of growth and development, making each day in early childhood jobs unique and filled with new experiences. This dynamic nature ensures that educators are constantly faced with fresh challenges and opportunities, creating a varied and exciting journey for both the children and the educators themselves.
3

Collaborating with like-minded colleagues:

Early childhood jobs professionals work as part of teams, both within their specific classrooms and across the entire service. This collaborative environment offers ample opportunities to forge connections, make new friends, and learn from a diverse pool of experiences. Unlike desk-bound roles, working in early childhood jobs provides a supportive and engaging community.
4

Personal and professional growth:

Recent years have witnessed significant improvements in job compensation, working conditions, and professional development opportunities provided by early learning and child care providers. These advancements offer early childhood jobs professionals the chance to grow both personally and professionally, laying a solid foundation for their long-term career development.

Where are the opportunities for early childhood jobs in the early learning sector?

Long day care:

LDC is the primary employer in the early childhood jobs sector in Australia, with over 8,500 centers currently in operation. These centers, whether independently operated or part of larger organizations, provide care and education to children ranging from 3 months old to the year before they start school. Teachers and educators play a vital role in delivering quality education and child care in these centers, which may also offer opportunities for traineeships and practical work experience.

Family day care:

Family day care early childhood jobs involve caring for children in the homes of registered and qualified educators, creating a nurturing and homely environment. It offers flexible and personalized care options, making it a popular choice among parents. Working in family day care allows professionals to have a significant impact on children’s development while enjoying the benefits of a work environment based in a home setting.

Outside school hours care (OSHC):

OSHC early childhood jobs cater to the needs of school-aged children outside of regular school hours. This includes programs such as before-school care, after-school care, and vacation care. Working in OSHC enables individuals to contribute to the educational and recreational needs of children, making a positive impact on their lives while providing support to working families.

 

Kindergarten / preschool:

Preschool early childhood jobs, also known as kindergarten, are another important setting for early childhood education that prepares children for formal schooling. It focuses on promoting school readiness and provides a curriculum tailored to meet the developmental needs of young children. Preschool programs are typically led by early childhood teachers and supported by educators who play a crucial role in facilitating learning and child development.

What qualifications do early childhood jobs require?

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121):

This foundational qualification provides essential knowledge and skills for individuals entering the early childhood jobs field. It covers subjects such as child development, health and safety, supporting children’s play and learning, and collaborating in a team. Certificate III holders typically work as assistant educators under the supervision of more experienced professionals.

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121):

The Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care is an advanced certification that builds upon the knowledge gained in the Certificate III. It delves deeper into early childhood development and encompasses areas such as curriculum design, assessment, and assuming leadership roles in early childhood settings. Diploma holders are qualified for early childhood jobs positions as lead educators or room coordinators.

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary):

These undergraduate degree programs provide comprehensive training specifically tailored to early childhood jobs. They equip individuals with the skills to create engaging learning experiences, design curricula, implement effective teaching strategies, assess children’s progress, and support overall growth and development. Graduates are prepared for various early childhood jobs roles, including teaching in kindergartens and preschools.

Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care:

This certification is particularly relevant for early childhood jobs in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) settings. It focuses on the unique needs and developmental stages of school-aged children. The curriculum covers topics such as child development, program planning, behaviour management, health and safety, and promoting children’s social and emotional well-being in the context of OSHC. Completion of this certificate enables individuals to work in OSHC programs, providing care and organising educational activities for school-aged children.

How much will you be paid for early childhood jobs?

The pay rates for early childhood jobs positions in Australia are generally determined by the Modern Award, which sets the minimum wage standards in the industry. 

  • For educators with a Certificate III qualification, the hourly rates may range from approximately $24.38 to $26.42.
  • Those with a Diploma qualification might receive hourly rates between approximately $26.42 and $30.05.
  • Qualified teachers can expect salaries ranging from approximately $35 to $45 per hour.

Some employers may offer wages above the award rates in order to attract and retain qualified early childhood professionals.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on pay rates for early childhood jobs, refer to the Fair Work website or consult relevant industry sources to obtain the latest details.

How to find early childhood jobs

Early childhood jobs boards

Websites specialized in early childhood jobs, such as The Sector Jobs, provide dedicated platforms for individuals seeking employment in the field. These platforms typically feature job listings from reputable childcare centres, offering an efficient way to search for and apply to relevant positions.

Local childcare facilities

Exploring local childcare facilities, preschools, kindergartens, family daycares, and outside school hours care services can be a fruitful approach to finding early childhood jobs opportunities. Personally visiting these facilities and inquiring about job vacancies can be an effective method. Introduce yourself and express your interest in joining their team.

TAFE, RTO, or university career advisors

Educational institutions like TAFE, Registered Training Organizations (RTOs), or universities often have career advisors who can provide guidance and support in securing early childhood jobs placements or permanent positions. They can offer valuable contacts and information about available opportunities.

Personal and professional networks

Leveraging your personal and professional networks can be advantageous in accessing connections within the early childhood education and childcare field. Reach out to friends, family members, or acquaintances who may have connections or work in the sector. They may be able to provide introductions or recommendations to organizations with early childhood jobs vacancies.