Career Options In Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Educators are skilled professionals who play a vital role in the education and care of children, with some of the most important development of a child’s brain taking place in the first five years of life.

Different roles in Early Childhood Education

There’s a wide range of roles within the early learning sector and many opportunities to develop and progress. It’s a dynamic and lifechanging career.

Some of the different roles types include:

• Early Childhood Educators – working directly with children in a range of settings to help meet their social, emotional, physical and educational needs.  Educators create inspiring, interesting and age-appropriate learning environments and opportunities for every child to reach their potential. They inspire curiosity for children to create and explore their environment. Educators either hold or are studying for a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

• Educational Leaders – along with working directly with children, Educational Leaders lead the development and implementation of an effective educational program in the service. Mentoring and supporting their fellow Educators.
• Early Childhood Teachers – Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) are degree qualified and work within a centre to inspire the programs and curriculums at the highest standards.
• Centre Directors and Managers – Directors and Managers develop appropriate educational programs, supervise staff members, and manage the administrative and financial aspects of a service

A rewarding career, for life

Early Childhood is such a diverse sector. You could start as an Early Childhood Educator in a childcare service, gain qualifications and experience and become an ECT or Centre Director or even move into a consultant or specialist role.

There’s also the opportunity to lead and manage your own business as the self-employed owner of an early childhood service.

There are so many places to go and options to explore in Early Childhood!

Check out the many job opportunities available across our Only About Children campuses in NSW, VIC and QLD. We would love to support you in your career journey or help you to get started through our unique traineeship program. Find out more here.

Plus, read more on How To Become An Early Childhood Educator.