Do you like working with kids (especially if they aren’t yours)? Working in early childhood might give you purpose, a profession, and PR.

As an early childhood teacher in Australia, you’ll work with children from two to five years old. You’ll care for their physical needs, and will teach basic literacy, numeracy, music and art skills via play and learning activities. This is vital for kids to develop their physical skills, form strong neural pathways in their brain, and prepare them for school. If you are patient, love working with children, and the noise of thousand small creatures of chaos doesn’t bother you, this could be your dream career.

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education qualifies you to work as an early childhood teacher. This is different from early childhood educators, who only require a certificate or diploma, and who typically earn less than fully qualified teachers.

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The career can be super adaptable, allowing you to work in a range of different roles if you wish:

  • Early childhood teacher, salary range AU$70,000 to $95,000

  • Childcare centre or kindergarten director, salary range AU$90,000 to $115,000

  • Early childhood education policy and program advisor/ consultant, salary range AU$70,000 to $110,000

  • Early childhood product developer, salary range AU$70,000 to $90,000

  • Early childhood learning designer, salary range AU$90,000 to $100,000

  • Early childhood entertainer, salary range AU$60,000 to $100,000

  • Consultant, salary range AU$90,000 to $120,000

  • Early childhood education researcher, salary range AU$85,000 to $100,000

The career is rewarding, gives you opportunities to work in a range of facilities, settings, and locations. But, if you want to stay in Australia, then getting an Oz based qualification makes the process much easier. Alternatively, an Australian degree may be recognised and considered an equivalent qualification in New Zealand, Canada, and some other countries.

Why Study Early Childhood in Australia?

Early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers (ANZSCO 241111) are on the medium to long-term skills shortage list in Australia. The 2023 Australian Job Outlook predicted the number of the early childhood teachers to increase by 21.6% between 21.6% between 2021 and 2026. That’s around 14,200 new educators. That means once you’ve graduated, you’ll have a high likelihood of employment- and a pathway to permanent residency.

Top Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Courses in Australia

There are more than 40 tertiary institutions that offer a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in Australia.

Macquarie University Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Ranked 75th early childhood education course in the world, this four year course from Macquarie University focuses on improving outcomes for young children. By giving pre-schoolers a strong base for their learning, it increases their chances of excelling later in life. This degree qualifies you to care for and teach children from ages of zero to five years in childcare settings.

With a research-rich environment, the state of the art ‘Mia Mia Child and Family Study Centre’, and professional experience built in to your studies, this degree sets you up for excellence. It costs AU$36,000 per annum. You’ll need an IELTS score of 7.5 overall, with a minimum score of 7 for reading and writing, and eight for speaking and listening.

Queensland University of Technology Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

This course highlights how the experiences, interactions, and relationships in the early years enriches the life of young children. Early childhood teachers make a long lasting and significant contribution to a child’s future. With diverse professional placements, inspiring lecturers who have experienced the industry, and highly awarded teaching programmes, QUT is a great option for your education.

Fees are around AU$33,800 per annum, and you’ll need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no individual band lower than 6.

Monash University Bachelor in Education (Honours)

This degree at Monash University in Melbourne allows you to specialise in early childhood, adding primary or secondary if desired. It is 4.25 years long, and the course is designed to develop teachers who are innovative, passionate, and want to inspire the next generation. The professional placements can be in Australia, or in other countries such as Fiji, Italy, or Switzerland.

You’ll need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with 6.5 for listening and reading, and 6.0 for writing and speaking. Yearly fees are AU$39,900.

Growing Your Career While Nurturing Children

While working with children is not for the faint-of-heart, it’s rewarding and full of joy. If you need a career that offers human connection, joy, and bucket loads of patience, then a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is a great beginning. Contact us at IDP to chat about the options available, where and who you could study with, and visa processes. Over the last 50 years, we’ve helped thousands of students find their dream course, and we can help you too.