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How to Become a Child Care Coordinator: Australian Careers in Early Childhood Education

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What is a Child Care Coordinator?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Child Care Coordinator?

A Child Care Coordinator runs the daily life of a child care centre. They lead a team of educators to give quality care and learning to young children.

Coordinators plan and run learning programs for children from birth to school age. They hire and train staff, manage schedules, and make sure the centre meets all licensing and safety rules.

They also work closely with families. Coordinators share updates, deal with concerns, and build strong ties between the centre and the local area.

This role suits people who love early childhood education. It combines leadership, planning, and a real care for children’s growth and well-being.

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Career snapshots For Child Care Coordinators

Child Care Coordinators in Australia manage and lead child care centres. They oversee staff and run educational programs for children from birth to school age. Jobs and Skills Australia (2025) records approximately 17,200 Child Care Centre Managers employed nationally. This category includes coordinator-level roles. About 81% work full-time, with an average of 41 hours per week. The workforce is 95% female and the median age is 43. Median full-time weekly earnings are $1,983, or $52 per hour (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Future demand is rated Moderate by yourcareer.gov.au.

What will I do?

A Child Care Coordinator manages the daily life of a child care centre, from program planning to staff support. This role covers a wide range of duties that keep the centre safe, compliant, and engaging for children and families.

  • Plan and run learning programs – design activities for children at each stage of development.
  • Hire and train staff – lead the recruitment process and support educators with ongoing training.
  • Support the centre director with admin – keep records current and manage schedules and budgets.
  • Talk with families about their children’s progress – share updates, deal with concerns, and build trust.
  • Make sure the centre meets licensing and health standards – run regular compliance checks.
  • Oversee daily operations – manage rosters, resources, and the flow of activities each day.
  • Conduct staff performance reviews – give feedback and support educators to grow in their roles.
  • Keep the centre safe and clean – check the premises often and follow all safety rules.

What skills do I need?

A Child Care Coordinator needs a wide range of skills to lead a centre well. Strong communication skills help when talking with parents, staff, and regulatory bodies.

Coordinators also need solid knowledge of early childhood principles. This helps them plan programs that build children’s skills at every age.

Leadership skills are key. Coordinators hire, train, and guide their team each day. Good planning skills keep the centre running smoothly and within the law.

Empathy is also vital. Coordinators deal with children’s needs, family concerns, and staff challenges every day.

Skills/attributes

  • Leadership and team management
  • Knowledge of early childhood education principles
  • Communication and family engagement
  • Program planning and evaluation
  • Understanding of the National Quality Framework
  • Compliance and record-keeping
  • Staff recruitment and training
  • Problem-solving and conflict resolution
  • Empathy and understanding of children’s needs
  • Budget and resource management

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.