CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher: Australian Careers in Education

9 Courses

On this page

What is a Early Childhood Teacher?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Early Childhood Teacher?

An Early Childhood Teacher works with children from birth to school age, building the first learning base of their lives. They teach reading, maths, music, and art in preschools and childcare centres. This is one of Australia’s most hands-on and rewarding education roles.

Each day, teachers plan sessions for indoor and outdoor settings. They use stories, songs, and role play to build children’s language skills. Activities also grow motor skills, confidence, and the ability to work with others. Every lesson is shaped to meet the social, emotional, and physical needs of each child.

Teachers observe and track each child’s progress through the day. They flag any health or wellbeing concerns early and keep parents informed. Regular talks with families help support learning at home. Teachers also connect with community programs to give families broader help.

Early Childhood Teachers take part in staff meetings and training sessions. Some also mentor student teachers on placement. It is a career where every day makes a real impact on a child’s life. It suits people who are patient, creative, and keen to help young learners grow.

Icon

Career snapshots For Early Childhood Teachers

About 77,000 Early Childhood Teachers work across Australia (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Half work full time, and 97 per cent of the workforce is female. The median age is 39 years.

The average weekly pay is $1,660, equal to about $86,300 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Job demand is rated as moderate, with steady hiring in preschools, kindy centres, and childcare. The sector is backed by growing government funding for early education.

What will I do?

Early Childhood Teachers shape the first years of learning for young children. They create safe, active spaces where children can explore and grow. Every task helps children grow in how they think, move, connect, and feel.

  • Planning learning sessions – designing indoor and outdoor activities using different tools and materials.
  • Building physical and social skills – running activities that grow strength, balance, and teamwork.
  • Building language skills – using stories, songs, role play, and group talk to grow communication skills.
  • Tracking each child’s progress – noting growth and flagging any health or wellbeing concerns.
  • Supporting health and safety – watching food and safety needs and keeping the learning space safe.
  • Talking with parents – sharing progress updates and working with families to support each child.
  • Attending meetings – taking part in staff meetings, parent interviews, and planning sessions.
  • Linking with community programs – connecting families to local support services and programs.
  • Mentoring student teachers – guiding trainee teachers through their practical placements.

What skills do I need?

Good communication is at the heart of early childhood teaching. Teachers talk to children, parents, and staff every day. They need to speak clearly, listen well, and build trust with families.

Being creative and well-organised are just as vital. Teachers plan activities that engage young minds and suit different ways of learning. Patience and care help them respond well to each child’s needs. Strong observation skills help them track growth and catch any issues early.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear communication with children, parents, and staff
  • Patience and care for children
  • Creativity in planning and running learning sessions
  • Understanding of how children grow and learn
  • Observation and progress-tracking skills
  • Ability to plan and organise programs
  • Teamwork and the ability to work with others
  • Knowledge of health, safety, and nutrition needs
  • Flexibility and the ability to adapt
  • Commitment to ongoing training and growth
  • Ability to create positive, inclusive learning spaces
  • Strong people skills

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

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.