How to Become An Early Childhood Teacher

Steps to Become an Early Childhood Teacher

Step 1: Complete Year 12

Finish your senior secondary education with strong results in English and humanities. A high ATAR gives you more university options. Volunteer at a childcare centre or preschool in Year 11 or 12. This gives you hands-on insight and strengthens your university application.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

Complete a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at an Australian university. This takes 3 to 4 years full-time. The degree covers child growth, how to plan lessons, play-based learning, and tracking progress. Practical placements in preschools and kindy are built into the course. If you already hold a degree in another field, complete a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) instead. This takes 2 years full-time and is offered at many Australian universities.

Step 3: Get a Working with Children Check

Apply for a Working with Children Check (WWCC) before you start work with children. Every state and territory requires one. Apply through your state’s relevant authority. Processing usually takes 1 to 4 weeks.

Step 4: Register with Your State or Territory Teaching Authority

After you graduate, apply for provisional teacher registration with your state authority. In NSW, register with NESA. In Victoria, register with the VIT. In Queensland, register with the QCT. In WA, SA, NT, and TAS, contact the relevant Teacher Registration Board. In the ACT, register with the Teacher Quality Institute (TQI). Registration needs a background check and proof of your degree.

Step 5: Maintain Registration Through Ongoing Training

Stay registered by doing training each year. The exact requirements vary by state. Join Early Childhood Australia (ECA) for resources, training, and a national network. As your experience grows, look for leadership roles, specialist positions, or director roles in early childhood settings.

An Early Childhood Teacher’s day is active and varied. It starts with setting up spaces for morning sessions, from reading areas to outdoor play. Teachers work with small groups and one-on-one to use stories, songs, and hands-on play. These sessions build language, motor skills, and confidence. They observe and note each child’s progress, looking out for any health or wellbeing concerns to flag early. Between sessions, they talk to parents about how their child is going. They also join team meetings, take part in community programs, and guide student teachers on placement.

Early Childhood Teachers build the learning base for Australia’s youngest students. They create rich, engaging spaces where children grow in social, physical, creative, and academic ways.

• Planning and running learning sessions – designing fun, structured activities for indoor and outdoor settings.
• Building physical and social skills – running active play and group work to grow coordination and teamwork.
• Encouraging language and literacy – using stories, songs, role play, and group talk to build communication skills.
• Tracking each child’s progress – watching children closely and keeping records of their growth.
• Supporting health and safety – monitoring wellbeing and keeping the learning space safe.
• Talking to parents and carers – sharing updates on each child’s growth and listening to family concerns.
• Attending team meetings – joining staff planning sessions and parent interviews.
• Connecting with community programs – linking families to local support services.
• Mentoring student teachers – guiding trainee educators during their practical placements.

• 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