About this industry
Support children's development and learning through a career in early childhood and education. Work in a variety of early childhood education settings, including preschools, kindergartens, Out of School Hours Care and childcare centres, or move into a career in teaching. Tasks might include organising fun educational activities, supervising play and socialisation, preparing healthy food, supporting learning, and communicating with families about children's progress. You'll need a passion for supporting young children, patience, creativity, and plenty of energy. South Australia is creating more jobs in early childhood education. With a big focus on helping kids start school ready to learn, there's growing demand for teachers, educators, and support staff — offering exciting career opportunities in flexible, high-quality early childhood service
Where can this take you?
Job titles in this industry
- Early Childhood Educator
- Outside School Hours Care Educator
- School Services Officer
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker
- Indigenous Language and Culture Teaching Assistant
Career opportunities
- Early Childhood Team Leader
- Early Childhood Assistant Director
- Early Childhood Director
- Outside School Hours Director
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Officer
- Education Officer Vocational Education Teacher/Trainer
- Enterprise Trainer and Assessor Workplace Trainer and Assessor
- Trainer and Assessor Senior Trainer and Assessor
VET qualifications
- CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
- CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- TAE50122 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
- TAE80113 Graduate Diploma of Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice
- TAE80213 Graduate Diploma of Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Leadership
University pathway careers
University study in early childhood can lead to employment as:
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
- Education Leader
- Assistant Director
- Director
- Primary School Teacher
- Middle School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Principal
- Social Worker
- Speech Pathologist
- Occupational Therapist
Study VET while you complete the SACE
Qualifications you could earn
Start your career at school through on-the-job training in:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
Qualifications you could earn
Start VET study at school through off-the-job training in:
- CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services (for preparation for Certificate III level)
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Introduction to Australian First Nation’s Languages (Kaurna)
- Advanced Australian First Nation’s Languages (Kaurna)
- Advanced Education (School Based Support)
- Advanced Early Childhood Education and Care
Industry requirements
Industry specific requirements, including:
- Department of Human Services Working With Children Check
- National Police Clearance
Plus
- Customised SACE subjects
- Pastoral care – mentoring and monitoring
Department specific requirement:
- Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care