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How do I become a Childcare Educator?

Kindergarten teachers, room leaders, and educators in childcare centres make a real difference in the lives of their students every day. The Early Childhood sector is dynamic and constantly changing, making it ideal for people who love creative problem solving and are passionate about education.

And the good news is that there’s no better time to start! With the Victorian government rolling out its Three-year-old Kinder initiative, there is plenty of government support and funding available for anyone looking to enter the field. If you’re thinking of taking advantage of the huge opportunities in the Early Childhood sector, here’s what you need to know to get started!

What skills do I need?

As an educator working in a childcare centre, you will be expected to work in a team and communicate well with other adults as well as children. And after some experience working, you might also be interested in becoming a room leader, a role that involves a lot of quick thinking and leadership skills.

Qualities that are in high demand:

  • Empathy
  • Creativity
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Confidence
  • Communication
You’ll also be expected to have good time management and organisation skills to help you plan lessons and activities that meet the learning objectives of the children in your care. But don’t let that intimidate you! You likely won’t be handling all that by yourself on the first day. Your team, all individuals with different roles to play in the workplace, will be there to support and guide you.

What kind of jobs can I do in Early Childhood?

If you’ve been looking at job ads recently in Early Childhood, you’ve likely come across listings for “Early Childhood Educators” as well as “Kindergarten Room Leaders”. These are not the same type of job, and if you look at the job description, you can see that they serve different roles

An early childhood teacher provides structured lessons at an education facility like a preschool or kindergarten. They make lesson plans and deliver them to the children to meet certain objectives. You will need at least a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care to become a teacher.

A room leader is in charge of the whole room at a particular childcare centre or kindergarten. They oversee not only the children but also the other teachers in the room, as well as sometimes acting as liaisons between management and their teaching team. To become a room leader, you’ll need to have a Diploma or Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood education and work your way up from an educator or teacher role first. The position requires a lot of experience and is often offered to the more senior teachers on staff.

An Early Childhood Educator’s role is different and varies widely between different work environments. Many act as assistants to kindergarten teachers and room leaders, including helping with administrative duties like recording student progress and behaviour as well as communicating to parents. Some places will also have their Educators take a more active role in teaching and leading the children through activities.

Educators play a vital role in the Early Childhood industry. Whether you’re employed at a full-time, part-time, or casual level, you’re guaranteed to be a valued member of the team and be challenged to think creatively.

Salary range

To become an Early Childhood Educator, you will need a Certificate or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Working With Children Check. A First-Aid certification that includes anaphylaxis and CPR training also increases your chances of being employed at a childcare centre or preschool.

At MCIE, we offer courses that are designed to give you the skills and knowledge that will be useful in a childcare centre or preschool and kindergarten setting. Our courses also include an industry placement component that will give you real workplace experience and the opportunity to make connections with professionals working in the field while you’re still studying. Start your Early Childhood career today!

Our courses

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)

This information is for domestic students. If you are international, click hereCertificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121 - Blended training [site_reviews_summary title="rate_summary" assigned_posts="post_id" class="course-full-rating"...

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121)

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121)

This information is for domestic students. If you are international, click hereDiploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50121 - Blended training [site_reviews_summary title="rate_summary" assigned_posts="post_id" class="course-full-rating"...

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40221)

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40221)

This information is for domestic students. If you are international, click hereCertificate IV in School Based Education Support CHC40221 - Blended training [site_reviews_summary title="rate_summary" assigned_posts="post_id" class="course-full-rating"...

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (International)

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (International)

This information is for international students. If you are domestic, click hereDiploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (International) CHC50121 - Blended training [site_reviews_summary title="rate_summary" assigned_posts="post_id" class="course-full-rating"...

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