Teacher - Early Childhood (NSW)

Teacher - Early Childhood (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become an early childhood teacher you usually have to study education at university, specialising in early childhood. Alternatively, you can complete a bachelor degree in a related area, followed by a postgraduate qualification in education, specialising in early childhood.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in education specialising in early childhood. They may be available by distance education. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree, as well as teaching experience or work experience with young children. A number of universities in Australia offer postgraduate courses in education specialising in early childhood. They may be available by distance education. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

In order to be employed as a school teacher in NSW, you must meet the NSW Institute of Teachers accreditation requirements and pay the institute an annual fee. Teaching in government schools in NSW and the ACT requires registration with the Department of Education and Training in that state/territory. Contact the relevant department for further information.

Practical placements are usually required in education courses. Before undertaking practical placements in NSW schools, you must sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration and obtain a Working with Children Check, issued by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People. In the ACT, the Children and Young People Commissioner is in the process of introducing safety checks for people who work with children. A police clearance is required before commencing the practical component of teaching courses.

Teachers are required by mandatory reporting laws to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Early childhood teachers are employed in education and care services for children aged 0-8 years by state and territory education departments, independent schools or child care centres. They may work in metropolitan or remote areas, or Aboriginal communities.

Self-employment opportunities exist as the proprietor of a private preschool or child care centre. Other opportunities may be available as home tutors.