The first six years of life are the most crucial period in a child’s development and the education that they receive during those years is known to have a life-long impact.
Early childhood educators play a vital role in helping children build the foundations of their communication, cognitive, motor, social, and emotional skills, to set them up for success in school and life. A career in early learning childhood can be very rewarding for people who have a passion for working with children and for supporting them in their early years. The early childhood education sector is growing and there is a vast range of employment and career progression opportunities.
Where To Start?
If you’re considering a career in early childhood education, the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the nationally recognised entry-level qualification you will need to become an educator. It can be done as a traineeship or apprenticeship, so you can be paid to work while you are studying. Trainees can also receive mentorship from industry leaders, so you feel supported in your journey. With a Certificate III, you will be able to apply for educator or room assistant roles at a childcare centre.
Once you are a qualified early childhood educator, you can decide to advance your career with additional qualifications.
Career Progression Opportunities in Early Childhood Education
The next step from a Certificate III qualification is the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The Diploma will allow you to build on your leadership skills and progress your early childhood education career to roles like educational leader, room leader, or nominated supervisor.
If you are interested in a leadership role, you can also decide to progress to roles such as assistant director (2nd in charge), centre director (nominated supervisor), or area manager. Centre directors typically look after the day-to-day management of the centre, and make sure it is compliant with the local and national regulations, but they are more than just a boss. Centre directors are also leaders, confident communicators, and exceptional problem-solvers. They are the primary point of contact for families and are responsible for building respectful, collaborative, and lasting relationships with families and the wider community.
Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher
If your goal is to become an early childhood teacher, then the next step is to complete a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. The role or early childhood teachers is to create lesson plans that supports young children in their learning and development, as well as their social, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Early childhood teachers also work with families and health professionals to ensure each child’s individual needs are met.
Roles in early childhood education are varied and there are many opportunities for professional growth in the sector. If you love working with children and are passionate about seeing them learn and grow, a career in early childhood education could be perfect for you. Working at an early learning centre also comes with a vast range of benefits and opportunities such as:
- Discounted childcare fees
- Further education and training opportunities
- Supportive leadership team
- Flexible working hours and a good work/life balance
- Career progression opportunities
Montessori Academy offers traineeships for people who are new to the early childhood education sector. We also offer excellent Montessori training and childcare career advancement opportunities, as well as many staff incentives. Educators who wish to take their careers further may have the opportunity to complete a fully-funded ECT Bachelor Degree while working with Montessori Academy.
Learn more about job opportunities in Montessori early education by enquiring online here.