The Benefits of Working in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector

Have you ever considered a career in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector?
Working in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector is perfect for anyone who loves nurturing children’s welfare while assisting with their development. It is also an incredibly diverse industry, allowing those with qualifications to work in a wide variety of roles and ensure they find work well-suited to them. Roles can include working as an Early Childhood Educator, a Playgroup Supervisor and Out of Hours School Care Educator or Assistant.

Enjoyable Work
Regardless of what Early Childhood Education and Care field you work in, one thing is guaranteed, no two days will ever be the same. Working with children means you will always be tackling new challenges by engaging with the children in your care and helping them learn. Early Childhood Education and Care workers often have to perform a variety of tasks, including planning activities, supervising play, and facilitating learning tasks. In just one day of work, you will read books, sing songs and play games.
Many people who work in the industry report that the most rewarding aspect of their job is forging meaningful relationships with children while helping them grow. Early Childhood Education and Care workers not only teach children skills like reading, they also demonstrate to them how to interact with others in a kind and meaningful way. While every job will have days that are harder than others, in Early Childhood Education and Care you can go home always knowing you’ve had a positive impact on the children in your care.

A Growing Sector
The Early Childhood Education and Care sector has been growing in Australia for more than two decades. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of children enrolled only in formal Early Childhood Education and Care rose from 9 per cent in 1996 to 19 per cent in 2017.

ABS figures demonstrate the growth in formal Early Childhood Education and Care. GRAPH: Pat Callanan

Before COVID-19, roles in Early Childhood Education and Care were expected to rise by almost 20 per cent by 2024. While job growth has been negatively affected in many industries as a result of COVID-19, Early Childhood Education and Care remains strong. The Australian Government predicts that Early Childhood Education and Care job growth will remain “very strong” over the next five years, the highest rating awarded to a sector’s predicted job growth. As Early Childhood Education and Care continues to grow in Australia it is proving to be an essential Sector which many people rely on, meaning the jobs it provides are secure and stable.

How to Enter the Sector
The minimum qualification required to work in Early Childhood Education and Care is the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Students in this qualification learn how to implement an approved learning framework and support children’s wellbeing, learning and development. The successful completion of this qualification allows you work in areas including Early Childhood Education and Care, Family Day Care, Outside School Hours Care and Nannying.
The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a more extensive qualification that provides you with the skills to design and implement curriculum in Early Childhood Education and Care services. This qualification is ideal for anyone seeking leadership roles in Early Childhood Education and Care such as a Coordinator or Manger role. The Diploma also includes work placement in a licensed and registered Early Childhood Education and Care service, providing you with essential on the ground skills and experience.