Study to be an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher in Australia
Australia has a very large and highly-regulated Early Childhood Education and Care sector. In other countries this industry might be referred to as preschool, nursery school, or pre-kindergarten. In Australia it is often referred to as 'kindy'.
Early childhood education covers birth to 5 years old. However, for early childhood teachers holding a bachelor, some states also include early primary. This level of education helps children prepare for the transition to full-time school and develops their learning & social skills. day may include painting and drawing, being read books, drama and dance, playing outdoors developing coordination and physical skills, and art classes. They learn to interact with other children and follow structured routines/activities.
Due to the high cost of l often resulting in both parents working, more and more Australian families a rely on early childhood centres. The Australian government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS) scheme sees up to 90% of childcare education costs covered for many families. As a result, the high demand for teachers is expected to grow into the future. As a result, gaining a qualification in this industry may lead to skilled migration.
Study Early Childhood Education on a Student Visa
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care
This entry-level course is studied at the Vocational Education and Training (VET) level.
Potential roles:
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Early Childhood Educator
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Early Childhood Assistant Educator
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Family Day Care Educator
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After- Hours Care Educator
The average hourly wage for educators with the Certificate III is approximately $23/hour.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care
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This too is studied at the Vocational Education and Training (VET) level. However, it is also available as a Higher Education Diploma, which is more expensive.
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The Certificate III is a prerequisite to be allowed to take the Diploma. Most international students will study both courses, as the diploma is considered the industry standard. In addition, attaining a diploma after a minimum of 92 weeks of study could result in the Temporary Graduate 485 Visa (Graduate Work Stream) for the role of Childcare Centre Manager. Please consult with a migration agent or lawyer for any study decisions based on potential for skilled migration.
Each course is one year long. The average price for the two-year combined qualification at the VET level is approximately $18,000-$20,000.
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The Diploma at the Higher Education level is approximately $25-$30,000, depending on where you study.
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Potential roles when you hold this Diploma:
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Early Childhood Educator
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Family Day Care Coordinator
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Team Leader
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After- Hours Care Coordinator
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If you hold a Diploma, you may be eligible for up to 1.5 years of credit towards the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
The average salary for educators who hold a diploma is approximately $1,100 a week, based on government-monitored award wages.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
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This course is studied at the Higher Education (HE) level.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Is a 4-year degree. Ensure your degree is recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved early childhood qualification for Early Childhood Teachers.
Potential roles:
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Early Educator Director
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Early Childhood Teacher
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The average salary for teachers who hold a bachelor is approximately $1800 for those with a bachelor degree, based on government-monitored award wages.
As with any bachelor degree, graduates are eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Post-Higher Education Work Stream).
On average, the tuition is approximately $75,000-$100,000 spread over the 4 years.
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The average salary for educators who hold a diploma is approximately $1,800 a week, based on government-monitored award wages.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care
This entry-level course is studied at the Vocational Education and Training (VET) level.
Potential roles:
​
-
Early Childhood Educator
-
Early Childhood Assistant Educator
-
Family Day Care Educator
-
After- Hours Care Educator