Whether you are starting your career, advancing your career or considering a change, there are many pathways you can take to gain qualifications to work in the early childhood sector.
Start your studies at school
You can begin exploring a career in early childhood education and care while you are still at school.
A school-based traineeship or vocational education and training (VET) course can help you gain practical experience and work towards a qualification while completing your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
You may be able to study a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care through your school, TAFE Queensland or another registered training organisation. Ask your school guidance officer or VET coordinator for your options.
If you are interested in becoming an early childhood teacher, ask your guidance officer about senior subjects, university entry requirements and any opportunities to
study university subjects while at school.
Advancing your career
You can build your skills through professional development and further study, giving you more opportunities to grow and move into different roles across the sector.
Read more about the range of
supports, subsidies, financial incentives and professional development opportunities to progress your career.
Changing careers
You may not have thought about university when leaving school and have now decided to become an ECT. You can either enter through the
Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) or through the university application process at your preferred university.
You will have to talk to your university about how to manage prerequisites. Each university will be slightly different. Prerequisites for early childhood teaching include English, maths and science.
If you already hold:
- an
approved early childhood qualification, speak to a university about credit towards an early childhood teaching Bachelor Degree
- a
degree in another field or a
secondary teaching degree, you can do post-graduate studies. Check the ACECQA website for approved qualification options in masters and graduate certifications
- a
primary teaching degree, check if it is listed as an
ACECQA approved qualification. If it isn't on the list, you can enrol in post-graduate studies at a university; or
if you are a registered teacher, enrol in an approved Certificate III or higher early childhood qualification.
Teacher registration is not currently required by law to work as an ECT in Queensland, however some employers seek ECTs who are registered. The
Queensland College of Teachers can help with registration requirements.
Visit
course seeker to find a teaching qualification that is right for you.
Financial assistance
You may be eligible to study early childhood qualifications and training with free or reduced fees. Visit the
free and reduced-cost training page to explore your options and check your eligibility.
If you are studying an education degree at university, you may be eligible for a
Commonwealth supported place. Eligible students may also be able to access a government loan, such as
HECS-HELP or
FEE-HELP, to help pay their fees.