Research shows there is an important link between qualified, capable educators and quality early childhood education experiences and outcomes.
University qualified early years and early childhood teachers delivering a kindergarten program in selected state schools guide the learning, wellbeing and development of children in an active, inquiry and play-based learning environment.
As a teacher delivering a kindergarten program, you will have a rewarding career and opportunities for ongoing professional learning, progression into leadership roles, fulfilling work and the chance to work in regional and remote locations.
You can expect to be teaching kindergarten in composite or multi-age classes or a non-composite setting, alongside colleagues who provide a strong start for all children as part of the K–12 state education system in Queensland.
Benefits
Teaching State Delivered Kindergarten (SDK) offers many benefits, including:
- Providing a rich learning environment where children can build confidence as learners.
- Promoting the importance of the early years in school by delivering a quality early childhood program.
- Being valued and part of a local community.
- Access to competitive salaries, financial allowances, additional leave entitlements and relocation benefits.
- Seeking adventure, career growth and permanent employment opportunities.
- Taking advantage of specialised induction programs and professional learning opportunities.
Fact sheet
Read the State Delivered Kindergarten fact sheet.
Apply to teach kindergarten in Queensland state schools
Kindergarten can be taught in
state schools prescribed to deliver kindergarten.
Becoming an early years teacher with the department
SDK teachers must hold an approved teaching qualification and be registered with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) and meet the mandatory requirements for teacher eligibility. As employees of the Department of Education, the Teaching in State Education Award 2016 applies.
There are many pathways to become a teacher in Queensland and enrolling in an
approved initial teacher education (ITE) program is the first step.
Applying to teach in Queensland
When you apply to teach with us, you’re applying to teach in Queensland’s state school system. The Teach Queensland website is the central point for all applicants seeking teacher employment in our state schools and is mandatory if you want to teach with us.
Submit your application. By nominating the
Early Phase sector as your qualified area (section 4 in the PDF application form), you will be included in the talent pool for State Delivered Kindergarten vacancies.
Teach Queensland
Visit the
Teach Queensland website to explore the steps to becoming a teacher and how you can apply to teach in our state schools.
Teacher stories
Bringing story time to life
Belinda, an educator at Valkyrie State School, loves bringing stories to life and creating joyful moments with children through laughter, imagination and connection.
'Storytime has always been my absolute favourite,' she says.
'I love bringing picture books to life with different voices, props and questions. Watching children laugh, imagine and giggle while I take them on adventure brings joy to all of us in the classroom.'
When she reflects on her career, some of Belinda's most joyful moments are also the quietest. She remembers one child who was unable to communicate verbally, however had other ways to show how much Belinda meant to her.
'Every morning when she arrived at school, she would greet me with the biggest smile. It was her way of showing me how happy she was to see me, and it always made my day.'
Sparking their curiosity
Liz is the Educational Leader at Wowan State School. She loves creating hands-on, play-based learning experiences that spark children's curiosity.
'There is something truly special about watching children discover something new, celebrate a small success, or beam with pride after mastering a new skill,' she says.
'Those everyday moments of excitement, achievement and shared joy are what make kindergarten such a rewarding place to be.'
Some of Liz's most joyful memories brought her all the way back to the first year of her career teaching kindergarten.
'I loved getting to know each child as an individual and watching them grow in confidence, learn new skills and develop throughout the year,' she says.
'Seeing children build friendships, eagerly share their ideas during group times and proudly participate in everyday activities was incredibly rewarding.'
Teaching the next generation