Careers in early childhood - a Queensland perspective

Contributed by the The Early Childhood Teachers’ Association

The Early Childhood Teachers’ Association (ECTA) is a Queensland based professional association that advocates for and supports the professional learning of early childhood educators. ECTA represents professionals working with children from birth to 8 years of age across all early childhood settings. ECTA is committed to promoting continuity across early childhood and between school and prior to school settings.

The early childhood sector in Queensland is undergoing a series of reforms linked to the Commonwealth Government’s early childhood agenda. There is a renewed focus and momentum around the importance of early education and care and the role of educators in creating meaningful and relevant learning programs for young children and constructive partnerships with parents and carers.

The early childhood education and care sector in Queensland is represented by diverse service delivery options that respond to the needs of families and children. Careers in early childhood are as diverse as the service delivery options and include opportunities in prior to school settings and the early years of school. Queensland is a diverse state represented by metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities. While these communities are all different, families still embrace the importance of early childhood education – be it through distance education, small or large schools or local playgroups, Queensland presents many opportunities for professionals interested in a career in early childhood.

Career opportunities

Prior to school settings include:

• Long day care
• Family day care
• Occasional care
• Community or private kindergartens and preschools

Qualifications required in prior to school settings vary depending on the role undertaken and span Certificate to Bachelor level. Information about the qualifications required to work in prior to school settings can be found on the Child Care Regulation 2003 Handbook.

Early years of school

The early years of school span Prep to Year 3 across state, catholic and independent schools. To teach in a Queensland school, candidates must be registered with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). Qualifications approved by the QCT for teacher registration can be found at the Queensland College of Teachers website and candidates must apply directly to the QCT for registration. Mutual recognition arrangements exist for teachers currently registered in other states and territories with the exception of New South Wales.

To teach in a Queensland school, registered teachers must approach the employing authority with whom they are seeking employment e.g. Education Queensland, Catholic diocesan office or Independent school.

Future directions

ECTA is optimistic that the future for early childhood in Queensland will be strong with additional teachers required to teach in the 240 new kindergartens being built by the state government and the proposed requirements for 4 year early childhood trained teachers in child care. For more information about the ECTA activities, partnerships and advocacy for early childhood educators in Queensland.