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    Make a difference in the lives of young children and build a meaningful career

    If you’re still at school, or are about to finish and are thinking about your next steps, why not consider a career in early childhood?

    Early childhood educators and teachers have loads of energy, are creative, patient, and passionate about helping young children to learn and thrive.

    With more job opportunities than ever before, and financial support to help while you study, now is the time to explore a fulfilling and flexible career in early childhood.

    There are a range of ways you can launch your career in early childhood education.

    Still in school?

    Get an early start on your early childhood career while you’re still at school. If you’re in years 10 to 13, these options might interest you.

    Take a vocational education and training (VET) pathway and get on the job, or off the job training while you’re at school completing the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). For more information, visit studentpathways.sa.edu.au/vet-pathways.

    Gain practical experience on the job while studying a school-based traineeship. As a school-based trainee, you can study the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and receive SACE credits to count towards achieving your SACE while earning a wage.  To find out more visit studentpathways.sa.edu.au/connect-with-employers.

    For resources to help explore career pathways and career decision-making visit myfuture.edu.au

    Finished school, or finishing in 2024?

    If you have finished school or are about to graduate, there are a range of ways to pursue an early childhood career. Start with hands-on learning through vocational education, or apply for uni and get qualified to teach.

    Become an educator

    Educators work directly with children to support their wellbeing, learning and development. To become an early childhood educator, you’ll need a certificate III or diploma in early childhood education and care.
    Study and complete a diploma, and you could be eligible for up to $7000 of financial support from the Government of South Australia.

    Start your journey to become an educator with a VET pathway. Some TAFE SA courses are offered fee-free to eligible students including the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Learn more at tafesa.edu.au/fee-free

    The Government of South Australia also subsidises the certificate III and diploma courses in early childhood education and care at a range of providers across South Australia. For more information on eligibility visit My Training | Get qualifications to build your career (skills.sa.gov.au)

    If you want to combine work and study, a traineeship might be for you. Traineeships can be undertaken at either the certificate III or diploma levels. For more information visit My Training | Trainees & apprentices (skills.sa.gov.au).

    Become a teacher

    Preschool teachers create inspiring, interesting, and age-appropriate learning and development environments, while driving opportunities that help every child thrive. To become a teacher you’ll need a university degree.

    Enrol in and complete an undergraduate degree and you could be eligible for up to $25,000 of financial support.

    In South Australia, Flinders University and UniSA offer the following degrees in early childhood education:

    If you want to study at a university in another state, check your qualification is NQF approved | ACECQA.

    A male educator engaging with a 3-year-old student wearing an animated cape

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