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Become an early childhood teacher or educator

Thinking about a career in early childhood? Learn how to get started and explore the scholarships, financial support and job opportunities available.

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The best start for your career

If you’ve always wanted a career where you can shape young minds, now’s your time to make a difference.

We’re offering generous financial support for you to get qualified in early childhood education or to upskill. That means you can earn while you learn and get the best start for your career.

Our approach, designed in collaboration with the early childhood and tertiary education sectors, includes:

Once you’ve finished studying, you can also be supported with employment incentives and relocation support.

How we’ll support your career

Professional development and career information for current early childhood professionals.

Molly’s experience as an early childhood teacher

https://player.vimeo.com/video/894748287?autoplay=0

View transcript

Scholarships

Financial support is available while you study to become an early childhood teacher or educator.

Whether you’re just starting your study or are upskilling, to become an early childhood teacher or educator, there may be a scholarship to help you on your way. Scholarship funding can help with:

The Early Childhood Scholarships Program offers financial support of up to $25,000 (before tax) for early childhood teaching qualifications and up to $7,000 (before tax) for educators upskilling to a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

The Early Childhood Aboriginal Pathways Scholarships Program offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people financial support of up to $34,000 (before tax) to become an early childhood teacher or educator.

Find financial support

Study and career pathways

So, you’re interested in a career in early childhood education? Here’s a quick overview of the ways to become an early childhood teacher or educator.

Early childhood pathways infographic

A diagram shows the two pathways in early childhood education: through a degree at a university, you can become an early childhood teacher. Or you can study a vocational course a TAFE, like a Certificate III or Diploma, and become an educator, then upskill to a teacher later by doing a degree.

Looking for early childhood education courses?

Find accredited in-person and online courses with our interactive map.

Find courses

What do kinder teachers and educators do?

Early childhood teachers and educators work with young children in the years before they start primary school.

As a kindergarten teacher, you will work with educators and other health and wellbeing professionals to design and lead a play-based learning program for young children to support their development.

As an educator, you will work with teachers to deliver the play-based learning program for children.

Quality, play-based learning can be life-changing for children’s learning and development, including:

You’ll have a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of young children and their families.

Where can I work in early childhood education?

Early childhood education takes place through quality kindergarten programs across Victoria - at standalone kindergartens or in long daycare centres.

With so many opportunities available, you’ll be able to work anywhere in the state in a range of settings, including those run by:

Hear from early childhood teachers about their experiences

https://player.vimeo.com/video/362182210?autoplay=0

View transcript

How to become an early childhood teacher (or kindergarten teacher)

To become an early childhood teacher, you need a degree in early childhood education. You have multiple pathways to choose from, depending on your current qualifications and experience:

During your studies, you’ll attend classes at university or study online (or both!). You’ll also gain practical experience by undertaking placements in various early childhood settings.

Different universities have different requirements and options, so contact your preferred university for more details.

After you become a teacher, you need to register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Find out more by visiting the VIT website.

Study support through partnerships

We’re here to help you succeed in your early childhood education career. We’ve teamed up with selected universities, TAFEs and RTOs through our Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships (ECTP) program. Through this program, an extra 2,000 students will be supported to get their early childhood teaching or educator qualification, with 11 different options available across the state. While you’re getting qualified, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

These programs commenced in 2024 and range from:

Learn more about ECTP

How to become an early childhood educator

If you’re interested in becoming an early childhood educator, there are different VET qualifications available:

You can also start your studies by completing a:

Your school’s careers advisor can provide more advice.

Study early childhood courses through Free TAFE

With Free TAFE, you can now access early childhood education courses tuition fee-free. Choose from:

Eligibility criteria:

Get qualified as an educator through Free TAFE

Take advantage of this opportunity to become a qualified fee-free.

Enquire now

Updated 26 March 2026

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