Guide to careers in early childhood education

This guide for Victorian career practitioners is designed to support conversations with secondary school students who are exploring study and career options. It provides up-to-date information about the pathways into early childhood education — a growing sector with strong demand and a range of rewarding careers across Victoria.

What does this information guide cover?

• Reasons why early childhood education is a meaningful and in-demand career
• Study pathways that are available during school and afterwards
• Roles and career progression opportunities across the early childhood sector
• Financial supports like Free TAFE and scholarships to help with study

Why choose a career in early childhood education?

Make an impact and give children the best start in life

Early childhood education is a values-driven career path that’s suited to students who are passionate about making a difference in their community. They will get to be creative while supporting children’s learning and growth through play.

Join an in-demand and growing sector with job security and opportunities for career progression

The Victorian Government’s investment in the Best Start, Best Life reforms means the early childhood education sector is growing. Thousands of jobs are being created across the state. The reforms include:

• expanding Three-and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, which will significantly increase the hours of play-based learning in the years before school
• establishing 50 government owned and operated early learning and childcare centres in areas of high demand.