How to become an early childhood professional
Assist parents in caring for and supervising their children.
Pathways to this career
- Aspiring early childhood professionals need to complete an undergraduate degree in early childhood education and teaching
- f you've already graduated with a bachelor degree in another field, redirect your pathway with a postgraduate qualification in early childhood education.
- Maintain a Working with Children licence and comprehensive First Aid Certificate.
- Register as an early childhood professional with the Department of Education in your state or territory.
What does an early childhood professional do?
Early childhood professionals and nannies assist parents in the provision of ongoing care and supervision for babies and children, usually in the child's home.
Duties and tasks
- Assists in the preparation of materials and equipment for children's education and recreational activities.
- Manages children's behaviour and guides children's social development.
- Prepares and conducts activities for children.
- Entertains children by reading and playing games.
- Supervises children in recreational activities.
- Supervises the daily routine of children.
- Supervises the hygiene of children.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Discover related degrees
Undergraduate UNE-ECE-DEG
Postgraduate SWI-ECT-GDI
Undergraduate SCU-ECP-DEG
Undergraduate CUR-ECE-DEG
Postgraduate GRF-EEC-GCE
Postgraduate ACU-TEC-MAS
Undergraduate LAT-ECE-DEG
Discover related subjects
Undergraduate CUR-EDE413
Undergraduate CUR-EDE260
Undergraduate TAS-EDU104
Related degrees
Step up your career with these resources
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
Humans of Open Universities Australia: Meet our Content Lead, Cat
A ‘braided river’ career path, a crystal ball moment from Bill Gates, and a heartfelt letter with complete disregard for the third wall—here's Cat.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.
We're here to guide you there
Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.