early childhood teacher.

Some of the tasks of an early childhood teacher include:

• planning learning activities: you plan classroom and outdoor activities for the children. For instance, you can develop songs or games to build their interest in learning. The learning activities should also develop their social, physical and emotional skills. Introducing learning activities that improve children's self-confidence and allow them to use various equipment and materials is crucial.
• building children's language and vocabulary: as an early childhood teacher, you use storytelling skills, music, drama and class discussions to help the children develop their language skills. The learning activities should also enrich their vocabulary.
• teaching children personal hygiene and safety: as an early childhood teacher, you impart knowledge in various social skills and help them with personal hygiene. For instance, you promote health and safety concepts in class. You also train children on personal hygiene like handwashing and good eating habits.
• detecting signs of developmental problems: as an early childhood teacher, you determine children's individual needs. If a child has a learning disability, you should detect developmental issues and ensure they get help. You also assist children with behavioural issues and emotional problems.
• liaising with parents and teachers: as an early childhood teacher, you perform administrative duties like keeping the class register, marking pupils' work and recording their performance. You also communicate with parents and other teachers on issues affecting the children.
• participating in school committees and events: as an early childhood teacher, you participate in events and committees to organise school activities. For instance, if the school organises an excursion, you attend planning meetings and supervise children during the trips.

As an early childhood teacher, you work in government-owned pre-schools, community childcare centres and kindergartens. You spend most of the day helping children with learning activities in classrooms. You also participate in various outdoor activities like supervising children in the playground. The role involves minimal travelling since young children rarely go for field trips or outdoor activities outside schools.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include primary teachers, early childhood educators, special education teachers, PE teachers and assistant educators. You might also be working close to childcare workers, social workers, coordinators, and other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, development advisors, educational leaders, psychologists, secondary teachers, and education officers.

An early childhood teacher works regular school hours. That means you work from 8 am to 3 pm. Most of your workdays start early in the morning. You may work overtime to prepare the learning activities or complete marking classwork for children. Most early childhood teachers work full-time, but you can take up tutoring roles part-time since you complete lessons early. You can also provide tutoring services online or work from home. Some early childhood teachers work on short-term contracts.

Early childhood teachers have numerous opportunities for career progression. For instance, you could progress to an education coordinator or programme manager role. Some early childhood teachers become education programme directors and out-of-school service workers. Alternatively, specialise and become a special education teacher. When you have extensive years of experience, you can manage a licenced childcare centre.

Finding your early childhood teacher job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an early childhood teacher is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

There is a rising demand for early childhood teachers in Australia due to the increasing number of children needing education. The projected job growth rate is 17.2% in five years, which means the demand is increasing gradually to match the growing number of learners.

Early childhood educators in Australia take home an average salary of $73,000 annually. The remuneration package usually depends on work experience and educational qualifications. When you are new in the role, your earnings start at $70,000 annually but can increase to over $75,000 annually with expertise.

In Australia, you should complete a bachelor's degree in education or pursue a diploma in early childhood education. You can pursue a postgraduate qualification in early education to advance in the role. Work experience is also an important factor during hiring.

As an early childhood educator, you require patience and empathy with young children. Children are full of curiosity and excitement, but their impulsive, reactive natures require patience. As an early childhood teacher, empathy helps you understand and assist children. It is also essential to be organised to keep up with the hectic work schedules and tasks.

As an early childhood teacher, you teach young children a basic knowledge of the pre-primary school curriculum. For instance, you focus on basic literacy and counting skills and promote the holistic development of children. You also take care of children's well-being and help them develop an interest in creative activities.

Applying for an early childhood teacher job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our early childhood teacher job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.