Career Pathways

The Early Years and School Age Care Sector workforce includes a broad range of jobs, study and career options to explore.

Exploring Your Opportunities in the Education and Care Sector

You may choose to “earn and learn” – work in an entry level position or early career job that best fits your current interests and strengths while you continue to build your portfolio of skills through professional learning or accredited study.
“Career change” – you may transition to a job in the Sector, bringing with you skills and knowledge from a previous role/s. There are more than 1000 different occupations in Australia and many involve similar skills, day to day tasks, and work environments (some of which are surprising).
Some people’s initial introduction to the Early Years and School Age Care Sector is through study. On average, people who have gained relevant paid experience in the sector while studying have sped up their transition to full-time work significantly.

Is this the career for you? Take this quick quiz!

This is just a small sample of possible job roles and programs within the Early Years and School Age Care Sector:

Long Day Care – early childhood teacher, educator, room leader, director, cook, cleaner
Outside School Hours Care – program leader, educator
Family Day Care – educator, business owner, field worker
In Home Care – educator, co-ordinator
Child and Family Centre – program leader, family liaison
Occasional Care – educator, manager
Early years of school – teacher, teacher’s aide, principal
Educating and training for childhood professionals – trainer, assessor, consultant
Policy, regulation, and assessment
Governance
Research
Allied Health Practitioners
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
Home-based programs
Volunteer settings
Play Groups
Outreach and mobile services
Hospital-based programs
Early intervention services