Career Pathways in ECEC
See where an early learning career can take you!
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
There are lots of different career pathways available to early learning educators, and whether you’re new to the sector or sizing up a promotion, it’s definitely good to know that opportunities abound in early childhood education and care!
There are many different responsibilities and pay grades you can work towards, and although it’s pretty obvious that a Trainee can level up to be an Educator, you might not be totally across all the career trajectories available.
So, let’s get you up to speed.
Here’s a quick explanation of three career pathways that are recognised and in demand in the early learning sector, with inside info from Kim Keating.
Kim is Co-founder and CEO of Found Worx who, in an exclusive partnership with KindiCare, is focused on working with all candidates who register for work with KindiCare Jobs on the KindiCare App.
Kim is providing support and guidance in not only getting a job, but reaching your career goals, and she explains that the first career pathway in early learning is the educational pathway.
This involves you building your knowledge and career opportunities by way of dedicated study, and it’s good to know that there are three levels of joining the childcare sector with qualifications.
Kim says, “You can do a Certificate III, you can do a Diploma, or you can do a Bachelor, and all three qualification levels are direct entry points into the sector, which means you can start with no previous experience, other than those qualifications.”
Kim adds, “Each of these courses require students to complete ‘practical’ components to their studies, making the transition into your first early childhood educator role more seamless.”
Keep in mind, too, that you don’t have to be fully qualified from the get-go.
Kim says, “You may choose to join the sector as a Trainee, and can even be sponsored by your employer to gain your qualifications. There are a number of organisations that will pay you to complete your Cert III, Diploma or Bachelor, and there are lots of incentives for Trainees and those who have transferrable skills.”
Pay rates and job types with centres are often linked to education and qualification levels, so further study pathways are encouraged, and many employers offer flexible hours to support their studying staff.
This can make it easier to fit study around work (or vice versa), and once you’ve earnt your initial qualification, employers highly regard staff who are on a journey of professional development.
Seeking a higher qualification, such as a Bachelor, Graduate Diploma, Masters or even a PhD, can be great for your career, and the more qualified you are, the more pay you can attract.
It’s also good to know that the second career pathway available to you is the management pathway.
If you’re a passionate, committed and forward-thinking person, following the management route may suit you down to the ground, and up to the highest levels of an organisation!
Kim explains that, “It’s entirely possible to start as a trainee or Educator with a basic qualification, then work up to being a Room Leader, then a Centre Manager, Regional Manager, and potentially a Manager in an organisation’s head office,” and you don’t necessarily need high-level qualifications to do this.
There are a lot of training and development modules available to employees, which may be offered in your centre or externally, and undertaking these modules is a great way to work your way up through the ranks.
You also don’t need to be a natural born leader to advance your career via the management pathway, because although leadership is a quality that comes naturally to some people, it’s also something that can be learnt on the job.
Kim says, “While there may be centres that do require further qualifications to be eligible for their management pathways, this is not always the case. On-the-job experience and years of service and dedication also rate highly when employers look for raising talent and leadership qualities. Some Educators don’t realise that they may not need to have a Bachelor’s degree to be a Room Leader, or perhaps even a Centre Manager.”
The third career pathway in early childhood education and care is the specialisation pathway.
This pathway is perfect if you have a special interest and aptitude when it comes to a certain aspect of early learning and would like to take your professional life in this particular direction.
Kim says, “For example, if you’re an Educator you might specialise in early intervention for children with disabilities, and after working in a centre, you could then move to a community-based role for an organisation working alongside the NDIS.”
Opportunities within centres may also be available for Educators who choose to specialise in an area they have an identified need for.
Once again, financial sponsorship for gaining extra qualifications in a specific area can be available to employees who are interested in pursuing such pathways.
It’s also worth remembering that you don’t need to make a career change to reap professional rewards.
For instance, an early childhood teacher working in the same role for 20 years can get a lot out of their job, while staying on the same career path.
This is really important to remember when considering what you want from your career in early childhood education and care; and the great news is that there are tons of options open to you if you do want change or growth at any time in your career.
If you do feel like a new challenge, there’s certainly a fantastic range of roles to set your sights on.
KindiCare Jobs contains employment openings specific to the early learning sector, and our platform offers a really personalised recruitment experience.
We’ve partnered with Found Worx to support every applicant in an individualised way, and when you register for work with KindiCare Jobs, Kim and her team at Found Worx will spring into action!
They’ll send you information about career pathways and Trainee opportunities if you’re not quite ready for the role you’ve applied for, and if you’re more experienced and qualified, Found Worx will work with you, one-on-one, to get the very best out of your application and career aspirations.
The bespoke recruitment service offered by Found Worx is completely free for people who register with KindiCare for work, but absolutely priceless if you’re looking for a great early learning career, so register today and Kim and her team will be in touch!
