We have 2 males at my kids childcare and the girls love them. I think it is great to have males in the industry but unfortunately it doesn't seem to be an industry that is attractive to males. I think the view that it is underpaid and "women's work" so men don't consider it as a career option.

I think you have a good chance of getting work with all the volunteer work you have done and applying for your course - it shows a genuine interest in the field. If you decide to go on to uni as a mature age student and do teaching your work experience in childcare will certainly be an advantage for you. You may even look at kinder teaching if you really want to stay working with pre-schoolers.