Any early childhood teachers out there?

[MrsFabuloso]

:-( can't do the 0-12 years degree externally :-(
So disappointing!

I would LOVE to be a kindergarten teacher- but I fear there may not be many positions available for reasons some PP's have mentioned.
If that is the case, and I end up working in a childcare centre, not my first preference due to long hours and poor pay, then I may as well have just done a Diploma in children's services IYKWIM?

You can, but you have to do the 0-5yrs one first. I did and will be trying to get into the primary teaching one for next yr.

[Amaunet]

There are 0-8 quals around. B.Teach is offered by distance at UNE in NSW. If you are employed in a school (in NSW) you may find that while you are initially employed to teach infants (kinder to year 2) you are actually "allowed" to teach in the Primary classes. The earning potential in schools is much higher than in preschool/daycare setting and I honestly can't see it changing, as how will the centers afford it?

[Emma09]

You can, but you have to do the 0-5yrs one first. I did and will be trying to get into the primary teaching one for next yr.

Just on this- how many years extra study is it to add to your qualifications?

[snikkers1]

Wages for Early childhood Teachers in LDC etc can vary depending on whether it is private owned, community based or even council run as I know council run centres are under a different award so wages are higher (this is in NSW anyway, I am not sure about other states). Also with the changes coming in with the regulations ECT's will be in higher demand so you may find that wages etc may change as they may need to offer better incentives for people to stay in EC instead of moving to primary school.

Employment wise you can get positions at LDC centres on the floor with children or as a Director/manager of a centre, there are some other positions that you can obtain with this degree also such as co-ordinating for Family day care or positions with other agencies that involve work and contact with children.

Good luck with deciding what to study.

[MrsFabuloso]

A thought just occured to me that you have to have your Diploma to study the Bach Ed. 0-5's externally. Do you have that? I think I read that you didn't.....

[Emma09]

Thanks snikkers and 3LM.
I don't have my diploma....
But what is a Special tertiary admissions test?

[Emma09]

The curtin university course lists no pre requisites?

[MrsFabuloso]

Maybe it's different for all of the unis that do it externally, you might have to research it. I did mine through Charles Sturt Uni in NSW, and I had to have my degree as a prerequisite, unless it has changed, it's been about 4yrs since I finished it. You can do it though any uni though, you don't have to be from the same state that the uni is in.

[Razzberry]

I did a bachelor of Education and have been working for 6 years. I did it as I wanted options - childcare centres, preschools, play therapists etc. I am working in a school and the dollars are heaps better!! From talking to peeps I went to uni with I am at least 20-30k better off a year. I love it!