Any early childhood teachers out there?

[Floweryfields]

Earning potential in childcare is (for first year out) around $22/hr. You also would only receive the 4 weeks annual leave per year and not those that teachers get. Also no paid maternity leave, etc. and conditions aren't as great as possibly in the school setting.

Each year you might go up a $ or so an hour but it ends up getting capped at probably close to the $30 mark - so definitely not the potential you have if you work in a school.

[Emma09]

Thanks ladies- you have certainly given me plenty to think about.
I have previously worked in a primary school as a teachers aide- so I guess I could really weigh up the pro's and con's using those experiences.
I have also thought of furthering those qualifications to kind of dip my toe in the water so to speak.

[Sunny Love]

I did the Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Stdies at ECU Mt Lawley here in Pertn WA. I say do it. Getting a permanent position in a GOVT school over here is very hard, be it full time or part time, there's a lot of teachers compared to the amount of positions. Not sure about your state, but i'd say it would be a similar situation. However, I still say do it. There are lots of avenues, besides a CCC. There's independent schools, like Montessori, then theres private education, that focuses on religion. You could also open your own family daycare.

I'd also like to point out that CCC are evolving in my state. I hope so in yours. Do not count them out for employment. I did have (before DD) a full time position in a CCC as an Early Childhood Teacher. I earnt 52k per annum, same as a graduate teacher in a GOVT school, I held the same responsibility as a teacher would, BUT had more assistants able to input into the the curriculum and assist learning opportunities. CCC are no longer drop-off centres, they are becoming 'leearning environments' for 'very young people'. There is also a push for schooling and kindy to start younger, so you never know in that respect also, job opportunites could increase in the next 4 years.

I do relief work, and love it to bits. In the 3 years since i've graduated i've been offered one permanent position, and I was in labour with DD when it was offered to me over the phone (yes I still took calls! ) I declined. I enjoy relief because it comes with no 'afterhours' burden. I dont mark, asses or report, I just facilitate learning, and be with the kids. Its magical.

Do it, part time or full time. If you have the passion to learn more, then its your current calling.