Any early childhood teachers out there?

[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.

[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!

[zap]

Emma you have re ignited my passion to start mine!! I was about to before I fell pg with ds 4 but put it on hold. I think my one was through curtin also. I plain on doing my cert III in 2013 so I can at least get into the industry whilst studying. Thanks to every one else that has given advice!

[Emma09]

Awesome Zap!
If I end up doing online through Curtin- you can help me :-)