How to become an Early Childhood Educator

Find out why ETC’s Trainers in Early Childhood Education and Care are passionate about mentoring the next generation

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 6998), ETC is helping to create more awareness about the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector – in particular, Traineeships in Early Childhood Education and Care.

ETC Trainers Rachel Doyle and Marie Mathieson are passionate about supporting both Trainees and their employers to thrive in the industry.

Rachel and Marie share their stories below and some tips for aspiring Early Childhood Educators.

Ladies, tell us about your background in the Child Care Services industry.

Rachel: I have always enjoyed being with children and babysat from an early age for many families. I trained as a Montessori teacher and worked in Ireland and America before being asked to assist with a Centre in Western Australia. From there I had an opportunity to work in the Blue Mountains running a Centre, which I accepted. (I had two children of my own at that stage). I ended up buying the business after 2 years and it became a Montessori long daycare Centre. I upgraded my studies and completed a Bachelor of Early Childhood. Throughout my 16yrs as a licensee, I had the pleasure of ensuring high-quality care and education for numerous children and families. I also became a Trainer and Assessor during that time and trained many students in various RTO’s. They often completed practical hours at my Centre.

Marie: I’ve been working in Children’s Services since I began studying Early Childhood Teaching at Macquarie University in 1989. I’ve worked in both preschools and long day care services in Sydney and then on the North Coast. I’ve been a Support Worker, a Teacher and a Director. I still work one day a week in a beautiful preschool.

How did you end up becoming a Trainer in Early Childhood Education and Care?

Rachel: Friends of mine owned an RTO and their child attended my Centre. They approached me to teach and once I did, I was hooked. I really enjoy passing on skills and knowledge and mentoring students to be the best they can be, in an exciting industry.

Marie: I’ve been a trainer for various RTOs, including TAFE for the past ten years, delivering units in the Diploma and Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care. After working as a Director for seven years, I needed a change and actually started teaching English as a second language to overseas visitors. I started teaching children and then adults. This gave me the impetus to move on to teaching early childhood to adults – my area of expertise.

What do you love about being a Trainer in the Child Care Services industry?

Rachel: I love meeting new people. I enjoy hearing their stories and the goals they wish to achieve. I enjoy helping them to achieve these goals, no matter how big or small. I really enjoy teaching in a fun and interesting way, being hands-on and playing games so everyone feels relaxed and motivated.

Marie: I love conveying to students the value and deep satisfaction of working with young children and their families. It’s a real job that can be challenging but ultimately rewarding.

Tell us about the role you have to play in the local community – linking local businesses to trainees (with the help of Apprenticeships Centres)

Rachel: My role in the community is to build a positive rapport with stakeholders, so they feel confident taking on students/trainees and understand the benefits for them and everyone involved. I assure them of my presence throughout their time in the business and am only a phone call away. I educate them on the courses and training we provide and the support avenues we provide to employees.

Marie: I have supported many trainees over my time and am currently supporting a trainee working in the industry. The experience she is gaining as she learns is invaluable. I have also made a connection to a local Indigenous elder and have had the privilege of having her visit my service on many occasions and share culture with us.

What are some of the key skills and attributes that Early Childhood Educators would need to be successful in their role?

Rachel:

• Patience
• A loving and kind heart
• Respect for everyone
• Organized
• Positive
• Resourceful
• Flexible
• Diverse
• Fun

Marie: A passion for working with young children and their families is important. Early Childhood Educators also need to have a positive work ethic, be hardworking, caring, flexible and reasonably fit. Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are also important but these skills can be developed.

In addition to an accredited VET qualification, what are some other certificates or tickets that someone would need to obtain to work in this industry?

Rachel:

• First aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training
• Working with children check
• Police check (in some Centres)

Marie: People need a Working With Children Check clearance number. They also need a first aid certificate but this is gained by doing the qualification.

What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring Early Childhood Educators?

Rachel: Working in the Child Care Services industry is very rewarding. It can be stressful and busy but also lots of fun. It is important to like children to work in this industry and to go in with an open mind and lots of compassion in your heart. Young children are finding their way in the world and we are often the first people they are introduced to outside the home. We must help them develop a sense of Belonging and feel safe and secure. When children feel secure, they have the opportunity to learn about the world around them and this is fascinating and a privilege to witness and be a part of.

Marie: Give it a go! It’s a rewarding job and in high demand. The national qualifications mean you can work anywhere in Australia.