Role and responsibilities

Early childhood teachers implement high quality play-based educational programs using intentional teaching practices. Operating under the National Quality Framework, they help all children make a strong start in life and learning, ensuring a successful transition to school.

Early childhood teachers are responsible for the education and care of preschool children, supported by a School Learning and Support Officer (SLSO) or Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) who holds, or is working towards, an ACECQA-approved qualification.

Work activities

A typical work day for an early childhood teacher in a NSW public school will involve:

• implementing the planning cycle by observing, assessing, and documenting children's learning through the elements of the Early Years Learning Framework (including vision, principles, practices, and learning outcomes), to inform effective curriculum decision-making aligned with the National Quality Framework
• integrating play-based learning and intentional teaching underpinned by the practices of the Early Years Learning Framework (e.g., being responsive to a child's needs)
• supporting children's learning and development through play by balancing child-led exploration with teacher initiated and scaffolded learning experiences
• collaborating with teachers across year levels to ensure smooth transitions for children, including creating digital transition to school statements, planning transition and orientation programs, and meeting with colleagues to support continuity through information sharing
• implementing the Child Safe Standards, ensuring child-safe environments that meet the NQF requirements
• following preschool procedures and prioritising child safety to comply with legislative requirements related to health, safety, and educator-to-child ratios, maintaining the highest standards of safety for every child
• being responsive to children’s health, development and wellbeing needs, ensuring medical plans are in place and implemented consistently
• engaging with families to understand children’s backgrounds, interests and needs
• responding to the individual needs of learners, including children with diverse abilities and cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, while promoting equity, inclusion, and high expectations for every child
• conducting regular self-assessments and team discussions to identify areas for improvement
• implementing strategies to enhance quality, contributing to the preschool’s Self-Assessment and Quality Improvement processes, underpinned by the National Quality Standard
• attending professional development and keeping up to date with changes, including those in the Early Childhood and Care National Law and Regulations
• embedding authentic Aboriginal perspectives throughout the preschool program, reflecting the Aboriginal Education Policy and AECG Partnership Agreement principles.

Qualifications

To become an early childhood teacher, you will need to undertake tertiary study and complete an accredited teacher education program at a recognised university or higher education institution.

ACECQA (Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority) determines whether qualifications are equivalent to the approved educator qualifications under the National Quality Framework (NQF). Further information is available on the ACECQA website.

An ACECQA-approved early childhood teaching qualification includes:

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
• Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
• A primary teaching degree with an ACECQA-approved Certificate III (or higher) in early childhood education and care. This will remain valid until the transitional measure ceases at the end of 2027. Individuals who obtain this qualification before the end of 2027 will continue to be recognised under this provision.
• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)

If you graduate from an approved early childhood teacher education program, you may be eligible for employment in preschools and primary schools, teaching children from Kindergarten to Year 6.

For more information on the requirements to become an early childhood teacher in NSW, visit the NSW Government website.

Next steps

Find out how to become a teacher in NSW public schools.