Qualifications and further study
Take your career to the next level with a qualification in early childhood, or undertake further study to progress your career.
Whether you're wanting to step into a leadership role within your service, or looking into becoming an early childhood teacher, there are a range of supports and options to help launch your career.
What type of role do you see yourself in?
- Educators are qualified and skilled to provide care and education to young children. To become an educator, you’ll need at least a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).
- Early Childhood Teachers (ECT) hold an ACECQA-approved early childhood teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor or Graduate Diploma. All Flying Start 3-year-old preschools are required to employ a qualified early childhood teacher.
- Educational leaders lead the educational program and quality practices at a service or in a specific age group. With their experience from working in the sector, they guide and mentor colleagues and fellow educators in providing a high-quality educational program. To become an educational leader, you’ll need effective communication skills, strong collaboration skills and have at least a Certificate III or Diploma in early childhood education and care.
- Room leaders are responsible for leading the daily educational program within a room, ensuring children receive high-quality education and care and development opportunities. They supervise and support educators, build positive relationships with families, and ensure the room operates in line with regulatory requirements, service policies, and the approved learning framework. Room leaders are generally Diploma qualified.
- Service Managers or Directors lead the entire service team of educators and teachers to deliver high-quality early childhood education and care. As a primary point of contact, they work in partnership with families and the community to understand the best ways to support children to thrive. Service directors or managers often have many years of experience working in varied roles in early childhood education and care settings, alongside a qualification in early childhood education and care.
Explore the qualification options below to learn more about prior requirements, approved courses and financial supports while you study.
A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the minimum requirement to work in childcare centres, preschools and kindergartens. With this qualification, you can start your career in early childhood.
Requirements
A Certificate III will take around 1 year to complete studying full-time. While you study, you will need to complete at least 160 hours of work placement in an early childhood education and care setting, as well as a current Working with Children Check and Responding to Risks of Harm and Neglect (RRHAN) certificate.
If you have experience in working in early childhood settings, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Speak to your training provider to find out more.
Financial supports
The South Australian Government offers subsidised training to eligible students, paid direct to your training provider. To check your eligibility, visit My Training | Subsidised training (skills.sa.gov.au).
Fees vary between training providers. Ask about payment plans, concession fees and other payment methods.
Traineeships
Earn while you learn with a traineeship. A traineeship in Early Childhood Education and Care allows you to gain practical and technical skills while being paid for your time. You will need to find an employer and they will need to be registered to take on trainees. You can find a list of registered employers on the South Australian Skills Commission website. For more information on how traineeships work, visit My Training | Trainees & apprentices (skills.sa.gov.au).
Build on your Certificate III and become a diploma-qualified educator. With a diploma, you can progress your career to Team Leader, Assistant Director, Director, or Educational Leader.
Requirements
A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care takes approximately one year to complete studying full-time. You will need a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care to gain entry to the Diploma course.
Financial supports
Study and complete a diploma, and you could be eligible for up to $6,000 of financial support from the Government of South Australia.
The Government of South Australia also subsidises the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care delivered by a range of other providers across the state. For more information on locations and eligibility, visit My Training | Get qualifications to build your career (skills.sa.gov.au).
Traineeships
If you want to combine work and study, a traineeship might be for you. If you’re already working in the sector, talk to your employer about the option of a traineeship to help you upskill in your current role. For more information on how traineeships work, visit My Training | Trainees & apprentices (skills.sa.gov.au).
Build on your skills and experience and upskill to become a teacher with a university pathway.
Requirements
A birth to 5 bachelor degree generally takes 3-4 years to complete studying full-time. Some universities offer Diploma-to-Bachelor pathways that recognise your prior learning. If eligible, you could complete a bachelor degree in just 2 years full time. Talk to your university for more information.
Courses
In South Australia, Flinders University and Adelaide University offer the following ACECQA-accredited degrees in early childhood education:
If you want to study at a university in another state, check out the full list of teaching qualifications that are eligible for the QualifySA financial support program.
Financial supports
Enrol in and complete an undergraduate degree and you could be eligible for up to $25,000 of financial support from the Government of South Australia, with additional loadings for students who are Aboriginal and those who live in regional or remote areas.
Support for building your qualifications
Flying Start Pathways
Tailored support while you learn, high-quality placement options and career guidance.
Learn more
Financial Support
Offset your living expenses while studying or working as an early childhood teacher or educator.
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Extra support and resources
Financial supports and placement subsidies from the Commonwealth and SA Government.
Learn more
Looking for something else?
I'm a school student or graduate
Learn about how to get a head start in early childhood if you’re still at school or recently graduated.
Learn more
I want to re-enter the workforce or move to SA
If you’ve had time away from the sector, coming back is easier than you think.
Learn more
Professional learning and development
Training programs, learning resources and professional development opportunities to enhance your professional practice.
Learn more
Please note: the role of the Office for Early Childhood Development is to steward the early childhood development system in South Australia. We are not a higher education provider. If you have specific questions related to early childhood courses, we recommend contacting the relevant tertiary education institutions for assistance.