Social skills, self-expression and developing an interest in learning; these are the types of skills and abilities early childhood teachers have the special task of nurturing in young children.

There are approximately 1,250 early childhood teachers in Western Australia, the majority of whom are female. While most of this group work in the Perth metropolitan area, there are also small numbers employed in the State's remaining regions.

Each year, approximately 120 places are offered in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching/Studies/Education) degree courses. In addition, approximately 80 places are offered in the Graduate Diploma programs.

Early childhood teachers are responsible for planning and conducting education programs for the young children in their care. These teachers work specifically with children aged four to eight years old.

During a normal school day, early childhood teachers plan various activities to assist in the development of children's learning and social skills. This is in addition to honing other skills such as the children's coordination and creativity.

'It is very important to develop these various skills in children because it makes them independent and gives them the confidence to try things. I think that children are willing to try most things because they're in a non-threatening environment. Nurturing is very important and you always have to encourage them. You need to tell them that what they're doing is right when they're trying new things, especially in front of their peers,' says Nedlands Pre-Primary School Early Childhood Teacher, Christine Onley.


External Stimulus Important Too

To further what the children learn in their school-like environment, early childhood teachers also organise external excursions.

'We're becoming a Waterwise School so we're talking through ways to do this with the four and five year olds. We've also been on excursions to Herdsman Lake Wildlife Park so that the children can look at how the different types of birds have adapted to the Lake and to observe what other wildlife can be found there. They love doing that sort of thing because it's very hands on and it's important to introduce the children to the wider environment,' says Christine.

One of the other key tasks of early childhood teachers is discussing with parents and other educators aspects of a child's development and to discuss with parents the aims of an education program. As with any teacher this specialist group must observe children to evaluate and record their progress, and where necessary, recommend appropriate programs to further the child's development. Should teachers detect any signs of developmental disorder in any of the children, it is their responsibility to inform the child's parents. Early childhood teachers may recommend parents contact specialists such as speech therapists or occupational therapists to assist.


Learning From The Experts

And finally, so that upcoming early childhood teachers can be properly integrated into the education system, early childhood teachers also supervise student teachers and trainee childcare workers.

Christine says.

'I've always liked children, which started when I lived next door to a young girl who became like my little sister. People always used to tell me that I was good with children and as it turns out I really enjoy working with them.


'It is always interesting and the children really keep you going. You do have to be fairly active and to be able to keep up with the children. I'm in my 50's but I always get involved in what the children are doing. I think that's why I enjoy the work too because I'm an active person.'

To do this job well you must be able to relate to children, have a desire to teach, and demonstrate enthusiasm, patience and high level of planning and organisational skills.


Early childhood teachers are employed by childcare centres, pre-primary centres and community kindergartens. An Education Department of Western Australia spokeswoman describes employment opportunities in this occupation as sound. In 2003, there will be a full cohort of pre primary children in the education system. Kindergarten children will continue to attend four, half day sessions and pre primary children, five full days.

The starting salary for fully qualified early childhood teachers is $38,288 which will increase incrementally for the next eight years to $56,102.

You will need to complete a degree in education, specialising in early childhood to become a pre-primary teacher. Alternatively, if you have already completed an undergraduate degree, you can complete a Graduate Diploma of Education in early childhood teaching.

Curtin and Edith Cowan University and the University of Notre Dame all offer a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching/Studies/Education). Entry into the four- year course generally requires completion of Year 12 with good grades in English and mathematics. You will also need a police clearance certificate.

A Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies/Early Childhood) is offered by Edith Cowan and Murdoch University. For entry into either of these courses you will need a bachelor degree in addition to teaching experience or work experience with young children. For further information about the undergraduate and graduate diploma programs, contact the institution of your choice or alternatively, visit the Universities website below.

	Universities
	Homepage links and contact details for all Universities in WA.

Recruitment, Education Department of Western Australia
151 Royal Street East Perth WA 6004 Ph: (08) 9264 4111 Fax: (08) 9264 5005 URL: http://www.eddept.wa.edu.au

Australian Early Childhood Association WA
60 John Street Northbridge WA 6003 Ph: (08) 9328 1816

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