Preschool jobs in Australia are plentiful, and the demand for qualified candidates is increasing. You’ll find out the job description and employment outlook, as well as what you can expect from your salary. This article will help you get started on your search for preschool teaching jobs. Just remember that these jobs are not suitable for those without a tertiary qualification.
Demand for qualified, skilled candidates
With the current shortage of childcare workers across the country, the demand for qualified, skilled candidates is growing quickly. As many as 1.3 million children attend preschool and early childhood services in Australia and 974,600 families use approved childcare providers, there is a great need for qualified candidates.
There is a great demand for early childhood teachers, with the need spanning all states of Australia. While many early childhood educators are full-time employees, there are also a wide variety of part-time opportunities available. The average working week for an early childhood teacher is 42 hours. According to a Glassdoor survey, a mechanical engineer earns an average annual salary of $87,447, and the average salary for early childhood teachers is less than half that. Entry-level positions are typically lower, but salaries will rise as the candidate gains experience.
Job description
The Job description for a Preschool Teacher focuses on nurturing and encouraging creativity. This position requires a combination of patience and enthusiasm, and the ability to use storybooks to inspire children to learn. Preschools have a major role to play in the educational system, and there is an extensive body of evidence supporting the benefits of early childhood education. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the quality of early childhood education is crucial to increasing educational equity.
Preschool teachers help children learn how to read, write and do maths. They are also responsible for teaching social skills, and developing self-confidence. They also work closely with parents to provide guidance and support for learning programs. Their job requires them to interact with a wide range of children of various ages and to be flexible and able to work across a variety of locations.
Salary
Salaries for preschool jobs in Australia can vary considerably. According to the Australian National Occupational Classification (ANZSCO), the average annual pay for a Preschool Teacher is AUD 52,073, or approximately $24 per hour. The average bonus is AU$921 for this position. This salary range includes both entry-level and experienced teachers.
The Fair Work Commission publishes the Children Services Award, which sets out minimum pay for early childhood professionals. The salary for childcare jobs can vary depending on the specific centre, but junior positions are often well within the Award’s minimum wages. However, there are four factors that can affect whether you can increase your pay.
Employment Outlook
The early childhood industry is growing at a strong rate in Australia. This growth is attributed in part to the increase in the number of children attending childcare services. Educators in this field are also in high demand. According to the Department of Employment’s Job Outlook, the demand for these professionals will grow by 7% over the next five years.
While there has been an increase in the demand for childcare services in recent years, the industry is still facing significant challenges. The Morrison Government has enacted policies which have made it more difficult for educators to deliver quality education to children. It is vital that every child in Australia receives a high-quality education that is proven to have a positive impact on their long-term development. To ensure this, an adequately trained and professionally supported ECEC workforce is essential. The federal government needs to act now to address the looming shortage of skilled staff in this sector.