Bachelor of Education (Early Learning)

This four-year degree prepares you to teach children from birth to eight years in early childhood settings and the early years of school. You'll study how young children learn, how to plan and assess play-based and intentional teaching, and how to work with families and communities. The course covers child development, curriculum and pedagogy, language and literacy, numeracy, the arts, health and wellbeing, and inclusive education for children with additional needs. You'll also learn about the regulatory frameworks that shape early childhood services in Australia, including the National Quality Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are normally three years full time, but this one runs four because it includes a teaching qualification recognised for registration. The academic year is split into semesters, and you'll enrol in units of study each semester, with credit points accumulating toward the degree. The exact sequence of units and credit point values is set by the university, so check the official course page for the current structure. As an early childhood education student, you'll complete supervised professional experience placements in early learning centres, kindergartens and primary schools. These placements are a core part of the degree and are required for teacher registration. You'll typically spend a substantial number of days in settings across the four years, starting with observation and moving to full responsibility for a class or group. Some universities also offer community-based projects or research units in the final year.

What you'll learn

You'll graduate able to design learning experiences that match how young children develop, assess their progress, and adapt your teaching for diverse learners. You'll practise communicating with families, working in teams with other educators, and meeting the professional standards expected of early childhood teachers. The degree also builds your understanding of child protection, health and safety, and the ethical responsibilities of working with young children. You'll learn to use observation and documentation to plan for individual children and groups, and to reflect on your own teaching.

Who it suits

This course suits people who want to work with young children and their families, and who are comfortable with the physical and emotional demands of early childhood settings. You might be starting out, changing careers, or returning to study. The University of Notre Dame Australia has a strong focus on pastoral care and community engagement, and its education courses include professional experience in partner schools and early learning centres. If you are an international student, you'll need to meet the university's English language requirements for teaching courses, which are higher than for many other degrees. You should also check the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the Student visa, and note that while you study you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. Teacher registration in Australia is handled by state and territory authorities, and you'll need to meet their requirements, including English proficiency, to register as an early childhood teacher. Confirm all details, including tuition, intake dates and placement requirements, on the official university and CRICOS pages.

• Early childhood teacher in long day care, preschool or kindergarten services
• Kindergarten or preparatory teacher in primary schools
• Early years educator in community and not-for-profit organisations
• Family day care coordinator or educational leader
• Early intervention support worker in inclusive settings
• Childcare centre director or manager (with experience)
• Curriculum resource developer for early childhood publishers or education technology companies
• Playgroup facilitator or parent education officer

Early childhood teachers are in demand across Australia, particularly in areas of population growth and in services that need qualified staff to meet national quality standards. Employers include long day care centres, kindergartens, preschools, government and non-government primary schools, and community health and family support services. Some graduates go on to work in policy, advocacy or research with organisations focused on children and families.