Early Childhood Educator Job Description: Duties, Skills & Responsibilities

Contents
Hiring an early childhood educator means finding someone who can plan meaningful learning experiences, nurture family relationships and keep children safe. The best candidates collaborate closely with colleagues, communicate openly with parents and create environments where children thrive.
This template was built from real jobs posted by employers to Employment Hero, so it reflects what employers are actually asking for. Use it as-is or adapt it to your service and age group.
Customise the sections in [brackets] to match your organisation and role requirements.
Early childhood educator job description template
About the role
As an Early Childhood Educator based in [Location], you’ill plan and implement engaging educational activities and programs that support the development and wellbeing of young children in your care. You’ll build meaningful relationships with families through consistent, open communication, keeping parents informed and involved in their child’s progress. This role suits a collaborative team player who is dedicated to making a positive impact in early childhood education.
About our organisation
At [Company Name], we believe every child deserves a nurturing environment where curiosity is celebrated and early learning lays the foundation for life. We invest in our educators through ongoing professional development, competitive pay and a culture that genuinely values your contribution. If you’re ready to use your early learning expertise in a professional and encouraging environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Early childhood educator responsibilities
- Plan and implement age-appropriate educational programs aligned with the EYLF
- Build trusting relationships with parents and families through open, respectful communication
- Collaborate with colleagues and allied professionals to deliver high-quality care and education
- Create and maintain a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment
- Observe and assess children’s development to inform planning and support individual progress
- Maintain accurate records, documentation and reports in line with regulatory requirements
- Support daily routines including active supervision, hygiene and personal care needs
- Attend staff meetings, contribute to reflective practice and engage in professional development
Work hours and benefits
This is a [Full-time / Part-time / Casual] position working standard daytime hours across our early learning centre.
We offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Professional development and ongoing training opportunities
- Clear pathways for career progression and leadership
- Above award pay rates and competitive remuneration
- Childcare fee discounts for eligible employees
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing support
- Generous programming and planning (non-contact) time
Early childhood educator qualifications and skills
Essential:
- Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (or working towards)
- Current Working with Children Check (WWCC, Blue Card or WWVP)
- Current First Aid and CPR certification
- Strong teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of child safety, ethical practice and relevant legislation
- Experience working with young children in a professional or supervised setting
- Understanding of child development principles and age-appropriate practice
- National Police Clearance
Desirable:
- Knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF), National Quality Standards (NQS) and relevant learning framework (EYLF/VEYLDF/QKLG)
- Experience supporting children with additional needs or in inclusive practice settings
Education and experience requirements
- Minimum Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, with a Diploma preferred
- Current Working with Children Check (or state equivalent: Blue Card/WWVP) prior to commencement
- Current First Aid and CPR certification
- Asthma and Anaphylaxis training and Child Protection training completed (or willingness to obtain)
- 1+ years of experience working with young children in a professional or supervised setting
- Experience within a regulated Long Day Care or early childhood service is preferred
How to apply
If you are committed to early childhood education and meet the requirements above, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and what draws you to this role. Applications close [date]. We look forward to welcoming someone who genuinely cares about the children in our community and the team that supports them.
What does an early childhood educator do?
When you bring an early childhood educator on board, you get someone who plans learning activities, builds genuine relationships with families and tracks each child’s development every day. They maintain safe and welcoming environments, keep detailed records and support daily routines. This early childhood educator job description reflects how central this role is to your entire service.
Your hire works at the heart of your team. They collaborate with colleagues, connect consistently with families and directly shape the outcomes children achieve during their most formative years.
Early childhood educator salary expectations
Getting the rate right is critical in a sector with real skill shortages. Qualified educators have options and underpaying means losing candidates before interviews happen. Early childhood educators typically earn $27-$38 per hour, depending on qualification level from Certificate III through to a Bachelor-qualified early childhood teacher. Minimum rates are governed by the Educational Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) Award 2020. Review it before you set your offer.
Salary packaging can lift the effective rate further, particularly in a not-for-profit setting. Childcare fee discounts and generous non-contact programming time are among the most valued benefits in this sector. Use Employment Hero’s salary benchmarking tools to make sure your offer lands where it needs to.
Finding the right early childhood educator starts before the first interview. A clear, data-informed job description puts you ahead from the start.
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