Aussie Childcare Network Forum

I need advice of what direction I should go.
I got my certificate in childcare back in 2016 from CIT in Canberra and then I started a diploma of YWCA back in 2018 and I completed about 14 units; I withdrew from the course because I had medical problems and later that year I had surgery because of endometriosis.
During my time of recovering at home, I went back to a Fine arts degree that I started back in 2016, thinking I was going to be an art therapist or an art teacher for students. I now realised that finding a career as an art teacher in schools is very competitive and there is hardly any work.
I decided now that there is more work in early childhood and I should focus on working with younger children.
The last time I worked in childcare, I was only a casual, so I did not use any of my level 3 requirements and I have forgotten my practical and theory skills as a diploma level.
So, my question is, do I restart and study a diploma in childcare or use my art degree to gain entry into Masters of early childhood teaching?
Which has more paper work between the early childhood teaching or level 4 room leader?
What are the difference between childhood preschool teacher and a level 4 room leader?
Out of the 2 which one is more rewarding and enable me to interact with the children more with less paper work?
I like the idea of teaching and interacting with preschool children.
Kind regards
Tricia

Hi Tricia,

It depends on the service but generally the higher the qualification, the more paperwork, responsibility and formalities involved.

Put some info on the roles of a room leader and an ECT below so you can compare similarities and differences between the two.

Both roles are equally rewarding as you get to work with children and families and make a difference every day.
ECT will mean older children (no babies and toddlers), higher pay and kindergarten setting.
Room leader may work with 0 - 5, can hold other roles such as co leader, educator etc and isn't a teacher.


It's really hard to say which has more paperwork because both have a lot! You will get help from colleagues in both roles but the paperwork levels are certainly up there.
Educators usually have less in comparison so that could be another option for you.

There's lots of other factors to consider including pay, demand, career options etc
If you search through this forum you'll find lots of anecdotal discussions on the same or similar topics.

Good luck



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Thank you for your reply
I have my certificate 3 in EC, I have forgotten most of what I have learnt because I have not implemented of what I learnt into practice into a childcare centre.
I am working as a casual childcare educator, which I enjoy being with the children, but like to make plans for my future. So, I am trying to decide between studying a diploma of education or a graduate diploma to become a ECT that I can use my fine arts degree as entry.
If I study a graduate diploma and being an early childhood teacher does not work out for me, could I use the graduate diploma to work as a level 4 room leader?

I think you need to look at the development of the child and should consult with teachers

I think preschool is better

Paperwork will always haunt you, whether you're working with toddlers or high school students. Bureaucracy in our time ESPECIALLY extends to everything related to children. In any case, I would advise you to continue your education, no matter what area it may concern.

It seems to me that preschool pedagogy is now more relevant than ever. Parents are very concerned about children's early development, and this brings an excellent profit to teachers. You could study with children privately or