Hey there, future trailblazers and teachers! Have you ever thought about diving into a career that’s just as rewarding as it is fun? If so, Early Childhood Education might be the perfect fit for you.
As an Early Childhood Education teacher, you could be the guiding star for tamariki during their formative years, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning. Plus, with a growing demand for passionate educators in New Zealand, your high-value skills will always be sought after!
Still keen to know more? We’ve got you covered. With the help of our friends at BestStart, we’re covering everything you need to know about the Early Childhood Education Industry and launching a BestStart Career. All you need to do is sit back, get comfortable, and dive right in!
Take The First Steps
So, you know you want to work with kids, but you don’t know where to start? Trust us, you’re not alone!
However, while it’s normal to feel a little lost, it’s also super important to develop a career plan before diving into the Early Childhood Education industry. After all, knowing where you’re going and how you’re going to get there is key. That’s why, along with our friends at BestStart, we’ve developed a list of qualifications, skills, and work experience that could help you out:
1. Explore Higher Education
College students interested in Early Childhood Education can start by enrolling in relevant courses such as a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) offered at universities like the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand. For those looking for a more hands-on approach, certificate and diploma programs through polytechnics such as NZ Tertiary College or Open Polytechnic offer pathways into the profession.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Gaining practical experience through part-time work or volunteering in early learning environments such as BestStart centres or working as a nanny can provide essential exposure. Additionally, registering with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and understanding the requirements for teacher certification will set students on the right path toward a fulfilling Early Childhood Education career.
3. Work on Your Soft Skills
There are tonnes of soft skills that could help you stand out against other job candidates, and you can even start working on them today! A person who thrives in an Early Childhood Education career is patient, empathetic, and passionate about nurturing young minds. In addition, creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of responsibility are equally important.
Who is Suited to Working in This Industry?
At BestStart, their team values individuals who are enthusiastic, committed to lifelong learning, and eager to make a difference in children’s lives. They even offer a super supportive environment where aspiring educators can develop and refine their skills! However, if you want to go even deeper, all you need to do is keep on reading.
What Skills Do BestStart Look For?
“At BestStart, we look for individuals who align with our values of care, learning, and teamwork. We encourage students to start familiarising themselves with Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, as well as gaining experience in planning and implementing activities that support children’s development. Employers in New Zealand’s Early Childhood Education sector also look for strong communication, leadership, patience, and organisational skills. College students can develop these skills by working with young children in tutoring, babysitting, or assisting at early learning centres. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and teamwork are also key traits in the industry. Students can refine these skills by engaging in community outreach programs, student leadership roles, and working in group environments.”
Explore Early Childhood Education Career Pathways
There are several career pathways in Early Childhood Education in New Zealand. Those pursuing a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) can become registered teachers in kindergartens, early childhood centres, or even set up their own home-based childcare services. Graduates with a diploma or certificate can work as teacher aides, childcare assistants, or kaiako in Māori immersion Early Childhood Education settings such as Kōhanga Reo.
At BestStart, their team also offers structured career pathways, from entry-level roles to leadership positions. Their Teaching Support Program helps unqualified educators gain experience while working towards their formal qualifications, and they also offer mentorship and professional development opportunities to support career growth; how cool is that?
The government also supports students through scholarships like the TeachNZ Early Childhood Education Scholarships, which provide financial assistance to those training to become early childhood educators.
Uncover Lesser-Known Roles in Early Childhood Education
Beyond traditional teaching roles, the Early Childhood Education sector in New Zealand offers opportunities in educational research, early childhood policy development, and curriculum design. Students interested in special education can even explore roles in early intervention services, working with children with additional learning needs, while those with a passion for Te Ao Māori can engage in Māori-medium Early Childhood Education teaching roles!
Unlock Insider Tips With BestStart
Career progression in New Zealand’s Early Childhood Education sector involves gaining relevant qualifications, registering with the Teaching Council, and continuously developing skills through professional learning opportunities. College students can start by working in assistant or caregiver roles while studying, building experience before becoming fully registered teachers. Upskilling through postgraduate studies, such as a Master of Education (Early Childhood Education), can open doors to leadership roles.
FAQs
Despite all of that info we put together, we’re sure you have a few more questions! To answer as many as we possibly can, we’re passing the mic to our friends at BestStart who answered the following hard-hitting questions:
Question: How do real-world Early Childhood Education experiences (like volunteering or babysitting) compare to professional Early Childhood Education roles?
Answer: “While babysitting and volunteering offer foundational experience in working with children, professional Early Childhood Education roles involve structured learning environments, adherence to Te Whāriki, and collaboration with families and communities. In formal settings, Early Childhood Education professionals assess children’s development, create educational plans, and ensure regulatory compliance.
At BestStart, we provide hands-on training and induction programs to help new educators transition smoothly into professional roles. Our centres focus on providing high-quality education while nurturing both children and educators through structured learning experiences.”
Question: Can I work in Childcare Without Gaining Qualifications?
Answer: “BestStart careers include roles in centre administration, operations management, curriculum development, and quality assurance. For those interested in leadership, we offer training and progression opportunities into Centre Manager and Area Manager roles. As well as centre-based or operational roles, BestStart careers span across finance, marketing, and HR, opening up a world of opportunities!”
Question: What advice would you give to a college student who’s passionate about working with children but feels unsure about their career path?
Answer: “For college students passionate about working with children but unsure of their specific career path, exploring various Early Childhood Education roles through internships, part-time work, or shadowing experienced teachers can be invaluable. Speaking with Early Childhood Education professionals, researching different qualifications, and considering specialized areas such as special education or bilingual teaching can provide clarity.”
Next Steps
The team at BestStart welcomes college students to visit our centres, talk to our educators, and experience first-hand what a career in Early Childhood Education looks like. We offer career guidance, study support, and structured learning opportunities to help students find their ideal path within the industry.
Want to keep learning? Head to BestStart’s Employer Profile today!
