Early Childhood Education vs Education Support: Which Career Suits You?
Choosing a career supporting the education and development of children can be a profoundly rewarding decision. It’s a great privilege to help shape young minds and to play a meaningful role in a child’s formative journey. Both Early Childhood Education and Education Support roles offer countless opportunities for personal and professional development and in both fields, you become part of a nurturing community that empowers children to grow, learn, and thrive.
At AGA, we offer nationally recognised Certificate III pathways in both fields so you can choose the role that best fits your interests.
Employment Prospects
In Victoria, there’s a significant skills shortage in the Early Childhood Education sector and hundreds of job vacancies for Education Support workers. As part of AGA’s Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30125) and Certificate III in Education Support (CHC30221), learners complete a workplace placement component. Often these placements lead to job opportunities after the qualification has been achieved. Competent and keen graduates rarely have any difficulty finding stable and rewarding work in their field of choice.
Choosing Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Educators work with children aged up to 5 years old. As you guide them through their early years, you’re not only providing care and play, but also fostering curiosity, creativity and confidence that will endure throughout their lives. You’ll be joining a community that values collective achievements and shared experiences, learning to design engaging environments, facilitate play-based learning and guide children through key-development stages.
Education Support Workers are an incredibly valuable asset for any classroom. By supporting teachers and students, you’ll play a vital role in creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that promotes academic success and social and emotional development, often assisting students with diverse learning needs. As you work closely with students, you’ll witness firsthand the positive impact of your support on their confidence, motivation and overall educational journey.
The AGA Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Certificate III in School Based Education Support may be new additions to the AGA suite of training offerings, but they are delivered by a team with over 120 years of combined experience in the childhood education sector. AGA’s online, flexible courses are designed to give you a personalised plan for success, combining self-guided study, online training and practical work placement. RTO Manager – Sarah Collisson has spent 20 years leading teams of Trainers and Assessors supporting thousands of students gaining qualifications in Early Childhood and School Aged Education spaces. She believes that for some people, there is no career that can match the joy and fulfilment it brings.
“You can’t help but get swept up in the wonder and curiosity that young minds bring to your world every day. Both professions enjoy a very unique workplace in that you see the development of imagination, personality and growth taking place before your very eyes!”
So which path to choose?
Choosing between a career in Early Childhood Education and Education Support can indeed be a tough decision, as both paths offer rewarding and fulfilling opportunities. To help make a more informed decision, consider the following criteria:
Age Group: Early Childhood Education involves working with children aged birth to 5 years, focusing on foundational development and care. Education Support, on the other hand, typically involves working with primary school-aged children, supporting their academic and social development.
Work Environment: Early Childhood Educators often work in childcare centers, kindergartens, or preschools, while Education Support Workers are typically found in primary schools, working alongside teachers and students.
Skill Set: Both roles require strong communication and interpersonal skills, but Early Childhood Educators may need to focus more on child development and play-based learning, while Education Support Workers may need to adapt to diverse learning needs and classroom environments.
Personal Preferences: Reflect on your own strengths, interests, and values. Do you enjoy working with younger children and fostering their curiosity and creativity? Or do you prefer supporting older children and helping them overcome specific learning challenges?
Career Goals: Consider your long-term career aspirations. Do you envision yourself leading a childcare center or working as a specialist in early childhood education? Or do you see yourself advancing in education support, perhaps specialising in areas like learning support or student welfare?
If possible, it might also help to speak with employees from each field. While AGA’s team of trainers and experts are also well-equipped to offer advice that comes from years of experience. Get in touch with our team or submit an enquiry to get a callback and start the enrolment process.
