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Early childhood and education

Jump into a rewarding career in education, playing a key role in the lives of young children in South Australia’s thriving early childhood and education industry.

In years 10 to 12, you’ll gain all the skills and hands-on experience you need to step straight into a career in childcare, preschool, classroom support, or out-of-school-hours care.

You can even complete the first year of a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Flinders University while in year 12, fast-tracking your career as a teacher.

The Heights Technical College's early childhood and education program is designed in partnership with Guardian Childcare and Education and includes real-life work experience opportunities and mentorship.

Gain hands-on training in:

  • child development
  • health, safety and nutrition
  • teaching and learning approaches
  • protective behaviours.

What you’ll learn

Year 10

You'll complete the Australian Curriculum, plus:

  • learn about the industry
  • plan your career options
  • complete the subject Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF)
  • develop workplace skills
  • gain experience with employers in the industry.

Year 11

You'll complete a full-time program which prepares you for careers in the industry and includes:

  • technical skills through a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • language, literacy, numeracy and skills needed in the workplace
  • project-based and hands-on learning in the workplace environment
  • Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) based on a career in the industry
  • work placement with employers in the industry
  • potential to enter a school-based traineeship
  • all compulsory SACE requirements.

Year 12

All topics contribute to your VET qualifications and SACE.

Graduate into a career - guaranteed

Begin employment in careers such as:

  • Early childhood educator
  • Family day care educator.

Continue and complete your degree for careers such as:

  • Early childhood teacher
  • Primary school teacher.

Our industry partners

Guardian logo

To design and deliver this industry training program, we've partnered with Guardian Childcare and Education to provide our graduates with guaranteed careers.

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Do not provide any personal information via this form. If you need a response, email education.pathways@sa.gov.au instead.