Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Qualification Level
Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
A Preschool Assistant works with a qualified teacher to support children aged three to five. They help children learn, play, and grow in a safe and caring space. The role sits within Australia’s national early childhood education and care system.
Daily tasks include running activities, watching children’s progress, and meeting their care needs. Assistants also help at parent meetings and talk with families at drop-off and pick-up. They work as part of a team under the lead teacher’s guidance.
The main entry qualification is the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121). Many assistants go on to the Certificate IV (CHC40121) or a Diploma. ACECQA sets national standards for educator qualifications in all states.
The Australian Government gave early childhood educators a 15% pay rise in 2025. This helped bring 15,100 new educators into the workforce (Australian Government, 2025). Demand for skilled preschool educators is expected to stay steady.
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
