Study Early Childhood Education

Southern Cross University combines nationally recognised accreditation, extensive professional placements, flexible study options and strong student support. You'll study in the Southern Cross Model, gain hands-on experience throughout your degree and learn from academics who contribute to education research and policy in Australia and internationally. Education at Southern Cross University is also ranked among the world's top 400 for Education Studies (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026).

An Early Childhood Education degree can lead to careers as an Early Childhood Educator in childcare centres, preschools, kindergartens and other early learning services. Depending on your qualification, you may also progress into educational leadership, centre management, curriculum development and specialist early childhood education roles. 

Yes. Early Childhood Teachers are in demand across Australia as governments and education providers continue investing in early learning services. Increasing the number of qualified graduates has been identified as a priority nationally, creating strong employment opportunities for graduates in the education sector. 

You can become an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia by completing an approved early childhood teaching qualification and meeting the registration requirements in your state or territory. Southern Cross University offers pathways including the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood), which is accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Graduates may be recognised as early childhood teachers working with children from birth to five years, subject to meeting any state or territory registration and English language proficiency requirements. 

Yes. Professional experience placements are a core part of Early Childhood Education at Southern Cross University. Bachelor of Early Childhood Education students complete 85 days of placement in early childhood education settings before graduation, while students studying the Early Childhood/Primary specialisation within the Bachelor of Education complete extensive professional placements as part of their degree.  

Yes. Southern Cross University's Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood/Primary) and Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) are recognised early childhood teaching qualifications that meet national accreditation requirements. Graduates may be eligible to work as early childhood teachers, subject to any registration requirements in the state or territory where they intend to practise. Southern Cross University is also ranked among the world's top 400 universities for Education Studies in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026. 

An Early Childhood Education degree at Southern Cross University covers child development, learning and teaching, Indigenous education, leadership and management, health and wellbeing, and contemporary approaches to early childhood practice. You'll also learn how to support children's learning and development through evidence-based and inclusive teaching approaches.  

If you want to teach in both early childhood settings and primary schools, Southern Cross University offers an Early Childhood/Primary specialisation within the Bachelor of Education. This qualification prepares graduates to teach in early childhood settings as well as primary schools, expanding career opportunities across both sectors.  

Yes. Southern Cross University offers online study options for both the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and the Diploma of Education, giving students the flexibility to balance study with work, family and other commitments while completing a recognised teaching qualification.