Start with current vacancy sources
Search by the full term “early childhood teacher”, your location and the employment pattern you want. “ECT” alone can have unrelated meanings. Add a setting or age group where that helps narrow the results.
Major job boards
Use current search filters and alerts, then read the employer’s full advertisement.
Employers and sector information
Check the careers pages of services, providers and councils you are interested in. Use official career information to understand pathways.
DEWR: children’s education and care careersExternal pages control their own listings and requirements. A linked search is not a recommendation of every employer or a claim that a particular vacancy remains open.
Check the role before spending time on the application
- Is it an ECT role, an educator role or another position?
- What qualification and registration evidence is required?
- Does the location, schedule and employment pattern work for you?
- Are the responsibilities and support arrangements clear?
- What documents and application process does the employer request?
Use ACECQA’s qualification information and the relevant registration authority for official requirements. Ask the employer to clarify an unclear advertisement.
Compare opportunities using the same questions
Keep a short record of the role, location, requirements, closing date, application route and the questions you still need answered. Include what matters to you, such as induction, mentoring, planning arrangements and workable travel.
Our application tracker gives you a place to record the next action. Avoid treating the number of applications as the only measure of progress.
Prepare for the opportunity you found
- Applying for your first ECT job
- Preparing a clear resume
- Personalising your cover letter
- Practising interview answers
- Applying with overseas qualifications
Looking in Melbourne?
The Melbourne ECT job-search guide adds Victorian sources, the changed government jobs website and practical local search considerations.
When you want personal support
A strategy call can help you organise targeting, outreach and follow-up. Document support can help explain your experience. These services do not provide job placement, visa advice or a guaranteed outcome.
Sources reviewed 9 October 2026. Check each external advertisement for current availability and requirements.