What do I need to work in childcare in Perth?

A Working with Children Check issued by the WA Department of Communities is mandatory. The minimum qualification is a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, which takes around twelve months and can often be completed while working as a trainee. Current first aid including asthma and anaphylaxis is also standard.

How much do childcare workers earn in Perth?

Certificate III educators earn around $58,000-$68,000 and Diploma educators $65,000-$78,000. Room leaders reach $70,000-$85,000, while degree-qualified Early Childhood Teachers earn $80,000-$105,000 and centre directors $95,000-$130,000.

Can I start in childcare while I am still studying?

Yes. Many Perth centres hire trainees who are actively enrolled in a Certificate III, allowing you to earn while completing the qualification. You still need a valid Working with Children Check before you can start, and that should be arranged first as processing takes time.

What hours do childcare jobs in Perth involve?

Long day care centres typically operate from around 6:30am to 6:30pm on weekdays, with educators working rotating shifts within that window. Unlike healthcare or hospitality, there is generally no night or weekend work, which makes it appealing for people wanting predictable weekday hours.

Childcare Jobs in Perth

Early childhood education and childcare roles in Perth, Western Australia.

About Childcare Jobs in Perth

Early childhood education in Western Australia operates under national ratio and qualification requirements, which makes staffing levels legally mandated rather than discretionary. That structure, combined with growing demand for long day care across Perth's suburbs, keeps recruitment steady across providers like Goodstart Early Learning, Busy Bees, Nido and a large number of independent centres.

Entry is accessible. A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualifies you to work as an educator and can be completed in around twelve months, often while working. A Diploma opens room leader positions, and a bachelor's degree is required for Early Childhood Teacher roles, which carry both higher pay and the responsibility for educational programming.

Every role requires a Working with Children Check, which in WA is issued by the Department of Communities and is non-negotiable. Most centres also require current first aid including asthma and anaphylaxis training. The work suits people who want daytime weekday hours - centres typically operate 6:30am to 6:30pm on rotating shifts within that window, with no night or weekend work.

Childcare Salary Guide - Perth

Average salary ranges for childcare positions in Perth:

Position Level	Salary Range
Trainee / Certificate III Educator	$52,000 - $62,000
Qualified Educator (Cert III)	$58,000 - $68,000
Diploma Educator	$65,000 - $78,000
Room Leader	$70,000 - $85,000
Early Childhood Teacher	$80,000 - $105,000
Centre Director	$95,000 - $130,000

Market Outlook: Consistently strong. National ratio requirements mean staffing is legally mandated, and WA centres report ongoing difficulty filling Diploma-qualified and Early Childhood Teacher positions in particular.

Qualifications for Childcare Jobs

Common qualifications and certifications required for childcare positions:

Working with Children Check (WA Department of Communities) - mandatory
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (minimum)
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (room leader roles)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) for teacher roles
First Aid including asthma and anaphylaxis management
National Police Clearance

Work Environment: Centre-based, weekday daytime work on rotating shifts within roughly 6:30am-6:30pm. No night or weekend work in most long day care settings. Physically active, involving floor-level play, lifting and constant supervision. Emotionally rewarding but demanding.

Top Childcare Employers in Perth

Major companies hiring for childcare positions:

Goodstart Early Learning
Busy Bees
Nido Early School
G8 Education
Little Learners
YMCA WA
Department of Education WA
Kindilink / independent centres

How much do childcare roles pay?

See the full pay breakdown by experience level in our Childcare salary guide, including entry-level through senior ranges and the qualifications employers expect.

Frequently Asked Questions About Childcare Jobs

What do I need to work in childcare in Perth?: A Working with Children Check issued by the WA Department of Communities is mandatory. The minimum qualification is a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, which takes around twelve months and can often be completed while working as a trainee. Current first aid including asthma and anaphylaxis is also standard.
How much do childcare workers earn in Perth?: Certificate III educators earn around $58,000-$68,000 and Diploma educators $65,000-$78,000. Room leaders reach $70,000-$85,000, while degree-qualified Early Childhood Teachers earn $80,000-$105,000 and centre directors $95,000-$130,000.
Can I start in childcare while I am still studying?: Yes. Many Perth centres hire trainees who are actively enrolled in a Certificate III, allowing you to earn while completing the qualification. You still need a valid Working with Children Check before you can start, and that should be arranged first as processing takes time.
What hours do childcare jobs in Perth involve?: Long day care centres typically operate from around 6:30am to 6:30pm on weekdays, with educators working rotating shifts within that window. Unlike healthcare or hospitality, there is generally no night or weekend work, which makes it appealing for people wanting predictable weekday hours.