Personal attributes are what make you you.
They are the things you mostly can’t learn or train for, they are natural and part of your character. Sometimes they can be pushed aside in favour of learned skills and qualifications to get you through the job you do, but with many roles it is just as important that on top of a piece of paper that you as a person are well-suited to it.
This is especially the case for a career in early childhood education. While it can be an exciting and fulfilling career, it isn’t for everyone. But for those who do have a passion for caring and for moulding the minds of the next generation it can be a life-changing and rewarding career choice.
You might be wondering exactly what traits, quirks or interests lend themselves to early childhood education. Let’s dig a little deeper and find out how you’ll know if a young person you know should consider working with young children.
Curiosity
It might not come as a surprise that having a natural curiosity about the world is a major plus. Chances are if you love to learn and have an inquisitive mind that’ll naturally rub off on spongy young minds.
With the sheer volume of short-form video content available to Gen Z more young adults are embracing their inner child. From voice overs to dance routines with mates, it makes sense for many young people in this generation to enjoy working with kids.
Between the ages of 3 and 5 children are constantly fascinated by the world around them. This makes for interesting, fun and insightful conversations and activities! Having a shared curiosity will definitely impact children for the better.
Organisation
Organisation might not seem synonymous with early childhood education – but it is definitely up there with one of the more important qualities.
Having the natural ability and enthusiasm to organise well thought-out activities and empowering the children to make their own decisions is invaluable to their learning.
Communication and empathy
If you remember being in kinder and feeling like the world was a bit confusing and scary, you’re not the only one. It can be extremely intimidating to be away from your parents at such a young age. So it goes without saying that great communication and making children feel part of a safe space are imperative to their development.
Luckily, Gen Z are known for being acutely aware of injustices, caring deeply about the environment as well as gender inequality. This in turn massively impacts their level of empathy – a huge plus for a career in early childhood education.
Early access to early childhood education
For the first time in Australia, Victorian children now have access to an extra year of kinder before school has begun, with this also meaning over 6000 additional early childhood education jobs will be created.
With increased play-based learning that extra time is a fantastic way to advance 3 year olds’ development, supporting their creative thinking, literacy and emotional skills.
The Victorian Government is also investing in education subsidies and support systems to help people get started in the sector, meaning there’s never been a better time to get started in early childhood education.
Next steps
If you feel like your child or any young person you know has the qualities and passions to thrive in early childhood education, show them Year13’s new Serious About Play website – an invaluable resource for anyone looking for a career where they can combine their caring, empathetic and organisational traits.
The Department of Education and Training also has some helpful info.
