Early childhood teachers play a central role in your service, from leading educational programs to supporting the educators around them. Depending on where you are, they may also be called kindergarten or preschool teachers, and hiring kindergarten teachers can take time when qualified candidates are in demand. This guide shares 10 practical ways to attract the right ECTs and keep them with your team.
10 Ways to Attract and Keep Early Childhood Teachers
1. Map your ECT needs across every service
For multi-site operators, a simple overview of each service’s attendance and ECT coverage shows where the biggest needs are. It can also show where you need a second ECT (generally for services with 60 or more children preschool age or under) and where a ‘suitably qualified person’ may meet that requirement. ACECQA sets out who counts as suitably qualified, and different rules apply in NSW, so check the current guidance for your service.
2. Write a clear, honest job ad
Strong ECT candidates want to know what the role involves, including the age group, program responsibilities and the support they’ll receive. Be upfront about pay, hours and location, and share what makes your service a good place to teach. A clear ad helps the right people apply and saves time for everyone.
3. Offer competitive pay and conditions
Pay matters, so review your rates against the relevant award and the wider market in your area. Conditions such as programming time, professional development and flexible hours can also make a real difference. Being clear about these in your offer helps candidates compare roles fairly.
4. Support teacher registration
Teacher registration isn’t a requirement under the National Quality Framework, but some states and territories require ECTs to be registered (or accredited, in NSW), and requirements are changing in some jurisdictions. Check the current rules with your state or territory teacher regulatory authority.
5. Check qualifications carefully
Before making an offer, confirm the candidate holds an ACECQA-approved early childhood teaching qualification. Check the qualification against ACECQA’s approved qualifications list and sight the original documents. Our article on verifying educators’ qualifications covers common gaps to watch out for. Building this check into your process protects both your service and your new teacher.
6. Follow child-safe recruitment practices
Child-safe recruitment includes confirming a valid Working With Children Check (or the equivalent clearance or teacher registration that applies in your state), along with references and work history. Our guide to child-safe recruitment practices explains what the 2026 reforms require.
7. Give candidates a real feel for your service
Inviting shortlisted ECTs to visit, meet the team and see the rooms helps them picture themselves working with you. It also gives you a sense of how they connect with children and colleagues. Culture fit matters on both sides, so make time for these conversations.
8. Plan a supportive induction
The first few weeks shape how a new teacher feels about their role. A structured induction, a named mentor and regular check-ins can help an ECT settle in and build confidence. This can be especially helpful for graduate teachers who are leading a program for the first time.
9. Offer growth and leadership pathways
Many ECTs value opportunities to grow, whether that’s mentoring educators, leading pedagogy or stepping into an educational leader role. Talking about these pathways early shows candidates there’s a future for them with you. Our article on how to reduce staff turnover in childcare shares more ideas for keeping great people.
10. Work with a recruitment partner that knows childcare
A specialist partner can help you reach qualified early childhood teachers and screen candidates before you spend time interviewing. Our guide to choosing childcare recruitment services covers what to look for in a partner. If you manage several services, our practical guide to multi-site recruitment has more tips.
How QuickCare can help
QuickCare helps Australian childcare services hire ECTs and room leaders through its childcare staffing Permanent Placements service. Candidates are matched on qualification, location and centre culture, and complete a video interview before being introduced to you. Services still complete their own final checks, such as WWCC verification and Worker Register entries. If you’d like to learn more, you can book a demo with our team.
Final thoughts
Hiring kindergarten teachers and early childhood teachers takes care, but a clear plan makes it more manageable. Attracting the right ECTs starts with an honest offer and a thorough process, while keeping them depends on the support and growth you provide.
