A career choice as easy as ABC for teacher Chrystal

After working as an early childhood educator for five years, Chrystal decided to take the next step in her career and become a TAFE Queensland teacher.

Combining her love of teaching and early childhood education was a main driver for her career transition.

“Connecting with my students and utilising my professional experience in early education and care to help grow their knowledge,” said Chrystal.

Being a part of her students’ journey as they complete their studies and start careers in the industry is also a very rewarding experience.

“The job opportunities that they get when they do their training, or when they're out on vocational placement, is one of my biggest goals,” she said.

When asked about what it takes to work in an early childhood education and care role, Chrystal’s enthusiasm for the industry is evident.

“If you have compassion and have a caring, nurturing attitude, you'll love working with children, and in an early education and care setting.”

According to the Queensland Government's Department of Education, a child's brain has already started developing before birth. By the time they are three they will have the most brain synapses (connections) in their lives and engaging in quality early childhood education is critical. By age five when entering school, a child's brain will have developed a solid foundation for all future learning and growth.

Not only are qualified early childhood education and care workers essential in our community, they’re also in high demand.

The Australian Government's Job Outlook service states that employment is experiencing very strong growth and predicts there will be more than 144,000 child carer roles by 2025.