A Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is a four-year degree. It covers advanced child development theory, curriculum design, educational leadership, research methodology, inclusive education, family partnerships and professional ethics. In Australia it is the pathway to teaching roles in early childhood settings and leadership positions across the sector.
What a degree earns in centre-based or school settings
An early childhood teacher registered with the relevant state authority earns from approximately $35 to $45 per hour in funded kindergarten or preschool settings, depending on the state and whether they are under the school teachers award or the children's services award. In long day care settings, degree-qualified educators may earn a premium above award rates, but the structural ceiling remains well below what the qualification could command in a private market.
What a degree earns in in-home childcare
Through Nest & Nurture Little Ones, a degree-qualified early childhood educator earns $40 per hour for one child, $60 per hour for two, $80 per hour for three and $100 per hour for four. The platform takes a flat $15 per hour. The degree is visible on your profile and is actively sought by a segment of families who want the most qualified professional available for their children.
Who specifically seeks degree-qualified in-home carers
Families who seek degree-qualified in-home carers tend to fall into specific groups. Academic or professional households where education is a core family value. Families with a child who has been identified as gifted and who want an educator equipped to extend and challenge them. Families with a child who has complex additional needs requiring a deep understanding of inclusive practice. Families who have had negative centre experiences and want the highest level of qualification available.
The income comparison for degree holders
- Early childhood teacher, funded kindergarten award rate: from $35 to $45 per hour
- Long day care, degree premium, enterprise agreement: up to $45 to $52 per hour
- In-home carer, 1 child, Nest & Nurture Little Ones: $40 per hour
- In-home carer, 2 children: $60 per hour
- In-home carer, 3 children: $80 per hour
- In-home carer, 4 children: $100 per hour
Why most degree-qualified educators have never considered this
The in-home childcare market in Australia has historically been informal -- private nanny arrangements negotiated directly between families and individuals, with no pay floor, no client pipeline and no professional infrastructure. Most qualified educators have no access to a reliable flow of clients without that infrastructure, so the option has effectively not existed.
Nest & Nurture Little Ones is the infrastructure. We market to families, manage applications and matching, handle bookings and payment, and provide the client pipeline that makes in-home work a viable primary income rather than a side arrangement. The degree-qualified educator who could not practically access this market before now can.
Ready to Apply?
Upload your degree certificate, WWCC, police check, HLTAID012 first aid and pertussis record. Applications take around 15 minutes. We respond within 5 business days.
Qualified early childhood educator? Join Nest and Nurture Little Ones
One family at a time. Set your own hours. From 40 dollars per hour. Wednesday pay. We review every application within 5 business days.
See how it works