Recent changes in the field of early childhood education that suggest patterns of emerging professionalism in Australia are discussed. These changes include the following: (1) the development of a code of ethics for the Australian early childhood profession; (2) the transitions of training institutions into universities; (3) the development of degree courses for teachers and caregivers; and (4) the availability of recent Australasian publications for tertiary teaching. Also discussed are the roles of early childhood teachers, such as their position as front line professionals who are close to families that are in the process of change. The increasingly supportive relationships between caregivers and teachers and other professionals are noted. Contains 21 references. (LB)