Every role in early childhood education has one thing in common: the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
It’s a career that is personally and professionally fulfilling, with continuing professional development, leadership roles and secure careers, but also lays the foundation for lifelong development and learning for children.
Two years of quality, play-based learning before school has an incredible impact on future learning success, social and emotional wellbeing, and employment opportunities. In fact, research shows that 90% of a child’s brain develops by the time they turn 5.
Victoria is leading the nation in investing in early childhood education. In an Australian-first, Victoria is offering free and increased hours of kindergarten (also known as pre-school in some other states and territories) to three- and four-year old children – creating over 11,000 new early childhood teacher and educator roles.
With record investment and significant reforms, there is a high demand for early childhood teachers and educators within Victorian kindergarten services – so there has never been a better time for students to consider a career in early childhood education.
Students can start their career in early childhood education while still at school with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or school-based apprenticeship. From there, they can upskill to a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, and then complete a university degree to become an early childhood teacher.
To attract early childhood teachers and educators to the Victorian sector, there are:
- Free TAFE places for the Certificate III and Diploma;
- early childhood traineeships, including school-based apprenticeships such as Head Start, and a fair training wage;
- early childhood scholarships for vocational or tertiary study of up to $34,000, depending on eligibility;
- employment incentives for teachers and educators applying to join the Victorian sector, including up to $8,000 in relocation support.
Support for all early childhood professionals in Victoria also continues post study, with career support programs including Communities of Practice, Early Learning Networks, conferences, and webinars.
For more information please visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/kinder
