Supported employment ECT course list expands in Victoria in response to extra demand

Aspiring early childhood teachers (ECTs) in Victoria will receive further support thanks to an expansion of  supported employment-based university courses in early childhood education announced over the weekend by Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt. 

An extra 1,330 places in the Early Childhood Innovative Initial Teacher Education program will be made available in 2022, with the intention of ‘future-proofing’ the local teaching workforce and supporting the rollout of the Andrews Government’s signature Three-Year-Old Kindergarten reform. 

“This innovative program allows early childhood educators of all backgrounds to upskill to become qualified teachers and progress their career pathways – supporting the statewide roll-out of Three-Year-Kindergarten in 2022,” Ms Stitt said. 

The program provides accelerated entry for 780 diploma-qualified graduates into the early childhood sector through recognition of prior studies and experience, providing flexible learning options and employment support so they can continue working in early childhood as they upskill to become degree-educated teachers. 

A further 550 students will experience better placement and mentoring experiences during their early childhood teaching degree, Ms Stitt continued, along with professional development for those in the workforce, under the Early Childhood Professional Practice Partnerships initiative. 

The program will be offered at the University of Melbourne, Victoria University, Deakin University, La Trobe University and the Australian Catholic University. 

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