ECEC input needed to support Deakin study and inform National Workforce Strategy

Early childhood educators, teachers and service leaders are being asked to help shape the future of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector by participating in a Deakin University research study into induction, mentoring and professional practice networks in the ECEC sector.

 

The survey closes on 23 June, and more support from the sector is needed, to ensure the findings accurately reflect the needs of all facets of the ECEC community, including regional, rural and remote services, and services which cater to the needs of First Nations families. 

 

Researchers are especially interested in hearing from respondents from Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory or the Australian Capital Territory, to ensure that a strong national cross section of views is represented, along with contributions from other states and territories.

 

What is the survey about?

 

In 2022 a National Children’s Education and Care Workforce Strategy (NWS) was handed down by the government that sets out a ten-year strategy to ensure a sustainable, high quality ECEC workforce. 

 

Deakin University has since been commissioned by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), an independent education evidence body working closely with government on implementing the NWS, to collect evidence for two of the NWS actions:

 

1. Enhance mentoring and induction support for new teachers, and
2. Investigate options for a national professional practice network for educators

and teachers.

 

What happens with the results? 

 

Findings from the anonymous online survey aim to provide the Deakin University team with understandings about what constitutes effective induction, mentoring, and professional networking for the sector, in order to meet those two actions. 

 

The results of the survey will be analysed and presented to AERO who will use the information to inform the delivery of the two actions. The Deakin Team will, at a later stage, draw from the data to write scholarly journal articles or present aspects of the data at academic conferences.

 

Participation in the survey is voluntary, responses are anonymous, and opting to not complete the survey will not adversely affect you in any way. 

The input of the ECEC sector is highly valued, in order to ensure that the feedback given to AERO is reflective of the true needs of its workforce. 

 

To access the ECEC Workforce Project survey please use this link.

 

Further information and opportunities

 

If you have any questions or comments about this survey, please contact the lead researcher Professor Andrea Nolan ([email protected]). 

 

A further opportunity to share thoughts on effective mentoring, induction and professional networks is available through online or face to face Focus Groups, and/or individual interviews. 

 

The Focus Groups/Interviews are held at a  designated time, take approximately an hour, and are conducted in an online environment (such as Zoom) or in a convenient face to face setting. A member of the research team will lead the focus group and support participants and up to 15 peers to utilise interactive tools and discussion to share their thoughts on experiences of induction, mentoring, and professional networks.

 

Those who are interested in participating in a Focus Group or interview are asked to email 

[email protected] 

 

Focus Groups and Interviews will be conducted throughout June 2023.

 

For further information about the project, including the Australian Education Research

Organisation and to meet the Deakin University Research team please go to the website: Research into mentoring, induction and professional networks in Early Childhood Education and Care – REDI