Queensland Government invests $33m in early childhood education workforce

Queensland Education Minister Di Farmer announced more than $33 million in new initiatives yesterday, designed to “unlock the potential of early childhood educators” and build the workforce.

 

These initiatives include:

 

• $29 million in the first round of the Qualifications Pathways Program (QPP)
• Up to $2 million to pilot a Practicum Placement Scheme (PPS) this year
• Wrap around coaching and mentoring for educators seeking to upgrade qualifications for Cert III, Diploma, Bachelor and Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood through QPP
• $2.3 million will also fund two planning days in 2024 for every eligible Long Day Care service delivering a kindergarten program

 

Nearly 2,000 early childhood educators will benefit from the QPP, which will see the Government partner with nine organisations to deliver scholarships to help fund tuition fees for those studying a university qualification, support for practicums or buying equipment to help them finish their studies.

 

“With cost of living front and centre in every household, for the first time the Miles Government will provide payment to early childhood teachers participating in early childhood prac placements,” Ms Farmer said.

 

The PPS will support up to 350 eligible early childhood educators to complete their teacher qualification.  Five industry organisations have been approved to administer the pilot program.

 

In important news for those operating in the long day care (LDC) space, the Queensland Government will provide every eligible LDC service delivering a kindergarten program in Queensland with funding for their early childhood teachers to attend two planning days in 2024, with Ms Farmer saying the move is in recognition of the importance on planning, which is “an integral part of building professionalism in the sector.”

 

The announcement was welcomed by the Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland (ACA Qld),  who congratulated the Queensland Government and the Department of Education for their vision.

 

“We applaud the Government’s move to invest in our workforce by allowing early childhood teachers access to the same government-funded two planning days each year which is afforded to teachers in primary and high school settings,” ACA Qld President Majella Fitzsimmons said. 

 

“Planning days allow early childhood teachers to undertake training and enhance the curriculum which ultimately improves the experience of our youngest in their learning journey. This is a win-win in recognising the value of our workforce and will have great benefit to children and families across Queensland.”

 

Ms Fitzsimmons reiterated ACA Qld’s commitment to working closely with the government to ensure the successful implementation of the landmark initiative and said she is “happy the voice of our members is being heard.”

 

Further information about the funding and new initiatives is available here.