C&K announces Head of Education Programs and Strategy to drive investment reforms

Queensland based early childhood provider C&K has welcomed the recently announced $33 million investment in the state’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce, which CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman says will provide “a much needed boost” to the sector. 

Several workforce specific initiatives are outlined in the overall investment including: 

• $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

In response to the investment, C&K has appointed Dr Suzy Tamone in the role of Head of Education Programs and Strategy, to oversee the implementation of the Queensland Government Workforce Strategy’s initiatives at C&K.

Dr Tamone is the Head of Education Programs & Strategy at C&K. Prior to joining C&K, she  was Head of Professional Learning at Goodstart Early Learning, and an academic at Queensland University of Technology in the School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education where she also facilitated the Mentoring Beginning Teachers program for the Department of Education. 

“I’m excited to pioneer an Education Strategy for C&K that champions and builds workforce capability to support every child to flourish,” Dr Tamone said.

C&K is also boosting its investment in qualification completions, launching a limited reduced fee campaign at the C&K College.

“Qualifications are the foundation for all roles within the early childhood sector, and evidence shows they are the key factor to providing high-quality education and care,” Dr Cheeseman said. 

“It costs as little as $1 per unit to study at the C&K College, and students will receive supported work placements and a connection to employment opportunities,” she explained.

“C&K is pleased to launch this campaign and take a leadership role in growing the capacity and capability of the early childhood workforce. We look forward to continuing to partner with the Queensland Government to support ECEC workforce initiatives.”

Learn more about the investment and reforms here.