ECU addresses Western Australia’s ECT workforce crisis

Western Australia has the distinction of being the state with the highest number of early childhood teacher (ECT) waivers in the nation, a worrying statistic which the Early Childhood team at Edith Cowan University (ECU) have taken dedicated steps to address through the creation of a unique entry point into the Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Studies (Y42).

The statistic is even more concerning when the fact that it does not include those services where those employed with the title of ECT, but who are still working towards their qualification, are taken into consideration.

“We moved swiftly to open up possibilities for people who are keen to learn and apply their understanding at work,” ECU Associate Professor Gill Kirk said.

“We have been keeping both providers and possible students in mind as we continue to respond to need without limiting our quality.”   

Course structure to support more timely qualifications

The Y42 qualification will be offered by ECU from 2025.  It will allow staff (or prospective students) with an approved Diploma qualification, gained within the last 10 years, to reduce the duration of the degree by up to eight units. This effectively provides the possibility of completing the degree within three years, if studied full time.

Y42 is a birth to eight qualification that has been accredited by both ACECQA and the Teacher Registration Board of WA.

Educators can continue working in early childhood education while pursuing their degrees, with the course content highly relevant to their daily responsibilities, enabling them to immediately apply what they learn, as well as allowing them to support quality improvement within their services as they progress through their studies.

Positive engagement from sector

Early responses from providers in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector have been positive, with both the structure of the qualification, and also its contents, warmly welcomed by those in need of ECTs, whilst also remaining aware of the need to have robust course content which prepares students for the realities of working as an ECT in a long day care (LDC) setting. 

Hayley Morrison, People and Culture Business Partner (WA/SA) for G8 Education said that for many of those in her organisation committing to a 4-year bachelor’s degree “can feel like too much,” particularly when they bring years of professional experience and a Diploma level qualification to the table. 

“It can feel like the years of knowledge and experience are not acknowledged or valued,” she said, “but with the Y42 qualification, they absolutely are.”

Representing approved provider The Atlantis Group, and also Tall Tree Early Learning (WA), People and Culture spokesperson Elaine Whelan agreed saying “we are thrilled about ECU’s new Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Studies pathway, which acknowledges the valuable skills and experience of our Diploma-qualified Educators. This initiative is a major step forward in making a teaching degree more accessible to passionate and experienced professionals in the early childhood sector.”

“Our Educators bring extensive practical knowledge to the classroom and this fast-tracked pathway is a well-deserved testament to their commitment and expertise. By allowing them to gain credits for their first year, this option provides a natural progression for those eager to advance their careers as Early Childhood Teachers,” she added.

For further information please contact the Y42 Course Coordinator Wendy Harmon at [email protected] or visit the website here.