Queensland Government unveils comprehensive strategy to strengthen early childhood education workforce

In response to ongoing challenges in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, the Queensland Government has announced a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering the workforce, enhancing professional development, and ensuring the safety and well-being of children across the state.

The Queensland Early Childhood Workforce Strategy 2025–2028, introduced by Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek, outlines a multi-faceted approach to address workforce shortages, improve training pathways, and elevate the status of the profession. 

Key initiatives include the establishment of the Queensland Early Years Institute, which will focus on targeted professional development, and a significant investment of $9.15 million over three years to train educators in managing challenging behaviours. Additionally, $7.4 million over two years is allocated to develop leadership and management skills among aspiring educators.

To further support the sector, the government has committed an additional $12.7 million to bolster the early childhood education regulator’s staff, enabling more frequent safety checks and regulatory visits. This funding is part of the broader $21.9 billion Education Budget, which also includes investments in new schools and initiatives to create safer learning environments.

The strategy is built around six strategic priorities: attracting and retaining educators, enhancing qualifications and skills, ensuring quality, fostering strong leadership, promoting professional recognition, and supporting wellbeing and resilience among workers. Minister Langbroek emphasised the importance of these measures in restoring confidence in the sector and providing children with the best start in life.

“The safety and care of children is our utmost priority, and parents deserve full confidence when they drop their kids at a childcare centre,” Minister Langbroek stated. “We’ve taken action with this Strategy to attract the right talent and put more educators in the centres, while upskilling the current workforce and building clear career pathways.”

Looking ahead, the Queensland Government plans to convene a roundtable with key stakeholders, including the Queensland Family and Children’s Commissioner and the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), to fast-track actions that will further secure the sector and protect children.

By implementing this comprehensive strategy, the Queensland Government aims to create a robust, skilled, and resilient early childhood education workforce, ensuring that every child in the state has access to high-quality care and learning opportunities.

Read the media release here.