Applications now open for professional development and paid practicum support in early childhood sector

Applications have officially opened for the latest round of workforce support under the Albanese Government’s $72.4 million Early Childhood Education Workforce Package, with early childhood educators, teachers, and providers encouraged to apply.

The support includes three key initiatives aimed at strengthening, retaining, and supporting the early learning workforce:

• The Professional Development Subsidy, enabling services to backfill roles or compensate staff attending training outside work hours
• The Paid Practicum Subsidy, supporting educators to take paid leave while completing required placement hours
• The Practicum Exchange Living Allowance, assisting with travel and accommodation costs for rural or remote placements organised through the Practicum Exchange Network

The Practicum Exchange Network, profiled by The Sector in May, provides a valuable avenue for educators to complete placements in different settings while building sector connections and supporting workforce mobility in regional and remote communities.

Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh, said the opening of applications is a crucial step in delivering on the Government’s commitment to stable, quality early learning.

“I want to ensure that children have a positive, rewarding and safe early education experience so they get the best possible start in life,” she said.

“These grants help to build and retain our existing highly skilled early learning workforce.”

“Creating a stable workforce also paves the way for our plans to continue expanding access to quality early education, starting with our 3 Day Guarantee that comes in from January next year.”

The Professional Development Subsidy supports both mandatory and highly recommended training, including First Aid and CPR, child safety, inclusion, and leadership development.

The Paid Practicum Subsidy is open to educators undertaking a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or relevant Early Childhood Teaching qualifications, including postgraduate programs.

Since its launch in 2023, the Workforce Package has supported more than 86,000 educators through professional development and over 2,850 student educators with paid practicum placements.

More information, including eligibility criteria and applications details visit here.