New mentoring program set to strengthen skills and leadership in early childhood education

A new mentoring program launched by TAFE SA’s National Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care is set to advance educator skills, unlock leadership potential, and drive long-term quality improvements across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

Titled Effective Mentoring in Early Childhood Education and Care, the professional development program has been developed in close consultation with sector leaders and education professionals. It will be piloted in Semester 2 by mentors and mentees from seven childcare centres across South Australia.

Participating sites include:

• TAFE SA Pt Lincoln Childcare Centre
• C.a.F.E Enfield Children’s Centre
• TAFE SA Whyalla Childcare Centre
• TAFE SA City West Childcare Centre
• Kalaya Children’s Centre
• St Morris Community Childcare Centre
• Waite Campus Children’s Centre

The program includes four online workshops focused on developing mentoring skills and using them to enhance quality practices in early learning environments.

Launched in 2024 with $28 million in joint State and Federal Government funding, the Centre of Excellence is part of a national network of TAFE-led initiatives aimed at supporting skills development in critical industries. Its work in early childhood education includes partnerships with Flinders University and the University of South Australia to co-design training products and expand apprenticeship pathways into the sector.

The mentoring initiative is one of several strategies the Centre is using to address workforce development. It aims to foster knowledge sharing between experienced and emerging educators, boost staff retention, and cultivate leadership across all career stages.

“Mentoring is such an important step to ensure educators are supported and we are sharing knowledge right across the sector,” said Minister for Education Blair Boyer.

“The Centre of Excellence will help strengthen the sector by providing high-quality and responsive skills training for the education and care of our youngest Australians,” he added.

Centre of Excellence Director Nick Howie echoed these sentiments, highlighting mentoring as a core leadership practice.

“Whether it’s new educators learning from more practised team members or experienced educators looking to grow into leadership roles, mentoring supports long-term workforce development,” he said.

By equipping educators with the tools to mentor others, the program aims to enhance confidence, capability, and collaboration ultimately improving outcomes for children and families.

TAFE SA’s Centre of Excellence continues to work closely with educators, employers, unions, and the Jobs and Skills Council HumanAbility to develop and deliver responsive professional development aligned with current and future workforce needs.

The Effective Mentoring in Early Childhood Education and Care program complements existing initiatives such as Fee-Free TAFE and apprenticeship pathways, helping to build a sustainable and capable ECEC workforce.

Read the full media release from the South Australia Government here.