WA expands attraction and retention grants to boost early childhood and OSHC workforce

The Cook Government has opened the first round of its newly expanded Attraction and Retention Grants for Education and Care Services, aiming to strengthen workforce sustainability across Western Australia’s early childhood and out-of-school-hours care (OSHC) sector.

With workforce pressures continuing to challenge the delivery of quality early learning and care, the Western Australian Government has committed $3 million over four years through the 2025–26 State Budget to support services in attracting and retaining qualified educators.

The expanded grants program, launched this month, builds on the success of the earlier Regional Attraction and Retention Grants, which since 2021 have allocated more than $1 million to 29 local governments to boost educator numbers in regional and remote areas.

The new program significantly broadens eligibility, opening up access to education and care services and local governments across the State, including those delivering OSHC services.

“Ensuring that our communities have qualified educators will mean more families and their children will be able to access education and care services,” said WA Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton.

The grants form part of the Cook Government’s $15 million election commitment to expand OSHC availability at primary schools and support the broader early years workforce.

Eligible applicants can apply for funding to deliver targeted initiatives that support educator attraction, recruitment, and long-term retention. This could include strategies such as housing subsidies, relocation assistance, professional development programs, or workforce wellbeing initiatives.

Minister Winton said the grants would help address ongoing recruitment challenges and enhance access to early learning for WA families.

“Our expanded grants program will support providers to attract and retain quality educators right across Western Australia,” she said. “I encourage local governments and education and care services to apply.”

To to apply, visit Department of Communities Grants Programs or contact [email protected]

This targeted investment acknowledges the vital role educators play in supporting children’s learning, development, and wellbeing, and reflects national momentum to strengthen workforce conditions across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.