New $1.9 million pathway to support aspiring early childhood teachers in NSW

Charles Sturt University has received $1.9 million in funding from the NSW Department of Education to establish a new supported program for aspiring early childhood teachers, helping to grow the state’s early learning workforce.

The Connected Early Childhood Pathway is part of the NSW Government’s Early Learning Diploma to Degree Pathway program and will support 100 students in 2026 to complete the Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years). The initiative includes tailored academic, wellbeing, cultural and professional mentoring, and provides $6,000 in financial support to each participant.

This funding comes at a time when more than 20,000 additional early childhood educators are needed across NSW to meet demand and achieve sustainable staffing levels in line with sector reforms and preschool expansion.

Charles Sturt University’s program is the only fully online option funded through the NSW Government’s diploma to degree initiative, ensuring accessibility for students who are already working or managing caring responsibilities.

Executive Dean of the Charles Sturt Faculty of Arts and Education, Professor Andrew Hope, said:

“This initiative recognises the reality that many aspiring early childhood educators are already working in the sector or balancing family and caring responsibilities.”

“By offering a fully online, flexible and well-supported program, Charles Sturt University is enabling students to remain in their communities while gaining the qualifications and professional support they need. This will help strengthen the early childhood workforce and ensure more children and families across NSW have access to high-quality early learning.”

Commencing in March 2026, the program will enable participants to earn a nationally recognised degree with extensive support designed to enhance retention and long-term professional success.

Program features include:

• $6,000 in financial support (plus additional loadings for First Nations, regional, rural and remote students)
• Eligibility for the NSW Government’s Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship program
• Tailored mentoring and cultural support, including First Nations mentoring and one-to-one sessions
• Six online communities of practice, fostering professional connection and sector engagement
• Academic skills development, including tutoring, literacy support and referencing workshops
• Wellbeing and counselling support, with regular checks and targeted resources
• Accelerated study options, allowing degree completion in as little as 18 months
• Flexible placements, including part-time placements, swaps and up to 20 days of recognised prior learning

Program Lead Dr Belinda Downey emphasised the importance of supporting students entering from vocational education pathways:

“This program brings together high-quality teaching, individualised academic supports, mentoring and strong professional partnerships, to ensure our students feel connected and engaged at every stage.”

“I’m particularly proud of the focus on student wellbeing and reflective practice. These supports build confidence in future early childhood teachers to deliver high-quality education and care while supporting retention in the early childhood profession.”

The program launch coincides with broader NSW Government investments in early learning, including:

• $769 million to build 100 new public preschools by 2027
• $27 million for the Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship program, which aims to support 2,000 additional students to join or advance in the sector

Together, these initiatives reflect a statewide commitment to strengthening the early childhood education and care workforce, particularly in rural and remote communities.

Applications for the Connected Early Childhood Pathway will open soon. For more information, visit Charles Sturt University or contact [email protected].