Macquarie University expands pathways to early childhood teaching with new StepAhead program

Macquarie University is advancing opportunities for early childhood educators through its innovative StepAhead program, a new initiative designed to help Diploma-qualified educators become early childhood teachers.

Backed by $2.26 million in funding from the NSW Department of Education, the StepAhead program offers a flexible, sector-informed pathway that allows educators with at least two years’ experience to transition into early childhood teaching and make meaningful impact across early-learning settings.

The program combines high-quality university study with workplace-based learning, including an innovative ‘work while you learn’ final placement to provide optimum support for transition into an early childhood teaching role. With the choice of fully online, in-person or hybrid study modes, StepAhead is designed to support educators who are already working or require flexibility.

Professor Deborah Youdell, Dean of the Macquarie School of Education, says the partnership will support the growing demand for qualified early childhood teachers and reflects the University’s commitment to responding to sector needs.

“The Macquarie School of Education is proud to partner with the NSW Department of Education to deliver a program that supports educators as they take the next step in their careers and continue to make meaningful impact in their communities,” Professor Youdell says.

“Our ACECQA-approved StepAhead program is informed by world-leading research and teaching expertise, provides flexible learning modes, offers mentoring and academic guidance and access to our four on-campus early childhood education and care centres for on-campus students.” 

From 2026, the StepAhead program will support up to 100 students to become early childhood teachers, building expertise in leadership, critical reflection, theories of learning, child development, wellbeing, inclusion and pedagogy.

Through StepAhead, students will also receive:

• a choice of online, hybrid or on campus study modes
• a bespoke StepAhead learning platform providing resources along with mentoring communities of practice and optional ‘flash’ tutoring at critical points
• targeted support built into key stages of the program
• a dedicated Early Childhood Placement Officer and access to a Placement Support Team to coordinate flexible professional experience opportunities, with Tertiary Supervisors for feedback and mentoring during placements
• access to Macquarie’s Wellbeing and Health Services.

Designed for students from all backgrounds and locations, StepAhead ensures equitable access and support for learners, including those from regional, remote and culturally diverse communities.

Professor Chris Dixon, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, says StepAhead will build on Macquarie’s long-standing strength in early childhood education.

“Macquarie University is at the forefront of early childhood education teaching and research,” he says. “Ranked #1 in NSW and #26 in the world for research, and home to the Macquarie University Early Childhood Education Research Centre, our researchers are shaping understanding of how children and early childhood educators and teachers learn and thrive.

“StepAhead continues our commitment to supporting students to become confident, skilled teachers who make a genuine difference in children’s lives.”

StepAhead is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Early Learning Diploma to Degree (ELDD) initiative, which aims to support hundreds of early childhood educators across the state through partnerships with participating universities. 

More information can be found here.