WA early learning providers and ECU team up to fast-track early childhood teaching degrees

A new scholarship program in WA aims to ease teacher shortages by supporting educators to gain degree qualifications.

Western Australia’s early childhood education workforce is set to benefit from a strengthened partnership between Edith Cowan University (ECU), The Atlantis Group and Tall Tree Early Learning. The three organisations are launching a scholarship initiative that will support four educators to fast-track their Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) at ECU, beginning Semester 2, 2025.

The opportunity is available to Diploma-qualified educators currently employed at Atlantis Early Learning or Tall Tree Early Learning. These two providers form part of The Atlantis Group and support more than 2,200 families across the Perth metropolitan area.

The program comes at a time of growing demand for early childhood teachers. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that more than 73,700 degree-qualified professionals are now working in the sector, a 10 per cent increase from the year prior. Projections show that another 34,000 early childhood teachers will be needed nationally over the next five years, with an estimated current shortfall of 1,500.

Professor Caroline Mansfield, Executive Dean of Education at ECU, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a highly qualified workforce. She said, “We are thrilled to partner with The Atlantis Group, a leading WA provider, to offer full-fee paid scholarships for pre-service teachers.”

“This initiative extends our existing partnership, which already supports placements and internships for our pre-service teachers. It also allows working educators to study toward a teaching degree while continuing paid employment, with the flexibility and support they need to succeed.”

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• Course funding for up to three years (valued at approximately $14,000)
• Additional unpaid leave days to support study
• Support with resource fees
• Professional and academic mentorship
• Bonus payments for high academic achievement

Dr Julie Boston, Director of Partnerships and Engagement at ECU’s School of Education, said the fast-track model is designed to provide experienced educators with a flexible and achievable pathway to qualification.

“This tailored fast-track model reflects our commitment to flexible, practice-informed teacher education,” she said. “We are proud to work with progressive organisations like The Atlantis Group and Tall Tree Early Learning, who invest meaningfully in their workforce and understand the impact of quality early learning.”

Rory Hindle, Managing Director of The Atlantis Group, said, “This is more than a scholarship. It’s a strategic partnership to develop and retain highly skilled early childhood educators.”

Elaine Whelan, Head of People and Culture at The Atlantis Group, said the program is designed to reduce barriers to higher education. “Access to higher education can be a challenge for educators balancing work, life and financial responsibilities. This initiative helps them overcome those barriers and take the next step in their careers.”

For more information on partnering with ECU’s School of Education, contact Dr Julie Boston, Director, Partnerships and Engagement.