Future early childhood teachers to receive training boost 

For the first time, students can access Commonwealth Government subsidised places to study a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW, supporting the growing need for qualified early childhood teachers. 

Applications are now open for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) for eligible students studying in Semester 2, 2026 at six TAFE NSW locations across the state. The subsidised places will reduce the cost of study and support more people to retrain or start a career in early childhood education.  

Nationally, more than 21,000 additional early childhood educators[1] are needed to meet current demand, while only 13 per cent[2] of the workforce holds a higher education degree.

Students can study a four-year Bachelor degree pathway or an accelerated 2.5-year pathway for those who hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. The course prepares graduates to work with children from birth to five years and includes practical placement opportunities and industry-based learning. 

TAFE NSW Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) graduate, Elise Squires, has worked in the sector for close to a decade, and received the Academic Award for her graduating class earlier this year. 

“After completing my Certificate III, this bachelor’s degree helped me expand my knowledge and gain the qualifications to take on greater responsibilities in the early childhood education field I love," Ms Squires said.  

“The degree also opened my eyes to opportunities beyond working directly with children, including training and mentoring future early childhood educators. There’s a real need for highly qualified educators across the sector.”  

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said Commonwealth Supported Places would help train more qualified early childhood teachers while making higher education more affordable and accessible for students across NSW.

“Early childhood services continue to face challenges finding qualified educators, with strong demand for skilled workers across the sector,” Minister Whan said.

“By expanding access to higher education through TAFE NSW, we are helping people get skills that work and build the workforce needed to support children, families and early learning services, especially in regional communities.”

The CSP-funded places are available to students studying from Semester 2 2026 at six TAFE NSW locations across the state, including Shellharbour, Ultimo, Nirimba (Quakers Hill), St Leonards, Randwick and Glendale.  

Access the application process here and close 26 June 2026.