Financial incentives helping early childhood teachers and educators build their careers in Victoria

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Fiona Alston

Oct 20, 2026

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Updated guidelines provide clearer pathways for eligible early childhood teachers and educators considering a move to Victoria, returning to the sector or exploring new career opportunities.

Victoria’s Early Childhood Incentives Program provides financial support to attract qualified early childhood teachers and educators to funded kindergarten roles across the state, with eligible applicants also able to access support to cover the cost of moving.

The programs offer 2 types of incentives - individual and location.

Eligible early childhood teachers and educators can receive an individual incentive of $9,000 before tax when joining or returning to Victoria’s funded kindergarten workforce. This includes qualified professionals relocating to Victoria and those returning after an absence of at least 12 months.

Location incentives are available for eligible teachers and educators taking up roles at selected funded kindergarten services, to grow the kindergarten workforce in rural and regional areas.

Early childhood teachers can receive $9,000, $21,000 or $50,000, depending on the position and location, while eligible educators can receive a $9,000 location incentive. Eligible recipients who move more than 100 kilometres to take up their position can also receive a cost of moving supplement of between $1,000 and $8,000 before tax.

Program guidelines have been updated for 2026-27 to make eligibility requirements clearer for prospective applicants.

Gracie’s journey to Victoria to work in a funded kindergarten service

For early childhood teacher Gracie, the Early Childhood Teacher Incentive provided an opportunity to relocate from New South Wales to take up a role at a funded kindergarten service in Victoria.

Having previously worked as an early childhood teacher, centre director and educational leader, Gracie developed a particular interest in supporting children experiencing behavioural challenges and families facing barriers to professional and therapeutic support.

Her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to complete a Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis, strengthening her capacity to support children with additional needs.

Now working full-time in a funded kindergarten program in Geelong, Gracie has undertaken further professional learning in relationship-based and trauma-informed practice.

Following her relocation to Victoria, Gracie established herself in the Greater Geelong region, developing strong relationships with families, allied health professionals and local support services.

“This incentive made a meaningful difference in enabling me to relocate and establish myself professionally in Victoria.” Gracie, Early Childhood Teacher Incentive recipient.

Her experience illustrates how financial assistance can support relocation while enabling early childhood professionals to establish connections and contribute to their new communities.

Further information about the program is available here.

Shaping your career in Victoria

Early childhood teachers and educators considering an incentive should review the updated guidelines before accepting a position or making relocation arrangements.

To qualify, applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements and the specific conditions associated with the incentive they are seeking.

Eligible positions must involve delivering a funded kindergarten program and have an employment contract of at least 12 months. Applications must generally be submitted within 60 days of accepting a position.

Alongside financial incentives for qualified early childhood professionals, the Victorian Department of Education offers scholarships for eligible Victorians to study an early childhood teaching degree and for Certificate III qualified educators to undertake their Diploma. And once working in the Victorian sector, the department provides a range of career supports and professional learning.

These complementary programs provide different forms of support for professionals entering the sector, undertaking further study or considering their next career move.

For information about scholarships, incentives and relocation assistance, visit BUSY At Work’s Early Childhood Scholarships and Incentives.

To explore career pathways, professional development opportunities and working in Victoria’s early childhood education sector, visit the Victorian Government’s Shape Your Career website.

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