Victorian Educational Leadership Program expands in 2026 – 400 places now available for early childhood leaders

Educational Leaders working in Victorian early childhood settings have a significant professional learning opportunity ahead, with Expressions of Interest now open for the Victorian Educational Leadership Program (VELP) in Term 2 and Term 3 of 2026. This fully funded initiative builds leadership capability and supports high‑quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) practice across the state. 

Delivered in partnership between the Victorian Department of Education, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA), VELP is part of the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reform agenda for early learning. 

The program is free to participants. The Victorian Department of Education also provides two days of backfill contribution, valued at $840 excluding GST,  to Approved Providers to support the release of Educational Leaders to complete the program.

VELP comprises two micro‑credential courses tailored to leaders at different stages of their leadership journey:

• VELP Foundations - for new or aspiring Educational Leaders with one to two years’ experience. Content focuses on core leadership skills, change management theory, team teaching, and observation and assessment. 
• VELP Advanced — for experienced Educational Leaders with two or more years’ experience, emphasising advanced leadership models, effective team teaching, and reflective practice in teams. 

Both micro‑credentials align with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)and the National Quality Standard (NQS), ensuring leaders can translate learning directly into practice that supports quality improvement within their services. 

Each course runs over 10 weeks with an expected commitment of about 50 hours of learning, including live online seminars and tutorials, independent study and collaboration with peers. The blended model is designed to fit alongside work commitments while promoting reflective practice and practical change initiatives. 

Participants will also complete an Action Research Project, exploring leadership questions relevant to their setting, and culminate with a showcase event where insights and learnings are shared with peers. On successful completion, graduates receive a micro‑credential from QUT, formally recognising their leadership development. 

Graduates will join an alumni network, offering ongoing connection and professional support beyond the course itself. 

Who can apply and how

Educational Leaders interested in participating are encouraged to speak with their manager or Approved Provider to gain support for their participation.

VELP is open to Educational Leaders employed in Victorian government‑funded kindergarten programs with the support of their Approved Provider. Educational Leaders are encouraged to discuss participation and complete the online Expression of Interest form for either Term 2 or Term 3, with specific closing dates listed on the official program page. 

To express interest and access full program details, visit the Victorian Educational Leadership Program information page on the Victorian Government website.