We’re supporting early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers to offer 2 workforce subsidies to eligible staff. Applications are now open.
The subsidies include:
- a professional development subsidy to help providers meet the cost of wages while staff complete national child safety training
- a paid practicum subsidy to help early childhood teachers- and educators-in-training complete the practicum component of their qualifications.
From 2026–27, the professional development subsidy will support the completion of national child safety training only. It will no longer fund other professional development activities that were previously supported.
Providers must apply on behalf of eligible staff and pass the funding on. Applications will be first come, first served. Additional prioritisation rules apply to each subsidy.
Applications close 3 July 2026.
To find out more, go to professional development opportunities.