Professional development opportunities for the early childhood education and care workforce

There are new measures to support the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce.

On this page:

About these opportunities

The 3 measures are designed to:

  • strengthen skills and professional experience
  • improve retention
  • build supply
  • increase capacity.

The measures will cost $72.4 million from 2023–24 to 2026–27. They complement the government’s broader ECEC reforms.

Professional development subsidy

Starting in July 2023, this subsidy will help qualified staff complete up to 2 days in training to enhance mandatory and highly-recommended skills.

Learn more about the professional development subsidy

Paid practicum subsidy

Starting in July 2023, services can apply for grants to pay educators in training to complete their degrees or postgraduate studies with work placements.

Learn more about the paid practicum

Practicum exchange

From January 2024, early childhood educators and teachers in training can complete a professional exchange program to gain broader experience prior to qualification. Candidates will be able to register and search for exchange opportunities on a dedicated website.

Learn more about the practicum exchange