Early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers can apply for a subsidy to help qualified staff to complete training that adds to their skills.
On this page:
This opportunity is opening soon. Applications open on 14 July 2025.
About the subsidy
The professional development subsidy covers 1 day of training for qualified ECEC staff.
We pay the subsidy to providers. Providers must pass funding on to staff.
The subsidy aims to:
- build capacity and skills in the early childhood workforce
- allow services to maintain educator-to-child ratios while staff complete training.
Who can get the subsidy?
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved providers can apply for the subsidy on behalf of:
- early childhood teachers
- early childhood educators
- centre managers.
These staff must:
- be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid work visa
- work at a CCS-approved service
- be part of the educator-to-child ratio
- work full-time, part-time or casual
- have worked at the service more than 40 hours in the last 3 months
- not have received a professional development subsidy in the 2024-25 financial year.
What can the subsidy be used for?
The subsidy covers 1 day, or up to 7.5 hours, of training per staff member.
You must use the subsidy to:
- supplement the cost of backfilling while staff engage in training
- pay staff a supplement for training undertaken outside of work hours.
Training can include:
- mandatory training such as first aid, child protection, induction training and food handling
- highly recommended training such as cultural competency, inclusion training, leadership, coaching and mentoring.
If we receive a high volume of applications, we will prioritise applications for:
- First Nations educators
- educators from regional and remote locations
- educators by provider size (small, then medium, then large providers)
- highly recommended training over mandatory training.
How much is the subsidy?
The subsidy is a flat daily rate. It is based current award rates and includes a 25% casual loading.
Staff type | 2025-26 | 2024–25 | 2023–24 |
---|---|---|---|
Early childhood teacher | $429.83 | $415.30 | $400.27 |
Early childhood educator | $272.72 | $263.45 | $253.97 |
Centre manager (director) | $401.72 | $388.13 | $374.06 |
How to apply
Providers must apply on behalf of eligible staff. A person with management or control (PMC) must complete the application.
Providers should:
- read the grant guidelines before applying
- apply through the grants portal.
If you need help with your application, contact ececgrants@deloitte.com.au. Remember to include your provider CRN.
Educators cannot apply themselves. If you work in the sector and think you would be eligible, talk to your provider about applying.
Key dates
In 2025–26, applications will be processed in two rounds. We will open the second round only if funding is still available after the first round.
Round 1 applications open
14 July 2024
Round 1 applications close
19 September 2025
Round 1 payments expected to be made to successful applicants
November 2025
Round 2 applications open (subject to funding availability)
12 January 2026
Round 2 applications close
13 March 2026
Round 2 payments expected to be made to successful applicants
May 2026
Acquittals
Providers must acquit funding received under the 2025-26 professional development subsidy by 14 July 2026.