Early childhood workforce

Quality outcomes for children depend on a highly skilled, well-supported and professionally recognised early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce. Learn about who works in the sector and see what we’re doing to build a high-quality and sustainable workforce.

We're extending wage support. On 17 June 2026, the Australian Government announced:

  • the worker retention payment will continue until 30 June 2028
  • Family Day Care and In Home Care services that engage all educators as employees will be able to join the program
  • fee growth caps for new and existing participants
  • a new condition linking the program to child safety.

Read our announcement and check back here for more details soon. 

About the workforce

Learn about who works in the sector and explore your options for joining the sector.

Support for the workforce

See what we’re doing to build a high-quality and sustainable ECEC workforce.

Wages

Learn about the government’s commitment to support a wage increase for the ECEC workforce.

Case studies

Child care worker playing with child indoors

From the Ground Up

From the Ground Up leadership program inspires early learning educators.
Two child care workers kneeling at a toddler table in a child care centre

Jenny’s Early Learning Centre

Traineeships a winner for the early childhood workforce.
Lauren (left) and a child sitting at a table

Lady Gowrie Tasmania

Tasmanian program gives taste of life working in early childhood education and care.

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