Investment in Early Childhood Education Workforce

Media Release - The Parenthood has welcomed the Federal Government’s $72.4 million investment in skills training and professional development for Australia’s early childhood education workforce.

The Parenthood Welcomes $72.4million Investment in Early Childhood Education Workforce Training and Development

The Parenthood has welcomed the Federal Government’s $72.4 million investment in skills training and professional development for Australia’s early childhood educator workforce.

Chief Executive Officer of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent said early childhood educators are the cornerstone of the early learning sector and an investment in training and skills for workers would benefit the quality of education and care received by children and benefit families.

“This announcement of a $72.4 million skills and development package for the early learning sector is  a welcome move and will provide early childhood educators with the support they need to chart out their professional journeys and better provide education and support for children and families.

“It reflects calls from Thrive by Five, The Parenthood, early childhood educators and the sector for funding that enables early childhood educators and teachers to undertake training and further study, by providing support for additional resourcing in services.

“The proposed investment’s targeted focus on delivering opportunities to educators in First Nations and rural and remote communities is also particularly welcome.

“By allowing educators an opportunity to develop their skills, children will also be able to reap the benefits of a more robust and well-rounded education.

“Early childhood educators play an integral role in our society, and it is important that Governments at all levels, provide them with the assistance and support they need to thrive in their careers.

“Early childhood educators currently represent one of the lowest-paid, highly skilled groups of workers in the country and have been leaving the profession in escalating numbers since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Increasing workloads, unfair wages and a lack of recognition are driving many educators out of the profession.

“Educators are also having to survive on extremely low wages as the cost-of-living crisis continues to worsen. This must change. The full educational, social and economic benefits from early childhood education and care are dependent upon a strong early childhood workforce.    

“The Parenthood looks forward to a discussion with the Federal Government about the next steps, in particular regarding funding a wage rise for early childhood educators via the sector-wide bargaining that is expected to commence next month,” she said.