Helping early childhood educators to upskill

The Albanese Government is helping early childhood educators gain the valuable on-the-job experience they need to complete qualifications and upskill. 

Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly today launched a new Practicum Exchange Network to help early learning providers participate in prac exchanges with other services. 

“This will help early childhood educators complete prac requirements for early learning qualifications,” Minister Aly said.

“The new Practicum Exchange Network website will enable early learning services and educators to find and organise prac exchanges with other services and educators.  

“Prac exchanges help students learn from experienced educators and teachers, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge in a variety of settings.

“From January 2025, educators who undertake prac in a rural or remote location, away from home, will be able to apply for a living allowance to assist with relocation costs.”

The new website is part of the Government’s $72.4 million Early Childhood Education Workforce package which is helping to build and retain a highly skilled early learning workforce.  

The package is also helping existing educators upskill through a paid prac wage subsidy, supporting educators to complete placements.

The funding also enables positions to be backfilled while early childhood educators, teachers and centre directors undertake professional development opportunities.

Shaped by engagement with the sector, the workforce package is another way the Albanese Government is recognising the professionalism of early childhood educators.

The Government is also delivering a historic 15 per cent wage rise for the critical early childhood education and care workforce, helping to retain the current workforce while also attracting new people to the sector. 

A sustainable and high-quality early childhood education and care workforce is a vital step towards building a universal early learning and care system that works for children and families.

To learn more or to join the Practicum Exchange Network visit prac.education.gov.au.