An early childhood educator at Great Beginnings child care centre in Southern River.
Australian Job Outlook shows that there are currently 162,400 early childhood educators in Australia. Of them, almost 50,000 are degree qualified early childhood teachers.
The figures also show that over the next five years another 34,000 jobs will need to be filled in the sector.
A scholarship initiative between Edith Cowan University (ECU) and leading early learning provider G8 Education is set to help meet that growing demand.
According to G8 Education's Chief People and Transformation Officer, Tabitha Pearson, the Bachelor Scholarship program supports diploma qualified early childhood educators to engage in undergraduate studies towards a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
"We are committed to supporting and investing in our team by providing opportunities for them to grow in their career and skills, including by partnering with aligned, reputable tertiary institutions to offer Early Childhood focussed courses and degrees," Ms Pearson said.
Since its launch in 2019, more than 180 students have enrolled in the Bachelor Scholarship program across three cohorts, with the fourth intake now underway. Seven of those students have already graduated. All graduates are guaranteed roles as early childhood teachers with G8 Education.
ECU's Associate Dean (Early Childhood Studies) Dr Gillian Kirk said the agility of this program allows diploma qualified staff to engage in further education while maintaining their current employment status.
"It is an initiative that works with and for staff, and the program structure incentivises course completion. Edith Cowan are pleased to be a part of a partnership that actively addresses an economic and societal need in ways that honour the integrity of the Bachelor of Education (ECS) course and the early years profession," Dr Kirk said.
Opportunities now open to educators
- $15,000 worth of study bonuses
- Resource allowances paid each semester
- Wages paid during all professional experience placements
- Paid study time
- Paid exam days
- Dedicated mentoring
- Fees paid for Initial Teacher Registration University Applications
"This new partnership will allow our Western Australian network of team members to complete their studies with a highly reputed, locally based partner, and be better supported in their teacher registration requirements as a result," said G8 Education Western Australian Regional Manager, Leigh Harding.
Shaping careers and futures
Recognised as the university the teachers of tomorrow choose for their teaching education, partnered with G8 Education, which shapes the lives of more than 50,000 children every day, it's expected this partnership will change the future of early childhood learning, for teachers and students.
"G8 Education is thrilled to partner with likeminded institutions, such as Edith Cowan University, which share our passion for innovative education as we remain dedicated to our purpose of creating the foundations for learning for life," said G8 Education's, Ms Pearson.
ECU's Dr Kirk agreed commenting "this program is depictive of a partnership that is actively and constructively addressing early childhood teacher shortages currently pervading the sector. The scholarship initiative is exemplar of the forward thinking that will ultimately create a stronger early childhood education and care workforce.
"Benefits extend beyond increased professional fulfilment, to reach better outcomes for young children and by large, for the economy," she said.
For more information on how to apply for the Bachelor Scholarship program head to Grow With Us - Careers at G8 Education
