A new financial support program is set to make it easier to get a career in early childhood education statewide, ahead of the planned extension of preschool to three-year-olds, underpinned by efforts to bolster the sector’s workforce as part of a $96.6 million government initiative.
Since its inception in July 2024, over 100 aspiring teachers have been pre-approved for financial aid, which could reach up to $25,000 during their studies and initial years of employment.
This proactive approach addresses the growing demand for qualified early childhood educators, necessary for implementing the state’s educational reforms.
Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer highlighted the positive reception of the program.
“We are thrilled that South Australians are seizing the opportunity to study early childhood through this new financial support program,” he said.
The minister also pointed to the significant role this initiative plays in the broader context of educational reform, which includes the introduction of new legislation aimed at enhancing the early childhood education and care sector.
“The government’s roll-out of preschool for three-year-olds marks an exciting chapter in early childhood for this state and the largest reform to education in decades,” added Boyer.
The legislation, already presented to parliament, seeks to establish the Office for Early Childhood Development, which will wield enhanced powers and responsibilities as per recommendations from the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care. It will focus on reducing the number of children entering school with developmental vulnerabilities.
Current figures show nearly 24% of South Australian children are at risk, a statistic the government aims to decrease through strategic intervention and improved early education standards.
For anyone considering a career in this pivotal field, the financial support program provides up to $25,000 for bachelor degrees, $17,000 for masters, and $7,000 for diplomas. Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may be eligible for support up to $34,000.
A special ‘Grow Your Own’ allowance also offers up to $10,000 for students from regional and remote areas, acknowledging the unique challenges faced in these locations.
Scholarship recipient Raji Sanu shared her enthusiasm for the program.
“It is my passion to work with young children. Being a teacher can positively impact their early years of learning, which is pivotal to their long-term success—and I can be part of it,” they said.
“I can upgrade my skills and knowledge as part of my continuous learning and professional development, which I can apply in the early years learning sector.”
Similarly, Amy Kennedy, another beneficiary and a veteran in the field, welcomed the opportunity brought by the financial assistance.
“I have already been in the early childhood industry for nearly 20 years and am excited about the opportunity to further my career and be able to continue pursuing my passion for early childhood education,” she said.
This financial support initiative and the forthcoming legislation represent deliberate strides towards enhancing early childhood education in South Australia. The focus on professional development, improved learning outcomes, and a robust support system for educators points to a brighter future for the field.
To learn more about the program and application details, interested parties can visit the dedicated website at www.earlychildhood.sa.gov.au/flyingstart.
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