Early childhood education on the Central Coast will benefit from a $72.4M investment in the 2023-24 Federal Budget with a focus on regional and remote services and First Nations organisations.
From July, early childhood education and care will become more affordable for around 1.2 million Australian families thanks to reforms delivered by the Albanese Government.
Federal Member for Dobell Emma said more affordable early childhood education would mean real cost-of-living relief for families.
“We’re making sure the Central Coast has a strong early childhood education and care workforce, so local children have access to the best in early learning,” she said.
The funding package will also support the skills and training of a quality and highly-trained early childhood education and care workforce through improved access to professional development opportunities, making it easier for educators to progress their careers.
“Investment in our youngest Australians is an investment in the future, that’s why we’re determined to improve the early childhood education and care,” McBride said.
Support will be provided to enable positions to be backfilled while 75,000 early childhood educators, teachers and centre directors undertake professional development opportunities.
The funding package will also help 6,000 existing educators upskill by providing financial support to help complete on-the-job teaching placements required by teacher education courses.
Also, 2,000 early childhood educators will be able to undertake a practical exchange at a different service, with a living allowance for students undertaking a practicum in a rural or remote location.
“This vital investment will ensure high quality early childhood educators remain in the sector, with clear opportunities for career advancement,” McBride said.
“These landmark reforms will ensure families are empowered to make the choices that are right for them when it comes to early learning, workforce participation and further education – while also boosting the economic security of women.”
Source:
Member for Dobell Emma McBride