Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch says a boost of more than $12M to the state’s early childhood workforce is “fantastic” news for those wanting to enter the sector.
Tesch said funding of $12.2M to provide scholarships to the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce secured in the NSW Budget would begin the practical work of creating a pipeline of educators.
“Our early childhood education workforce is so important, and this investment will build capacity and resilience within our early childhood education workforce,” she said.
“I would encourage anyone interested in joining the sector or wanting to upskill to apply.
“This is just one of the measures the Labor Government will deliver to begin to address the ongoing shortage of early childhood workers across NSW.
“This is a fantastic announcement that recognises those who educate our littlest learners.”
Director of Parklands Community Preschool, Phoebe Wilby, said the announcement was very welcome.
“Staffing is in crisis,” she said.
“People are leaving the sector and it’s hard for some services to find and retain quality educators.
“This funding will encourage experienced educators to upgrade their qualification and get remunerated appropriately for the valuable work they do.
“I hope this will also attract new educators and inspire them to join our sector.”
Applications are open with the Government scrapping application rounds, allowing current and prospective students to apply freely throughout the year.
About 1,700 scholarships are available, including: scholarships of up to $25,000 for ECEC teachers studying a Bachelor or Master degree in teaching with an early childhood education specification; scholarships of up to $15,000 for relevant Graduate Certificates or Graduate Diplomas; scholarships of up to $5,000 for ECEC educators studying a relevant Diploma in ECEC or School Age Education and Care; and scholarships of up to $3,000 for students earning a Certificate III in ECEC, OSHC.
More information about available scholarships can be found on the NSW Department of Education website.
Source:
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch