Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five initiative has welcomed the Federal Government’s $72.4 million investment in skills development and training for Australia’s early childhood education workforce.
According to Federal Government estimates, this investment will allow more than 80,000 early childhood educators to undertake professional development training and provide them with career advancement opportunities.
Thrive by Five director Jay Weatherill said the investment would help upskill Australia’s early educator workforce and assist them in their professional growth while having a positive impact on children who will benefit from a more robust early education.
“This investment from the Federal Government is a welcome move and will help build the skills of our nation’s early education educators,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Having the opportunity to undertake professional development and skills training will enable the workforce to build up their expertise and ensure that they have the support they need to advance in their careers.
“The evidence of the importance of quality in early learning for children is clear. This investment in skills development in the early learning sector will have a positive impact on children, who are likely to benefit from a more robust and well-rounded early education.
“Australia’s early childhood workforce is currently facing myriad challenges, with many educators leaving the profession due to a lack of support.
“This announcement will help address some of their key concerns and provide our early educators with vital support.
“However, more must also be done to address these challenges.
“We know that many educators feel undervalued and underpaid for the vital work they do. This must change. And it starts by funding an immediate wage increase for all early childhood educators.
“Early educators play an irreplaceable and extremely important role in our society. By shaping young minds, they help secure our future prosperity. Hence, we must ensure that they are not left unsupported,” he said.
Thrive by Five is calling for the funding of an immediate pay increase for all early childhood educators in the upcoming Federal Budget.
