NSW Government offers record number of scholarships to attract and retain early childhood educators
The NSW Government has announced a $29.4 million funding boost for the Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarships program, which aims to increase the number of qualified early childhood teachers and educators in the state.
The program, which was launched in 2018, provides financial assistance to people who want to enter or upskill in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. The scholarships cover up to $25,000 for early childhood teaching qualifications and up to $5,000 for diploma and certificate III ECEC and OSHC qualifications.
According to Education and Early Learning Minister Prue Car, the program has received a record number of applications this year, with 2328 people applying for the scholarships. Of these, 1875 are existing early childhood educators who want to enhance their skills and 453 are new entrants who want to pursue a career in the sector.
Ms Car said the program was designed to address the workforce shortages and challenges faced by the ECEC sector, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
"These scholarships give people financial support while they are studying, offering them a chance to learn new skills without taking on additional strain," she said.
She added that the program was part of the government's $281.1 million package over four years to significantly increase investment in the early childhood workforce, which also includes initiatives such as the Early Childhood Inclusive Education Scholarships Program, the Early Childhood Teacher Incentive Scholarship and the Rural and Remote Early Childhood Teaching Scholarship.
Ms Car said the government was committed to ensuring that every child in NSW had access to quality early childhood education, which was crucial for their development and future success.
"Early childhood education is one of the most important investments we can make in our children's lives. It sets them up for a lifetime of learning and achievement," she said.
One of the scholarship recipients is Ella Neve, a 19-year-old trainee at a childcare centre in Wollongong. She said the scholarship had helped her complete her certificate III in ECEC and pursue her dream of becoming an early childhood teacher.
"I'm the start of a child's introduction to their education. It's a chance to make a difference and it's a very rewarding job. I love it," she said.
She said she was planning to enrol in an early childhood teaching degree at Charles Sturt University in Sydney this year, with the help of the scholarship.
"It's a really good opportunity. There's a struggle to get educators ... (the scholarship) is a huge factor for many people wanting to study or upskill," she said.
The scholarships program is open to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, which include being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, residing in NSW, and working or intending to work in an approved ECEC service in NSW.
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