Media release
12 July 2024
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) is delighted to launch its ITE Boost Queensland program today, welcoming 54 early childhood educators to an accelerated teaching degree course, featuring specialised wrap-around supports and scholarships.
The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Boost Queensland program is funded by the Queensland Government, through its Qualifications Pathways Program (QPP). ELACCA is one of nine organisations selected by the Queensland Government to help build its early childhood workforce through the QPP.
ELACCA is being funded to support 54 diploma-qualified educators in Queensland upskill to an early childhood teaching qualification.
‘We warmly welcome these experienced educators to our program and we congratulate them on their success in being awarded a place,’ said ELACCA CEO Elizabeth Death. ‘In partnership with our colleagues at the University of Wollongong, we will be working to support them over the next two years, while they combine work and study.’
Educators undertaking the ITE Boost Queensland program are embarking on an innovative teacher education program, co-designed by the University of Wollongong, ELACCA and the NSW Department of Education. The Bachelor of Education – The Early Years (Accelerated Pathway Program) is entering its second year. The 2024 intake commences today, kicking off a two-year program of study, practicum placements and professional mentoring.
Under the ITE Boost Queensland program, educators will receive:
- up to $12,500 for university tuition fees;
- coaching and mentoring from ELACCA’s student support team; and
- payments for customised supports (for example, to provide paid study leave).
Of the 54 educators in the ITE Boost Queensland program, 7.4% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; 22.0% are culturally and linguistically diverse; and 7.4% are located in remote or outer regional areas of Queensland.
‘ELACCA is so pleased to be working with the Queensland Government on this new venture,’ Ms Death said. ‘Our workforce is pivotal to the success of the early learning system. Collaboration between the early learning sector and government is a really effective way to design and deliver strong outcomes,’ Ms Death said.
Ends
For more information please contact:
Amanda Walsh
Early Learning and Care Council of Australia
PO Box 348
Annandale NSW 2038
Mob: 0499 306 794
About us:
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) was established to promote the value of quality early learning and care as an integral part of Australia’s education system. Our 17 CEO members include some of the largest early learning providers in the country, representing both not-for-profit and for-profit services. ELACCA members operate 2,011 long day care services, 370 preschool/kindergarten services and 92 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. They offer one-quarter of all the early learning places in Australia. Together, our members serve 369,776 children and their families, and employ more than 56,000 staff.
As well as promoting the value of quality early learning and the need for greater public investment, ELACCA advocates for the right of all children to access quality early learning and care, particularly children facing disadvantage. We do this by drawing on the knowledge and practical experience of our members and representing their views to decision makers in government, the media and the public.
