ELACCA welcomes potential for a new wave of Early Learning Teachers

MEDIA RELEASE

19 June 2020

ELACCA welcomes potential for a new wave of Early Learning Teachers

The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) has welcomed the Australian Government announcement today that the cost of teaching courses has been significantly reduced to incentivise more students to study in the future.

The HECS cost for teaching courses will be reduced from approximately $9600 to $3700 a year making it an extremely attractive and more affordable university study option.

ELACCA CEO, Elizabeth Death said that more than 27,000 extra Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) will be required over the next five years with the sector crying out for more quality graduates to pursue a career in early childhood teaching.

“Given the ongoing demand for ECTs, graduates will virtually be guaranteed a job in a career that makes a significant difference in lifelong education, health, wellbeing and employment outcomes for children.

“Approximately 3,000 early childhood teachers graduate from universities across Australia which is well below what we need to sustain high-quality early learning for our nation’s youngest learners,” Ms Death said.

“Whilst the early childhood sector has traditionally been dominated by females, we are seeing more males enter the profession and strongly encourage anyone wanting to make a difference to pursue a career as an ECT.

“The sector has overcome many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be buoyed by such a positive announcement and the prospect of a new wave of qualified teachers in the near future.”