A STRONGER partnership between the state government and a Melbourne university is part of a plan to strengthen the early childhood education workforce and ensure Victorian children get the best start in life by also supporting more kinder places for children and better support for working families. Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn last month launched the latest round of the Labor government’s Certificate III Upskill Support Program and announced an expanded partnership with Deakin University to help train more early childhood teachers, particularly in regional and rural areas. The Certificate III will provide 400 places for educators looking to upskill to a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Also available is $7,000 in financial support to help with living expenses while studying and working, with half of this year's places being reserved for students in rural and regional Victoria. This will allow students to study and work close to home. Last year 416 students accessed the upskilling payment. Deakin University is also offering online courses for early childhood education students who want to study while working. As part of Victoria’s Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships program, Deakin is one of several institutions providing tailored study options. Scholarships of $25,000 for bachelor’s students and $12,000 for graduate diploma students are available through the Early Childhood Scholarships Program. The initiatives are hoped to strengthen the early education workforce, resulting in more kinder places for children and better support for working families. Deakin University school of education head Damian Blake said the partnership was designed to help Victorians keen to change their career. “Deakin will provide the wraparound supports necessary to help early childhood educators upskill while working in the sector," Professor Blake said. “Having the option to study while working in the sector allows Deakin students to access hands-on learning while fostering supportive professional networks that will help them in their career journey.” Ms Blandthorn said the government was giving every child the best start and every parent the support they needed. "We are not just investing in free kinder and infrastructure; we’re making sure there are enough highly trained teachers and educators to deliver kinder programs, with real financial and professional support to get them there – no matter where they live," Ms Blandthorn said. “Investing in early childhood education is investing in our future.” Applications close Friday, 13 June. For more information visit vic.gov.au/financial-support-study-and-work-early-childhood#certificate-iii-upskill-support-program.
