Early Years Workforce Development Fund
July 2024
Early Childhood Australia (Tasmania Branch) today welcomed the Liberal Government’s announcement to deliver the $5 million Early Years Workforce Development Fund.
“The announcement that work is underway to deliver the Early Years Workforce Development Fund does begin to address the complex workforce issues to ensure Tasmanian families have access to quality education and care to work and study,” ECA Tasmanian President Annette Barwick said.
“However, we must not lose sight of the research that informs us of the major learning, development and wellbeing benefits for children in attending quality early learning experiences in their most formative years.
“We will continue to advocate for universal access to early childhood education and care so as all families and children have this opportunity.”
Ms Barwick said last week the Government announced its Supporting Tasmanian Families with more Education and Care policy.
“The Government’s commitment to expand Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services across the State, is part of its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. ECA Tasmania Branch applauded their insight.
“The Early Years Workforce Development Fund commitment will grow, upskill and support the early childhood and care workforce through strong workforce development strategies.
“These will include qualification pathways, together with broader wrap around and innovative supports critical to strengthen sustainability and impact of investment.
“The sector must grow the workforce to enable these services to become operational and meet the Education and Care, National Quality Framework. Specifically, Quality Area 4 – Staffing Arrangements in a sector that has mandated qualification requirements from entry level and above.
“We look forward to working closely with the Tasmania Government and sector on the implementation of this package.”
Ms Barwick said the three-year funding for the ECA Tasmania Branch, Early Years and School Age Care (EYSAC) Workforce Strategy will also enable the exceptional work to continue in this area in developing place-based, sector-informed and led initiatives.
Media Contact: A.Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732