Thrive by Five Welcomes NSW Government’s Bold Investment in Early Childhood Educator Scholarships
16, November, 2022 – Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five initiative has welcomed the NSW Government’s $23.5 million investment in scholarships for aspiring early childhood educators.
The scheme has started accepting applications and will provide scholarships worth up to $3,000 to students studying a Certificate III in early childhood education and up to $5,000 to those studying a Diploma.
Thrive by Five’s Director Jay Weatherill said, “The NSW Government has strengthened its commitment to early learning by providing scholarships to our future early childhood educators.
“The first five years of a child’s life are crucial to their overall cognitive development and educators can play a unique role in shaping children’s experiences in their formative years.
“The contribution of early childhood educators in our society is undeniable and making early childhood education more accessible and affordable will benefit children, parents, families and our economy and society.
“The early childhood education and care sector is facing a dangerously escalating workforce shortage and opening pathways for aspiring educators to enter the workforce will help address these challenges.
“And while efforts aimed at attracting new educators are a vital piece of the puzzle in responding to the workforce shortages faced by the early childhood education and care sector, concerted efforts should also be taken to improve wages and working conditions for all educators.
“As states across the nation grapple with the workforce crisis, governments at all levels must ensure that educators are respected and compensated fairly for the vital work they do.
“Early learning will be on the agenda at an upcoming National Cabinet meeting and Thrive by Five would urge every decision maker attending the meeting to prioritise addressing the workforce crisis,” Mr Weatherill said.
Additional details about the NSW Government’s scholarship announcement can be found here: education.nsw.gov.au/earlychildhoodcareers
