Centre of Excellence

Early Childhood Education and Care

TAFE SA Centre of Excellence

Every child should have the best chance to thrive, meet their potential, and live a rich, rewarding life. 

The early years of a child’s life are crucial for their development and set the foundation for their future success.

Recognising this, the TAFE SA Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care has been established as a national skills leader in early childhood development, education and care.

Early Childhood Education and Care

A joint initiative between the Australian and South Australian governments, the Centre partners with key sector stakeholders to share knowledge, undertake research and drive innovative early childhood education initiatives to improve workforce readiness, skill enhancement and workforce retention.  

Guided by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, the Centre will develop and support solutions to ensure early childhood VET education is responsive to the needs of families and communities.

The TAFE SA Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care brings together employers, unions, universities, training providers, advocacy and representative groups to drive meaningful change.

It aims to lead initiatives with a generational impact, shaping better, brighter futures for children and communities across the country.

What is the Centre currently working on?

The Centre of Excellence has started the early phases of work on key projects by undertaking initial research, stakeholder engagement and development of early core initiatives. 
These initiatives aim to strengthen and future proof the early childhood sector – supporting educators, children and communities. Their scope and priority have been guided by input from the sector and may evolve to address its changing needs, they include:  

  • Creating an Autism-specific training for early childhood educators.
  • Translating early childhood education concepts into Pitjantjatjara and incorporating Anangu ways of learning for delivery across the APY Lands.
  • Developing a Degree Apprenticeship model to provide more career pathways for early childhood professionals.
  • Enhancing mentoring and leadership opportunities to help educators grow their skills and increase job  retention across the sector.
  • Undertaking a national enquiry to explore ways to improve the uptake of Diploma qualifications.

View a full list of current initiatives

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    • What are TAFE Centres of Excellence?

      Brought to life through the National Skills Agreement, these Centres are a partnership between the Australian Government, states and territories to help deliver a skilled workforce for important industries. The centres partner TAFEs across the country with the sector and universities to create opportunities for people to gain skills for secure and rewarding careers. Learn more about TAFE Centres of Excellence here. 

    • What does the TAFE SA Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care do?


      Based at the TAFE SA Adelaide Campus, the Centre serves as a leading hub for research, innovation and training for the sector.  It brings together educators, researchers, professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop best-practice approaches, driving improvements and advancements in Early Childhood Education and Care training programs on a national scale.  

    • What are the key goals of the TAFE SA Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care?


      • The Best Start for Every Child:
        The Centre will work to ensure all children have access to quality, inclusive early childhood education and care, no matter their location, background, or abilities. By doing so, the aim is to give every child the opportunity to thrive.
      • A Stronger and Skilled Workforce: 
        By addressing workforce needs, the Centre will open pathways for people to join, return to, or advance within the early childhood education and care sector, building a skilled and compassionate national community of professionals who are committed to nurturing our youngest learners.
      • Commitment to First Nations People and Closing the Gap:
        Recognising First Nations peoples' 60,000 years of knowledge, teaching and learning and the wisdom that comes from being the world's oldest culture, we will collaborate with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and, in partnership, ensure the delivery of inclusive, culturally safe educational practices and services to meet the needs of our diverse First Nations communities across Australia.

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Early Childhood Education and Care Courses

Interested in studying Early Childhood Education and Care with TAFE SA?

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Please direct any media enquiries here.

Kickstart your Future: An Introduction to Careers in Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia  

TAFE SA is now offering a free, self-paced online short course that gives you a taste of what it’s really like to work in this rewarding sector.  Developed by TAFE SA’s Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care, the course offers real-world insights into this rewarding career. 

Find out more and start this course
Early Childhood Education and Care

Latest News

Research Spotlight: Understanding Autism in Early Childhood Settings

This research article shares insights from our review of literature, training courses, and expert consultation via the Autism Advisory Group. The full research report is included.
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All Things Diploma

In March, the Centre of Excellence co-hosted a forum on the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care [CHC50121]. Discover the insights and ideas that emerged from the day.
Read More
ECED RRR Forum: Panel

On the Road: Reflections from the ECA Regional, Rural and Remote Conference

The Centre of Excellence joined regional educators at ECA’s Forum to explore challenging behaviours, leadership, and partnerships—reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, sector-led initiatives.
Read More

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which TAFE SA stands.


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