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Update on key initiatives

Dec 09, 2025

2025 has been a year of action for the Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Together with sector partners, we’ve launched initiatives that open new pathways, strengthen capability, and support educators to thrive. Here’s a snapshot of what’s been achieved.

 

APY Lands Methodology and Translation

Translation is underway for one of three course units into Pitjantjatjara, making training culturally and linguistically accessible for educators in remote communities and directly supporting workforce development in the APY lands. The broader goal is that the methodology developed through this work can be applied by training providers in other communities. The lessons learned will also inspire new approaches to teaching and learning for aspiring First Nations educators.

Diploma Entry Requirements Review

We’ve developed resources for a new bridging skill set, to improve accessibility and recognition for Certificate III educators - removing barriers for Certificate III educators who want to step up to Diploma-level qualifications. 

Diploma Traineeship Uptake Enquiry

A Diploma-level traineeship program has been introduced to increase workplace-based delivery and assessment. This flexible pathway improves accessibility for students, particularly priority cohorts and regional learners, and strengthens on-the-job learning and support.

Degree Pathways and Articulation

We’re coordinating credit transfer and university partnerships to simplify transitions from VET to higher education. These pathways create clear, achievable routes for educators to continue their professional growth.

Effective Mentoring for ECEC

Our pilot program to build mentoring and leadership capability of educators in leadership positions was successfully completed, supporting workforce retention and professional growth. The next phase will focus on evaluation and tailored follow-up, informing a scalable model for the future.

 

Kickstart Your Future Short Course

We launched a free, self-paced online short course offering a real-world taste of working in this rewarding sector. This is available to anyone across Australia and is being promoted by several TAFEs across the national TAFE network who are building it into their outreach and enrolment student pipeline.

Looking ahead

As we move into 2026 the Centre is focused on delivering work that responds to the evolving needs of the sector. We’ll continue to explore priorities including child safety and behaviours that challenge, alongside culturally responsive workforce development programs such as our first nations grants program and a stream of work focused on the participation of diverse groups including men and culturally diverse educators.

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


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