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Setting early childhood education and care diploma trainees up for success

Apr 29, 2026

Early Childhood Education and Care Students in discussion

The TAFE SA Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care is piloting a new traineeship model across TAFE SA childcare centres.

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50125) traineeship model is being delivered in partnership with the TAFE SA Children’s Education and Care program team. 

The flexible model reflects sector need and aligns with innovative practices across the National TAFE Network, as identified through the Centre of Excellence’s Diploma Traineeship Uptake Enquiry.  

A key pillar of the new model developed by the Centre is The Professional Educator, a two-day workshop undertaken at the commencement of the traineeship.  

The Professional Educator workshop responds to evidence that identifiable and accessible pathways for career progression are key to workforce retention in the sector.

Designed to support job role orientation for diploma-enrolled students, the workshop and resources set a strong foundation for learner engagement and support learners to: 

• understand the scope and expectations of the diploma qualification  
• recognise differences in job roles and responsibilities  
• appreciate the value of professional identity and leadership  
• be inspired to pursue further qualifications and leadership roles  
• align their practice with the National Quality Framework. 
 

The Professional Educator workshop creates a space for self-reflection and is intended to foster a mindset shift around professional identity to one of leadership and professional learning. 

The Centre will be monitoring and evaluating this new model and its impact on supporting diploma trainees. 

The Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care is a joint initiative between the Australian Government and South Australian Government.

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


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