The State Labor Government’s return of early childhood courses to TAFE has seen an almost doubling of uptake in just 12 months.
The Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care were removed by the former Liberal Government from TAFE SA in metropolitan areas.
The Malinauskas Labor Government made an election commitment to reinstate these courses to address workforce shortages in the early childhood education sector – and was one of the first actions taken a year ago by the State Government.
Enrolments in Semester 1 for 2023 for both courses are currently at 456 – almost double the same time last year with 276 enrolments.
This follows the release of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care’s Interim Report released yesterday.
The Malinauskas Labor Government initiated the Royal Commission in October last year and tasked former Prime Minister Julia Gillard with leading this important piece of education reform.
The courses were also added to the Fee-Free TAFE list, ensuring people who might not have had access to education, have the opportunity to do so.
There is also a lot of work being done in collaboration with universities – where we are offering teaching scholarships through all three South Australian universities.
We are also investing $15m in a Country strategy to encourage teachers to take up regional and rural positions.
The interim report makes findings and in principle recommendations only on three-year-old preschool, but this is work that is happening now to ensure we are providing the best opportunities for our children and for those seeking meaningful careers.
The Royal Commission has brought together a range of experts, research, and those with lived experience of families from all backgrounds to shape recommendations for the government over the short and longer term.
The State Government will consider the recommendations and provide a response ahead of the final report due later this year.
Visit www.royalcommissionecec.sa.gov.au for further information.
