Workforce frequently asked questions
The frequently asked questions on this page provide information for people working in or aspiring to work in early childhood education, and how it relates to the reforms to South Australia's early childhood education and care sector.
Working in early childhood
The Early Childhood Workforce Strategy addresses the challenges and barriers to growing and sustaining the early childhood workforce, in preparation for the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool in South Australia. The strategy is part of the government’s $96.6 million investment over 4 years, including a $56 million early childhood workforce development fund and support for quality teaching and learning in readiness for preschool delivery. The funding will also support the Education Standards Board to increase the frequency of assessment and ratings.
The Early Childhood Workforce Strategy will be implemented over 4 years, with many initiatives set to start from 2024, including financial assistance for early childhood study, supported learning pathways and co-design of the Aboriginal early childhood workforce strategy.
For information about the suite of workforce initiatives available through the Early Childhood Workforce Strategy, visit Working in early childhood and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
Financial support for early childhood qualifications
To apply for financial support, you must be a South Australian resident and:
- a citizen of Australian or New Zealand OR hold a permanent resident of Australia visa
AND
- have a letter of offer to study, or proof of enrolment in an eligible early childhood qualification. Other conditions and criteria apply.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply for financial support when you have received a letter of offer, or an enrolment confirmation into:
- the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) delivered through TAFE SA, or an Aboriginal Community Controlled Registered Training Organisation
OR
- an eligible birth to 5 (B-5) early childhood teaching qualification recognised by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) on the approved qualifications list.
The minimum qualification required to become an early childhood educator at a centre-based service in South Australia is an ACECQA, National Quality Framework approved certificate III.
To become an early childhood teacher in South Australia, you must hold an ACECQA, National Quality Framework approved qualification, and be eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.
The QualifySA in Early Childhood financial support is only available to those studying an eligible, early childhood diploma or an eligible, birth to 5 (B-5) early childhood teaching qualification.
We recommend viewing the Study Adelaide website which is a great tool outlining the institutions, fields of study, and study requirements for international students in South Australia.
The Office for Early Childhood Development is South Australia’s early childhood development system steward, and not a higher education provider. We do not deliver any education courses and cannot provide course or international student information.
Please note: the QualifySA in Early Childhood financial support is only available to South Australian residents who are citizens of Australian or New Zealand OR, who hold a permanent resident of Australia visa. Other eligibility criteria apply.
Contact the financial support administrator, the BUSY Group, to discuss your situation and changes in circumstance. BUSY will review your situation individually, so that you receive the support you need to successfully complete your studies.
The aim is to provide flexibility within the program to accommodate your needs while maintaining your academic progress.
If there are any changes to your circumstances, you should inform the financial support administrator, the BUSY Group, to maintain eligibility for retention/employment payments.
The Office for Early Childhood Development is South Australia’s early childhood development system steward, and not an employer or job agency.
If you’re a QualifySA in Early Childhood financial support recipient, it’s your individual responsibility to find employment in South Australia to meet the funding program milestones. Our office does not guarantee employment in the early childhood sector.
Useful websites for seeking jobs in the early childhood sector include:
You should receive your first milestone payment from the BUSY Group within 20 business days of signing the financial support contract.