New plan to lift Aboriginal participation in the early childhood workforce
South Australia is creating new pathways for Aboriginal peoples to start and advance their careers in early childhood, to support the quality 3-year-old preschool roll-out starting in 2026.
The South Australian Government is investing in a Community-led Aboriginal Workforce Strategy to increase Aboriginal participation and representation in the early childhood workforce.
An Immediate Action Plan (plan) has been co-designed with Aboriginal leaders, sector experts and Community members. The plan is focused on implementing well defined, immediate, actionable steps to support the growth and retention of the Aboriginal workforce in the sector.
The plan includes Culturally responsive recruitment guides, clear career development pathways, and scholarships for Certificate III in early childhood education and care, with courses delivered through Tauondi Aboriginal College and TAFE SA.
It also includes Aboriginal-specific early childhood education taster courses to introduce new participants to the sector and Aboriginal Cultural safety training to ensure a Culturally safe environment within early childhood services.
These initiatives aim to create accessible, supportive and Culturally safe opportunities for Aboriginal peoples to pursue careers in early childhood education and care.
Central to the plan’s development is the Aboriginal Co-design Governance Group (ACGG), cochaired by the Office for Early Childhood Development and the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON). The AGGG is responsible for joint decision-making on the initial $14 million investment to support Aboriginal children and families to benefit from 3-year-old preschool and associated reforms.
The co-design process, led by MTL Consulting Services in partnership with Kimberley Wanganeen Consultancy, includes workshops and consultations with Aboriginal leaders, Community members, service providers and Aboriginal peak bodies across South Australia.
These initiatives are supporting national priorities like the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, creating meaningful pathways into early childhood education for Aboriginal peoples.
Learn more about the Aboriginal Workforce Strategy Immediate Action Plan.