Strengthening Queensland’s Early Learning Sector: Professional Development and Workforce Support
Over the past two months, Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland (ACA Qld) has been at the forefront of supporting the state’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. Through a combination of statewide roundtables, targeted regional visits, online professional development, and the Qualifications Pathways Program (QPP), ACA Qld has provided educators and services with practical guidance, professional growth opportunities, and hands-on support.
Statewide Roundtables: Preparing the Sector for Reform
In partnership with the Queensland Department of Education and supported by the Queensland Family and Child Commission, ACA Qld delivered eleven roundtable sessions across Queensland, stretching from Cairns to Bundaberg. These sessions brought together educators, service leaders, and sector professionals to discuss upcoming reforms and share strategies for implementation.
Two key areas formed the focus of discussions:
- Kindy Funding Scheme (KFS): Guidance on funding bands, eligibility, enrolment processes, and effective communication with families.
- Child Safe Standards: Practical strategies for embedding child-safe practices, strengthening recruitment and retention, and supporting staff training.
Safe Spaces, Strong Voices: Online Professional Development
ACA Qld continued its commitment to accessible professional learning with the Safe Spaces, Strong Voices webinar series, focused on Queensland’s Child Safe Standards. These sessions provided practical guidance for services to strengthen internal culture, improve governance, and enhance educator practice, supporting safe and high-quality learning environments across the state.
Western Queensland Road Trip: Hands-On Regional Support
From 11–13 November 2025, the ACA Qld Kindy Advisory team embarked on a three-day, 700-kilometre road trip, visiting eight services from Helidon to Charleville. Each centre received intensive, one-on-one support, with visits lasting at least 90 minutes.
Key areas addressed during the visits included:
- Workforce Pressures: Challenges in recruiting and retaining Diploma and ECT-qualified educators, particularly in towns with limited housing options.
- Compliance Support: Guidance on displaying Statements of Fees and the Shared Statement of Commitment for child safety.
- Free Kindy Implementation: Support for services to clarify family expectations around wrap-around costs and deliver targeted educator presentations.
- Operational Coaching: Advice on paid planning days and troubleshooting third-party software issues affecting enrolments and subsidies.
The visits also highlighted examples of effective leadership and positive staffing outcomes, such as at Murilla Long Day Care in Miles. Recommendations from the trip are now being implemented to ensure continued support for regional services.
Qualifications Pathways Program: Building a Skilled Workforce
Across Queensland, early childhood educators are advancing their careers with support from the Qualifications Pathways Program (QPP). Managed by ACA Qld in partnership with the Queensland Government, the QPP provides scholarships, mentoring, and study resources, helping educators gain recognised qualifications while remaining active in the classroom.
Since ACA Qld became the custodian of the scholarship fund, 266 scholarships have been awarded to educators undertaking Certificate III, Diploma, Bachelor, and Postgraduate Diploma programs. The program reduces financial barriers and provides practical support, including access to technology, mentoring, and study materials.
“Supporting educators to study and grow benefits children too,” says Majella Fitzsimmons, ACA Qld President. “The QPP scholarships are building a stronger, more confident workforce and helping secure the future of early learning in Queensland.”
Impact Across the State
In Yarrabah, Far North Queensland, recipients used scholarship funding to purchase laptops, headphones, and software, enabling them to commence study effectively. Local Department of Education staff and RATEP coordinator Ms Amanda Barrett highlighted the importance of this support, noting how even small practical resources can significantly enhance learning outcomes.
By investing in educators, the QPP strengthens the sector’s capacity to deliver high-quality early learning across urban, regional, and remote communities.
Looking Ahead
From statewide forums and webinars to hands-on regional support and targeted professional development programs like the QPP, ACA Qld continues to champion the growth of a capable, confident, and resilient early learning workforce.
Through these initiatives, the organisation ensures that educators are equipped, services are prepared, and children across Queensland can access safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environments.