Program

Early Learning Connection provides supported career pathways in early childhood education for individuals in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The program is a key action in the ACT Government’s Valuing Educators, Values Children A Workforce Strategy for the ACT Early Childhood Education and Care Profession (2023–25).

Group of ten diverse adults standing in a room with yellow walls, posing for a photo in front of a large screen that reads 'Coaching for High Performance'.

The Early Learning Connection pilot program was delivered over 2021-22 to 2022-23, with the support of the Australian Government’s National Careers Institute.

Following its success, the ACT Government has provided further funding to increasing support for the early childhood education workforce.

Group of women in a meeting room having a discussion around a white conference table with laptops and notebooks, with a large screen displaying a presentation with the University of Canberra logo.

The program is facilitated by Baringa in partnership with the University of Canberra, Canberra Institute of Technology, Australian Institute of Management and early learning centres across the ACT.

To support the early childhood education workforce, the program aims to:

  • Empower individuals seeking to progress careers as educators and early childhood teachers;

  • enable immediate benefits in easing workforce pressures in the sector, and

  • support early childhood education employers, training and tertiary providers to collaborate for long-term, sustainable and system-wide changes.

Participants are supported through:

  • Studying introductory units towards a Certificate III, Diploma or Bachelor Degree qualification in early childhood education;

  • Coaching and wrap around support;

  • Study skills and group coaching sessions and workshops;

  • Financial assistance for course fees;

  • Paid employment opportunities in early learning centres across the ACT.

University of Canberra logo with blue emblem and black text on a white background.
Logo of Canberra Institute of Technology with stylized initials CIT in white on a dark background.
Australian Institute of Management logo with blue background and white text.