Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have questions about Early Learning Connection? Chat with one of our friendly team members via email at connect@baringa.org.au, call us on 0460705234 or connect with us on social media.
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Early Learning Connections empowers women in the ACT to begin or further their career in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Sector.
Our 'Start Your Journey' pathway supports women with no or limited experience in ECEC to begin studying toward a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at the Canberra Institute of Technology. Through the program you receive free entry to study the first two clusters of your Certificate which you will complete over the course of one year. There are a total of 6 clusters in the Certificate III and through Early Learning Connections you can complete the certificate in 2 years.
Our 'Take the Next Step' pathway supports women who hold a valid Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care to commence their Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care through flexible, self-paced delivery, while working and receiving coaching support. Through the program you will be enrolled into a traineeship with your service and Early Learning Connection will cover all enrolment fees.
Our 'Grow your career' pathway supports women who hold a valid Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care to commence their Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5 Years) at the University of Canberra through flexible, self-paced delivery, while working and receiving coaching support. Our program will support subsidised access to two introductory units of study.
While you are studying we will support you to continue work with your current service or match you with a service that suits your preferences, location and needs.
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To study the Certificate III you are eligible if you:
You would like to start a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (you do not need to have previous experience working in the sector)
You currently have or are able to obtain a Working With Vulnerable Peoples (WWVP) card
You are considered a ‘domestic student’ according to the ACT government, please see here for more information or feel free to contact us and we can help you find out: https://www.act.gov.au/skills/students/australian-apprenticeships/eligible-visa-holders
To study the Diploma you are eligible if you:
You currently have or are able to obtain a Working With Vulnerable Peoples (WWVP) card
You hold a valid Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
You are considered a 'domestic student' according to the ACT government, please see here for more information or feel free to contact us and we can help you find out: https://www.act.gov.au/skills/students/australian-apprenticeships/eligible-visa-holders
To study the Bachelor Degree you are eligible if you:
Australian citizen
Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
Australian permanent visa holder
Eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder
A pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder who studies the entire course while living in Australia (from February 2024)
New Zealand citizen
New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency requirements
More information regarding bachelor eligibility is available on the Study Assist website: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/commonwealth-supported-places-csps
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The first step to joining Early Learning Connection is to submit an application.
Once we have your contact information we will get in touch within 3 business days to organise a time to meet and discuss our program, what support we offer and learn more about you and your professional and personal goals.
Once we have met with you we will provide more information about the enrolment, connect you with an educator coach and support you to either continue working with your current service or match you with a service for paid employment based on your preferences.
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No. You may exit the program at any stage with no penalty.
We encourage you to commit to the full program and our educator coaches will be here to support you every step of the way!
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Start Your Career Pathway
If you are studying a Certificate III in ECEC you will commit to studying every Tuesday from 10am-2:30pm for two semesters or over a 12 month period. Semester one will run from the week of the 12th of February 2024 – Friday 28th June 2024 and semester two will run from the week of the 29th of July to the 20th of December 2024. At the end of this period you will be half way through to completing the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and if you continue full time you will complete the course by the end of semester 1 2025, or if you continue part time you will complete the course by the end of semester 2 2025.
You will study at the Canberra Institute of Technology campus in Bruce: 35 Vowels Cres, Bruce ACT 2617.
By Car: Closest available parking is on the top of campus in Bays 9 and 10 (Free parking all day).
By Bus: 10-minute walk from Haydon Drive Bus Stop or a 1-minute walk from Vowels Crescent Bus Stop, Bruce 2617.
Take the next step pathway
If you are studying a Diploma in ECEC you will have the choice between studying in person and online with one of our Diploma training organisations. Through your traineeship you will be entitled to paid study time which can either be taken as either 3 hours per week or 6 hours per fortnight.
If you choose our in-person study option you will be required to attend a workshop during this time which can be organised with your employer. If you are studying online you can organise time to study off the floor either at your place of employment or somewhere organised with your employer.
Your educator coach will support you to identify what transport options best suit you.
Grow your career pathway
If you are studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) you will commit to attending one class per semester (two hours per week) at the University of Canberra. For semester one 2024 this class will be held on Monday morning.
You will study at the University of Canberra campus in Bruce.
By Car: On campus parking is available.
By Bus: The University of Canberra is well serviced by buses, with over 18 routes travelling to the College Street stations during the week and 8 on weekends. Specific information on these routes, as well as timetables, fares and network information is available from the Transport Canberra website.
Your educator coach will support you to identify what transport options best suit you.
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Start Your Career Pathway
If you are employed with a service before placement hours commence you can do paid placement hours with your service. If you are not employed prior to placement you will be required to do unpaid placement unpaid organised with CIT. Our educator coaches are here to support you to undertake your preferred method and will explain placements with you in more detail at you initial meeting.
Take the next step pathway
Your Diploma teacher will explain the placement requirements as required by their training organisation.
Grow your career pathway
No! The classes undertaken through our program do not have placement requirements.
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You will need:
An IT device such as a laptop or tablet to bring to class
Access to a stable internet connection
We provide financial assistance and partner with training organisations such as CIT and UC to access discounted materials and/or IT devices. We also loan out IT devices to participants. If this interests you please reach out to our team at connect@baringa.org.au or call or text us on 0460705234.
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Absolutely!
Once you join the program you will be connected with other likeminded women in the ACT who are studying toward the early childhood qualifications. You will also be partnered with an educator coach who will support you to access paid employment opportunities if you are not currently employed.
Our team also hosts multiple events throughout the year to connect you with participants, coaches and employers, we will email you with information to keep you updated!
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We would love to help match you with a service that aligns with your values, needs and availability. We have numerous partner organisations across the ACT that are open to employing new educators!
If you are already working you do not have to quit! We would love to get in contact with your service to see how we can best support them while you embark on your studies!
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Our educator coaches provide coaching sessions to empower you to achieve your personal and professional goals, and support you to access additional services if/when needed. For more information please get in contact with our friendly team at connect@baringa.org.au or call or text us on 0460705234.
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Through coaching every ELC participant is supported to develop a growth plan and next steps plan. These will be tailored to your unique goals and needs. We will support you to map out further study opportunities and to apply for financial assistance e.g. scholarships and bursaries if this interests you. We also offer continued coaching opportunities after the program.
Please get in contact with our friendly team if you would like more information. We are currently developing more degree planning resources to support your journey.
For more information please get in contact with our friendly team at connect@baringa.org.au or call or text us on 0460705234.
