Early Learning Connections empowers individuals in the ACT to begin or further their career in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Sector.

Our 'Start Your Journey' pathway supports those with no or limited experience in ECEC to begin studying toward a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Through the program you will receive free entry to study introductory units towards their Certificate III. There are various ways you can study through Early Learning Connection, and most participants will obtain their qualification between 12 months and 2 years.

Our 'Take the Next Step' pathway supports individuals 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 support. Through the program you can choose to enrol in a traineeship or access a skilled capital funded place, and Early Learning Connection will cover all enrolment fees.

Our 'Grow your career' pathway supports individuals who have been in the profession for many years and want to commence their Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5 Years) through flexible, self-paced delivery, while working and receiving coaching support. Our program will provide subsidised access to two introductory units of study.

Our ‘Unlock Your Potential’ pathway supports you, regardless of your current study arrangements. Whether you're facing challenges in the classroom, navigating career decisions, or seeking personal growth, our coaches are dedicated to helping you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Join us to explore new pathways, enhance your skills, and thrive in the rewarding sector of early childhood education and care.

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.

To study towards a Certificate III, you are eligible if:

• 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 contact us and we can help you find out: https://www.act.gov.au/skills/students/australian-apprenticeships/eligible-visa-holders

*Please contact us if you are unsure about WWVP eligibility, we would love to support you to explore possible pathways!

To study towards a Diploma, you are eligible if:

• 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 contact us and we can help you find out: https://www.act.gov.au/skills/students/australian-apprenticeships/eligible-visa-holders

*Please contact us if you are unsure about WWVP eligibility, we would love to support you to explore possible pathways!

To study towards a Bachelor Degree, you are eligible if:

• You are an Australian citizen

• You are an Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder

• You are an Australian permanent visa holder

• You are an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder

• You are a pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder who studies the entire course while living in Australia (from February 2024)

• You are a New Zealand citizen

• You are a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency requirements

• You are considered a ‘domestic student’ according to the ACT Government. More information is available on the Study Assist website: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/commonwealth-supported-places-csps

To receive support through our Coaching Stream, you are eligible if:

• You would love to start or grow a career in early childhood education

• You love helping children feel safe, build relationships and life skills

• You are willing to invest in yourself to overcome barriers and challenges

• You live or work in the ACT

• You are 18 years or older

The first step to joining Early Learning Connection is to submit an application.

Once we have your contact information we will get in touch 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 a career 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.

Contact our friendly team through one of these options:

• text or call: 0460 705 234

• email: connect@baringa.org.au

• submit an inquiry through our website on our Contact Us page

• message us on Facebook or Instagram

No - You may exit the program at any stage with no penalty.

We encourage you to commit to the full program and our career coaches will be here to support you every step of the way!

Cert III Pathway

• If you are studying a Certificate III, you will have the choice between studying in person or online with one of our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTO).

• Through a traineeship pathway, you will be entitled to paid study time which will be supported by your employer.

• If you choose to study in-person you will be required to attend classes, 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 on a day which you are not rostered to work.

• Our team can support you to identify what options best suit you.

Diploma Pathway

• If you are studying a Diploma in ECEC you will have the choice between studying in person or online with one of our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTO).

• Through a traineeship you will be entitled to paid study time which will be supported by your employer.

• If you choose to study in-person you will be required to attend classes, 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.

• Our team can support you to identify what options best suit you.

Bachelor Pathway

• If you are studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) you will commit to completing relevant course requirements for the University you choose to study with.

• Your educator coach can support you to identify what options best suit you.

Coaching Pathway

• You’ll work with your ELC coach to explore study options that suit your personal and professional goals.

• There’s no set location or schedule, and you don’t need to be enrolled in study to participate.

• This stream is designed to meet you where you're at, whether you're still exploring your options, preparing to study, or looking for flexible pathways that align with you.

Cert III Pathway

• If you are employed with a service before placement commences, you can do paid placement hours with your service. If you are not employed prior to placement you may be required to do unpaid placement organised with the Registered Training Provider.

• If you are studying through a traineeship pathway, your placement requirements will be completed while you work at an early childhood service.

• Our career coaches are here to support you to undertake your preferred method and will explain placements with you in more detail at your initial meeting.

Diploma Pathway

• Your Diploma teacher will explain the placement requirements as required by their training organisation.

Bachelor Pathway

• Some of the classes undertaken through bachelor level studies do not have placement requirements.

• For any units supported through our program which require placement hours to be completed, we will work with you and your employer to apply for the paid practicum subsidy so that you can be paid to take leave whilst you complete these hours.

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 have a limited number of IT devices that we can loan out to participants. If this interests you please reach out to our team at connect@baringa.org.au or call or text us on 0460705234.

Absolutely!

Once you join the program you will be connected with other likeminded individuals in the ACT who are studying towards their early childhood qualifications. You will also be partnered with a 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!

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!

Our career 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.

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 0460 705 234.