24 AprAddressing the skills shortage in Early Childhood Education and Care
The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector in Victoria, is currently grappling with a workforce skills shortage. This shortage poses a substantial challenge to the quality and availability of early childhood services, including standalone kindergartens. The new Workforce Planning Guide developed by the Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) aims to help services navigate this challenge effectively.
The current skills shortage in ECEC is characterised by:
- high demand for qualified educators: With the expansion of early childhood services and the upcoming transition to Pre-Prep in Victoria, the demand for qualified staff is outpacing supply;
- difficulty in attracting and retaining staff: The sector often struggles to compete with other industries in terms of pay and career progression, making it challenging to attract and retain skilled professional; and
- regional and rural shortages: Many areas outside major cities face particular difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified staff.
By implementing effective workforce planning strategies, standalone kindergartens can better position themselves to address the skills shortage and plan for Pre-Prep This includes developing targeted recruitment strategies, creating clear career pathways for staff, and fostering a positive workplace culture that encourages long-term commitment to the sector.
As the ECEC sector in Victoria prepares for significant changes, addressing the workforce requirements through strategic workforce planning will be crucial. ELAA’s new guide provides standalone kindergartens with the tools they need to tackle this challenge head-on, ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality early childhood education despite the current workforce challenges.
Get your copy of our Workforce Planning Guide now – CLICK HERE.
