Fast-track to a rewarding career with kids at Victoria University

Victoria University is calling for diploma-qualified early childhood educators keen to take the next step in their career to become a degree-qualified teacher.

VU is partnering with the Victorian State Government to offer up to 300 diploma-qualified kindergarten and early childhood educators the opportunity to complete a fully-funded Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching degree.

Demand for degree-qualified teachers is booming as the Victorian Government rolls out its new funded three-year old kindergarten program to recognise that early education is a crucial part of a child’s development.

The degree will condense three years into two as credit for students’ previous study.

Course aimed at current teachers wanting to upskill

Associate Professor Mary-Rose McLaren said VU designed the program to cater for educators who are currently working in the field, although this is not necessary to enrol in the course.

“If applicants are already working, they can do much of their placement and assessments in their workplace, and continue being paid for their work as usual.”

Students have the support of a VU-appointed mentor during their placements, but they do not need to come to the university for class. Instead, they go to class twice a week via Zoom after work, and once a month on a Saturday, they attend an in-person class, ideally at a site in their local government area. 

Eligible students can have course fully funded

Importantly, all eligible students (Australian and NZ citizens, and Australian permanent residents) can receive a state government scholarship worth $25,000 to cover their course fees and extras.

“This program aims to build the professional capacity of kindergartens and early childhood education centres across Victoria by supplying them with highly qualified, confident teachers, and at the same time, support and empower existing educators to boost their skills,” she said.

A Zoom information meeting about the course will take place on Thursday 9 June at 7pm.

The next intake of students is in August.

Register for the meeting at: vu.edu.au/upskill-diploma-to-degree

For further information, email [email protected] or visit www.vu.edu.au/early-childhood