A 52: Walgett Branch (NSW)

Tertiary Education
Motion:

That ICPA (Aust) requests that the relevant ministers and Universities Australia continue to work with universities and other educational providers to help make Diplomas and Early Childhood Degree’s more accessible and achievable in order to address the severe shortage or Early Childhood Educators in rural and remote areas.

Explanation:

Universities, TAFE and other educational providers need to continue to be able to provide a variety of affordable flexible pathways (such as School Based traineeships, TAFE, Open Universities etc.) to gaining a Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood.

Early Childhood degrees are lengthy and often expensive degrees. These degrees need to be flexible and at least partially subsidised by the government. With the high cost of living, it is very difficult to study and support oneself, especially with the huge cost of rentals and campus accommodation.

We would like to acknowledge and thank those universities and other providers that are offering flexible and accelerated pathways for students to gain the necessary qualifications to become an ECE. Accelerated Early Childhood Degree’s such as that offered by the University of Wollongong as an example, are a great way of encouraging people into the industry. These degrees, however, need to be incentivized and flexible for those wanting to further their education.

CARRIED