Early childhood education and care (ECEC) supports children to grow and develop in various ways. This includes social, physical, emotional, personal, creative, and cognitive learning.

Qualified educators deliver ECEC to children from birth to school age through a formal learning framework. Delivering quality ECEC leads to healthy development and prepares children for success.

Workforce challenges in the ECEC sector

The ECEC sector is a significant and expanding part of Queensland's service industry and the broader economy. As Queensland’s population grows it will be crucial to ensure that a skilled workforce is in place to meet the increasing demand for childcare.

Current projects

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Organisation: Queensland Children’s Activities Network

Tailored training will build the skills of volunteers who manage Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services. It will develop skills in:

  • governance
  • compliance
  • financial management
  • workplace safety.

The training aims to support executive members and nominated supervisors to meet their obligations. Insights from the pilot program will inform the creation of an online resource tool for ongoing support.

Participants: 50

Location: Queensland

Organisation: Queensland Children’s Activities Network

This project will:

  • support OSHC services to meet Element 7.2.3 of the National Quality Standard (Development of Professionals
  • develop an interactive online tool will be developed for educators to assess their practice against the standards
  • give individual feedback on educators’ strengths and opportunities, including a development plan.

Participants: 1,000

Location: Queensland

Organisation: Queensland Children’s Activities Network

This project will deliver refreshed training to induct new OSHC educators. It will:

  • support compliance with regulatory reforms
  • establish a new benchmark for entry and work in the sector
  • expand access to an online platform to the new training material.

Participants: 500

Location: Queensland

Find out more

If you are interested in applying for funding, contact the Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor for your industry.

Last updated 19 August 2026

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