$1.9 million to support new online pathway for early childhood educators

Charles Sturt University has received $1.9 million from the NSW Department of Education to establish a new supported program for aspiring early childhood teachers.

• Charles Sturt University has received $1.9 million from the NSW Department of Education to deliver the new Connected Early Childhood Pathway as part of the NSW Government's Early Learning Diploma to Degree Pathway program
• The program will support 100 students in 2026 to complete the Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) online, with tailored academic, wellbeing, cultural and professional mentoring supports
• Students will receive $6,000 in financial support, plus flexible placement options, communities of practice and accelerated study pathways

Charles Sturt University has received $1.9 million from the NSW Department of Education to establish a new supported program for aspiring early childhood teachers.

The Connected Early Childhood Pathway is part of the NSW Government's Early Learning Diploma to Degree Pathway program, which is designed to strengthen the supply of qualified early childhood teachers at a time when more than 20,000 additional educators are needed to meet sustainable staffing levels across the state.

Executive Dean of the Charles Sturt Faculty of Arts and Education Professor Andrew Hope said the University is proud to deliver the only fully online pathway funded under the Early Learning Diploma to Degree Pathway program.

"This initiative recognises the reality that many aspiring early childhood educators are already working in the sector or balancing family and caring responsibilities," Professor Hope said.

"By offering a fully online, flexible and well-supported program, Charles Sturt University is enabling students to remain in their communities while gaining the qualifications and professional support they need. This will help strengthen the early childhood workforce and ensure more children and families across NSW have access to high-quality early learning."

The program will provide 100 students commencing in March 2026 with the opportunity to study the University's Bachelor of Education (Birth - Five Years) entirely online, supported by tailored financial, academic, cultural, wellbeing and professional mentoring initiatives.

The announcement comes at a critical time for the sector. The NSW Government is investing $769 million to build 100 new public preschools across the state by 2027 and has introduced major reforms to improve safety, transparency and access in early childhood education.

The NSW Government has also announced $27 million for the Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship program to help 2,000 more aspiring and existing Early Education and Care professionals advance their careers in early learning.

Through the Connected Early Childhood Pathway, students will benefit from:

• Financial support - $6,000 (plus additional loadings for First Nations, regional, rural and remote students, paid in instalments post-Census) and students can also apply for the Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship program
• Mentoring and cultural support - group sessions, one-to-one opportunities and tailored First Nations mentoring
• Communities of practice - six online CoPs fostering connection, shared learning and sector engagement, open to students, mentors and sector partners
• Academic skills support - from literacy and referencing workshops to study readiness and ongoing academic tutoring
• Health and wellbeing support - counselling services, wellbeing checks and workshops
• Flexible study options - online delivery with the option of accelerated completion in as little as 18 months
• Placement flexibility - options for part-time placements, swaps and up to 20 days recognition of prior learning

Program Lead Dr Belinda Downey said the initiative is designed to ensure students entering from VET pathways are supported to succeed and stay in the profession long-term.

"This program brings together high-quality teaching, individualised academic supports, mentoring and strong professional partnerships, to ensure our students feel connected and engaged at every stage," Dr Downey said.

"I'm particularly proud of the focus on student wellbeing and reflective practice. These supports build confidence in future early childhood teachers to deliver high-quality education and care while supporting retention in the early childhood profession."

Applications to participate in this program open soon; find more information here or contact [email protected].

Media Note:

To arrange interviews with Dr Belinda Downey, contact Bruce Andrews at Charles Sturt Media on mobile 0418 669 362 or via [email protected].

Charles Sturt University is the leading university educating students in regional Australia, with more than 70 per cent of our graduates going on to live and work in the regions after graduation. Our work ─ in both education and research ─ is critical to solving regional challenges and skills needs. We train the professionals that regional communities depend on ─ teachers, doctors, nurses, paramedics, dentists, vets, allied health ─ and we pioneer practical innovations in areas like agriculture, health and environmental management to drive regional prosperity.

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