Incentives and subsidies

Queensland's workforce initiatives under the Queensland E​arly Childhood Workforce Strategy ensures our early childhood workforce is empowered, engaged and supported to deliver quality early learning programs and services.

Learn about what scholarships, subsidies and grants are available to you and your service to unlock your career potential and enhance the capacity of Queensland's early childhood workforce. This includes the Early Childhood Practicum Placement Grant, Leadership and Management Program, Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program, Qualifications Pathways Program and Reforming Early Childhood Safety Program as detailed below.

Early Childhood Planning Day Subsidy

This subsidy supports educators delivering an approved kindergarten program. The subsidy is available to approved providers allowing for 2 planning days in 2026. For further information, contact your approved provider or the Kindy Funding Team on (07) 3035 2244 or by email at kindyfunding@qed.qld.gov.au.

Early childhood through RATEP—community-based teacher education

The early childhood community-based teacher education program aims to increase the professionalism and employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early educators.

Certificate 3 Guarantee

The Certificate 3 Guarantee supports eligible individuals to complete their first post-school certificate III level qualification and increase their skills to move into employment, re-enter the workforce or advance their career.

Fee-Free TAFE

Thanks to Fee-Free TAFE, the career of your dreams in early childhood education and care is within reach. With 5 certificate or diploma-level courses, now's the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE.

Early childhood training skill sets

Early childhood training skill sets are available through the Queensland Government's higher level skills subsidy program to assist educators to gain the higher level skills required to help secure employment in the sector or career advancement. These include:

• team leader skills set for leading and coordinating teams in health or community sector
• supporting children and families with complex needs for providing services and support to families and children with complex needs in the community sector.

Rural and remote residential program

The rural and remote residential program supports educators from regional, rural and remote communities by providing study support to assist in the completion of an early childhood qualification.

The week-long program, held quarterly in Cairns, allows participants to build connections between theory and practice and provides opportunities for networking and collaborating with other early childhood educators.

Access more information about Beverley's experience with the program.

Resources

• Postcard to promote early childhood careers
• Workforce programs summary

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