The early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce are at the heart of Victoria’s education system. Due to the range and scale of the Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) reforms, including funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and the introduction of Pre-Prep, it is important to recognise, develop and support the existing workforce.
The Victorian Government has invested over $6 million as part of the BSBL reforms, to deliver a range of targeted professional development supports to early career teachers and educators when they need it most – in their first 5 years of work.
Beginning Teacher Conferences
The Beginning Teacher Conferences (BTC) offer a valuable opportunity for networking and professional development for early childhood teachers in their first year of practice and those with anticipated graduation in the next 12 months working in the services with kindergarten funded program.
The 2024 BTC series will feature 6 conferences, 3 virtual and 3 in-person. The conferences will focus on practical concepts and ideas for supporting children with additional needs and challenging behaviours, general topics, feature facilitated deep-dive discussions, and a panel discussion including Q&A's.
BTCs support early career teachers’ induction into the Victorian early childhood sector, strengthen their professional practice and provide access to expert speakers and evidence-informed information. The conferences also provide an opportunity for early childhood teachers in the beginning stages of their careers to build professional networks with peers.
The 2024 BTC conferences will be facilitated online and at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, 41 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne between 9.00 am – 3.00 pm on the following dates:
- 20 May 2024
- 12 July 2024
- 15 July 2024
- 28 August 2024
- 12 September 2024
- 31 October 2024
To register for the next conference, visit the Beginning Teachers Conference Series(opens in a new window).
Professional development to support and develop your practice and build your professional identity
The End-to-End Career Supports Program is a great option for early career teachers and educators interested in receiving individualised one-on-one coaching or joining a Community of Practice (CoP). It allows participants to explore problems of practice and meet other early childhood professionals.
This program enables teachers and diploma qualified educators working in the services with kindergarten funded program in the first 5 years of their careers to access wraparound supports outlined below.
Coaching
The independent coaches supporting the End-to-End Program are not only qualified teachers, but also seasoned professionals with more than 5 years of experience in the teaching profession. They bring to the table a wealth of practical knowledge and actionable strategies to support you in your professional journey.
Eligibility
If you are an early childhood teacher or a diploma-qualified educator in your first 2 years of practice, you are eligible to receive individualised one-on-one coaching to support you in the early stages of your career.
Communities of Practice (CoP)
A CoP is a collective of professionals who come together due to a shared concern, common problems, or interest in a particular subject area. CoPs nurture both individual and collective goals, leading to/towards high-quality practices in sync with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).
Eligibility
CoP's are for early childhood teachers and diploma-qualified educators in the 2nd to 5th year of their careers.
CoPs have concluded for the 2024 year.
Alumni Conference
Once an early childhood teacher or a diploma-qualified educator has completed either coaching or CoP's, they become eligible to attend the End-to-End Alumni Conference. The conference is held once a year and focuses on advanced theory and practice.
This year’s conference will focus on Managing Professional Conversations with Colleagues and Building and Maintaining Your Professional Identity in Challenging Times. Participants can look forward to engaging speakers, small group discussions and opportunities to connect with peers, celebrating their initial years as early childhood professionals.
If you have previously participated in the End-to-End program, we’re excited to invite you to the Alumni Conference at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership (603 Queensberry St, North Melbourne) on November 8th from 10 AM to 4 PM.
For more details and to RSVP to your invitation, please register at the End to End Careers Support : 2024 Alumni Event.(opens in a new window)
How to register
To register your interest in this program or for further information regarding eligibility, locations and times, visit the supplier Semann and Slattery’s website(opens in a new window).
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