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.
Since the launch of the Beginning Teacher Conference and End-to-End Career Supports programs, more than 3,000 early childhood teachers and educators participated and benefited from these professional supports.
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 2025 BTC series will feature 6 conferences, 3 virtual and 3 in-person. The conferences will focus on practical concepts and practice ideas featuring 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 2025 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:
Series 1:
12 May 2025 (Monday) – In person delivery
27 May 2025 (Tuesday) – Online Delivery
Series 2:
28 July 2025 (Monday) - In person delivery
1 August 2025 (Friday) – Online Delivery
Series 3:
28 October 2025 (Tuesday) – In person delivery
7 November 2025 (Friday) – Online Delivery
The topics and registrations will be available from March 2025.
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.
In 2025, diploma qualified educators undertaking coaching will be eligible to attend BTC series.
How to register
To register your interest, please visit
https://www.supportingecteachersvic.com.au/s/coaching?language=en_US
Communities of Practice (CoP)
A CoP is where educators come together to lead the discussion, share experiences, tackle challenges, and explore new ideas with peers who truly understand their journey. By bringing a practice-related issue to the group and engaging in meaningful discussions, participants will enhance their skills in leadership, reflection, collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation.
A CoP consists of a series of 4 two-hour sessions spaced 2–3 weeks apart. This structure allows participants to test new strategies or learnings between sessions and come back to reflect, share successes, and make modifications. This collaborative approach supports both individual and collective growth, helping your team to develop and refine high-quality practices.
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.
How to register
Registrations will open in March 2025.
Alumni Conference
In 2025, an early childhood teacher or a diploma-qualified educator who has completed either End to End coaching, CoP's, or attended BTC in previous years, they become eligible to attend the Alumni Conference.
This conference aims to provide invaluable insights from accomplished early childhood leaders inspiring stories and evidence-based insights that participants can apply to their teaching practice and build professional networks with peers and experienced early childhood professional who have previously undertaken the program.
The 2025 Alumni conferences will be facilitated at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, 41 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne between 10.00 am – 3.30 pm on the 21 November (Friday).
More information will be available mid-2025.
How to register
If you have attended in previous years, but haven’t received an invitation by the end of October 2025 to your personal email, please contact info@semannslattery.com
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