The return to TAFESA of courses dealing with childhood education has almost doubled in their intake in 12 months according to the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer.
Announcing the return of the TAFE’s Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, Mr Boyer said the enrolments in Semester 1 this year for both courses were currently at 456: “Almost double the same time last year with 276 enrolments.”
He said reinstating the courses to address workforce shortages in the early childhood education sector “was one of the first actions taken a year ago by the State Government”.
“The courses were also added to the Fee-Free TAFE list, ensuring people who might not have had access to education, have the opportunity to do so,” Mr Boyer said.
“There is also a lot of work being done in collaboration with universities – where we are offering teaching scholarships through all three South Australian universities,” he said.
Mr Boyer noted that the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care’s Interim Report was released last week.
He said the Royal Commission brought together a range of experts, research, and those with lived experience of families from all backgrounds to shape recommendations for the government over the short and longer term.
“The Royal Commissioner and her team have done an outstanding and thorough piece of work that provides us with a roadmap to deliver our election commitment,” Mr Boyer said.
“The interim report makes findings and in principle recommendations only on three-year-old preschool, but this is work that is happening now to ensure we are providing the best opportunities for our children and for those seeking meaningful careers,” he said.
“The State Government will consider the recommendations and provide a response ahead of the final report due later this year.”
The Royal Commission’s 166-page interim report can be accessed at this PS News link.
