Workforce frequently asked questions
The frequently asked questions on this page provide information for people working in, or aspiring to work in early childhood education.
Working in early childhood
South Australia's Early Childhood Workforce Strategy is a comprehensive plan to build and grow a strong and valued workforce to support our nation-leading early childhood reforms. The Strategy aims to develop and support the early childhood workforce, invest in quality teaching and learning, and further enable the critical quality work of the Education Standards Board.
Key elements of the strategy include:
- Financial support for people studying to become birth to 5 early childhood teachers or diploma-qualified early childhood educators.
- Professional development pathways to support new career opportunities in early childhood.
- An Aboriginal workforce strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal teachers and educators working in the early childhood sector.
The Early Childhood Workforce Strategy is being implemented over 4 years, with many initiatives started in 2024, including financial assistance for early childhood study, supported learning pathways and co-design of the Aboriginal Early Childhood Workforce Strategy.
For information about the suite of workforce initiatives available through the Early Childhood Workforce Strategy, visit Working in early childhood and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
Financial support for early childhood qualifications
To apply for financial support, you must be a South Australian resident and:
- a citizen of Australian or New Zealand OR hold a permanent resident of Australia visa
AND
- have a letter of offer to study, or proof of enrolment in an eligible early childhood qualification. Other conditions and criteria apply.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply for financial support when you have received a letter of offer, or an enrolment confirmation into an eligible course.
The minimum qualification required to become an early childhood educator at a centre-based service in South Australia is an ACECQA, National Quality Framework approved certificate III.
To become an early childhood teacher in South Australia, you must hold an ACECQA, National Quality Framework approved qualification, and be eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.
The QualifySA in Early Childhood financial support is only available to those studying an eligible, early childhood diploma or an eligible, birth to 5 (B-5) early childhood teaching qualification. See the list of eligible QualifySA courses on the Financial Support page.
The South Australian Government is offering generous financial incentives through the Flying Start Early Childhood Teacher Incentives program. These incentives are available now for eligible early childhood teachers taking up roles in partner services delivering funded 3-year-old preschool programs.
There are two types of incentives:
- Individual Incentives ($10,000): For teachers returning to the SA sector after 12+ months, or relocating from interstate or overseas.
- Location Incentives ($10,000–$50,000): For roles in pre-approved regional, remote, or hard-to-staff locations. Graduates are welcome to apply.
Eligible teachers may receive both incentives, plus a relocation supplement if moving more than 100 km. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of accepting a role.
We recommend viewing the Study Adelaide website which is a great tool outlining the institutions, fields of study, and study requirements for international students in South Australia.
The Office for Early Childhood Development is South Australia’s early childhood development system steward, and not a higher education provider. We do not deliver any education courses and cannot provide course or international student information.
Please note: the QualifySA in Early Childhood financial support is only available to South Australian residents who are citizens of Australian or New Zealand OR, who hold a permanent resident of Australia visa. Other eligibility criteria apply.
Contact the financial support administrator, the BUSY Group, to discuss your situation and changes in circumstance. BUSY will review your situation individually, so that you receive the support you need to successfully complete your studies.
The aim is to provide flexibility within the program to accommodate your needs while maintaining your academic progress.
If there are any changes to your circumstances, you should inform the financial support administrator, the BUSY Group, to maintain eligibility for retention/employment payments.
The Office for Early Childhood Development is South Australia’s early childhood development system steward, and not an employer or job agency.
If you’re a QualifySA in Early Childhood financial support recipient, it’s your individual responsibility to find employment in South Australia to meet the funding program milestones. Our office does not guarantee employment in the early childhood sector.
Useful websites for seeking jobs in the early childhood sector include:
You should receive your first milestone payment from the BUSY Group within 20 business days of signing the financial support contract.
Select an option from the list below to see more frequently asked questions.
Didn’t find the answer to your question?
Contact us via email: OECD.ECWorkforceSupport@sa.gov.au