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Early Childhood Teacher Scholarships

Are you an early childhood employee interested in undertaking further study to upgrade your qualifications?

From 1 January 2014, all long day care and kindergarten services will be required to employ a four year qualified early childhood teacher to provide leadership in the delivery of the kindergarten program.

The Office for Early Childhood Education and Care is providing a unique opportunity to employees in long day care and kindergarten services to apply for an Early Childhood Teacher Scholarship.

Eligible employees with a three year university qualifications will be able to upgrade to a four year early childhood teaching qualification so they can teach an approved kindergarten program.

Scholarship benefits

Recipients will receive a range of support directly related to their studies, including:

payment of fees associated with enrolment in the study program (including course and student fees);
study allowance of $500 per semester to assist with the purchase of textbooks, computer and internet access and other costs associated with completing the study requirements;
access to professional networks and mentors to assist during the study period as well as membership in an email discussion list to facilitate communication with and between scholarship recipients; and
eligibility for teacher registration in Queensland on successful completion of the study program.

Employer benefits

Skills and knowledge gained through the study program will benefit the employee as well as the centre in which they are currently employed.

Employers are required to support their employees who are successful in gaining a scholarship, including releasing the recipient to complete compulsory professional experience placements.

Employers are able to seek reimbursement of up to 50% of the scholarship recipient's usual gross salary which has been paid by the employer during the period that the recipient participates in the approved professional experience. For further information refer to the fact Sheet for 50% Salary Contribution for Employer's 55k.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an Early Childhood Teacher Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

currently employed in a licensed centre-based long day care or kindergarten service;
hold a minimum three (3) year university qualification and be eligible for entry into one of the identified scholarship study pathways 214k;
not currently registered or eligible for teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT);
not currently enrolled to study in one of the identified scholarship study pathways 214k;
an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia; and
have the support of their employer to undertake further study.

Scholarship applicants must meet the specified eligibility criteria (as outlined above) and be willing to make a commitment to completing the nominated study program while maintaining employment in the early childhood education and care sector (in a licensed long day care or kindergarten service). Please refer to the Scholarship Guidelines 2012 214k for more information about the scholarship terms and conditions.

Pathways for TAFE qualifications

The study pathways supported through the Early Childhood Teacher Scholarship are not applicable to employees with a TAFE qualification such as certificate, diploma or advanced diploma in Children Services or equivalent qualifications. The department is exploring alternative options to enable current employees in the sector with these qualifications to gain access to further study. Please visit the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care website for the latest information about current programs.

Queensland teacher registration

Individuals who currently hold a four (4) year pre-service teacher education qualification may be eligible for teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). Please visit the QCT website for a list of approved queensland pre-service teacher education programs for purposes of teacher registration in Queensland.

Individuals who currently hold teacher registration in other Australian states or territories or New Zealand may be eligible for Queensland teacher registration through the mutual recognition process . Further information is available from the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) website.

Lodging an application

To apply for Early Childhood Teacher Scholarship, please read the applicant guide 135k prior to completing the application form 172k, ensuring that all the required documents are included with your application. Omissions may result in the application not being considered.

Applications for this additional round of scholarships for studies commencing in Semester 1, 2012 must be submitted by Friday 12 August 2011 to:

Early Childhood Teacher Scholarship
Human Resources
Department of Education and Training
PO Box 15033
CITY EAST QLD 4002

It is anticipated that scholarship offers will be announced on 9 September 2011.

Further information

Further information about the Early Childhood Teacher Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, study pathways, as well as the application process, are accessible from the links provided on this web page.

Please refer to the FAQ's 105k for a list of frequently asked questions regarding the scholarship. Specific enquiries may be directed to earlychildhoodscholarships@deta.qld.gov.au.

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This page was last reviewed on 11 May 2011

Early Childhood Teacher Scholarships

Are you an early childhood employee interested in undertaking further study to upgrade your qualifications?

Scholarship benefits

Employer benefits

Eligibility

Pathways for TAFE qualifications

Queensland teacher registration

Lodging an application

Further information

Applicant Package

Fact Sheets

Forms

Scholarship/Study Information