QUT School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education has partnered with the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) and the Victorian Department of Education to deliver a comprehensive leadership development program tailored for educational leaders in Victoria's early childhood workforce.
Working closely with these partners, QUT will lead the co-design, delivery and evaluation of the Victorian Educational Leaders Program (VELP) to build the capacity and confidence of educational leaders in early childhood education and care settings.
The VELP builds on and extends the very successful From the Ground Up leadership development program, co-designed by QUT and ELACCA, and will support the continued delivery of high-quality kindergarten programs.
Associate Professor Megan Gibson, from the QUT School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, said that the partnership between QUT, ELACCA and the Victorian Department of Education signifies a shared commitment to advancing early childhood education and promoting leadership excellence within the sector.
As the lead of a report of a five-year investigation into high-quality early childhood services in Australia, Associate Professor Gibson identified that strong leadership and professional development builds a top workforce able to tackle increasing complexities of being an early childhood educator.
"The collaborative effort aims to contribute to the ongoing professional development of early childhood educational leaders, supporting them in their crucial role in young children's education and care," Associate Professor Gibson said.
ELACCA chief executive officer Ms Elizabeth Death highlighted that collaboration created a solid foundation for the program.
"The program's linkage between QUT, government, the workforce and providers is a critical success element, closing the collaborative loop and providing support for the early years' workforce."
Mrs Kristy Hammond, Senior Manager of Continuing Professional Education at QUT, said that Continuing and Professional Education is vital to continue providing the best outcomes for educators and children alike.
"We are thrilled to join forces with the Victorian Department of Education and continue our partnership with the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia to deliver this transformative leadership program," Mrs Hammond said.
"By combining QUT's expertise in education with the department's commitment to the Best Start, Best Life reforms, we will empower educational leaders in the early childhood sector to drive positive change and elevate the quality of education provided to young learners."
VELP will begin as a two-year program, with the option to extend into the future.
The partnership is part of the Victorian Government's Best Start, Best Life reforms.
