The subsidies help providers cover wages while staff complete mandatory training or required practicums, supporting workforce capability, retention and service capacity across the sector.
The professional development subsidy supports staff to complete national child safety training.
This subsidy has been refocused in 2026-27 to support this training only, reflecting new national requirements introduced as part of broader reforms to strengthen quality and safety in ECEC. The subsidy helps providers cover wages while staff complete the training.
The paid practicum subsidy supports early childhood teachers- and educators-in-training complete the practicum component of their degree.
Practicums are a mandatory requirement for most ECEC qualifications and provide hands‑on experience in an early learning setting. The subsidy allows providers to offer staff paid leave while they complete these placements, helping educators progress through their studies while remaining connected to the workforce.
Since their introduction in 2023-24, the subsidies have supported thousands of educators to build skills, gain practical experience and continue working while studying.
Minister for Early Childhood Education, Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh said:
"A highly skilled workforce is the foundation of quality early childhood education and care.
"This mandatory safety training will give the workforce the support they need to recognise when something isn't right, and to act.
"These subsidies help to build and retain the existing highly skilled early learning workforce.
"All Australian children deserve access to quality and safe early learning."
Applications close 3 July 2026. A second round may open later in the year, subject to available funding.
