New TAFE pathway to help early childhood educators study at ECU

First published on Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University (ECU) and North Metropolitan TAFE (NMTAFE) are offering Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care graduates a direct pathway into university thanks to a new agreement which is aimed at preparing more highly qualified early childhood educators in Western Australia.

"Eligible students who graduate from NMTAFE can enrol in ECU's Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) course with up to 5-unit credits under their belt, which can reduce the duration of their university study by up to 6 months," ECU School of Education Executive Dean Caroline Mansfield explained.

"We know there is a need not only for more early childhood educators across the state, but also a desire for educators with a higher level of learning and more advanced experience."

Eligible students can enrol in a range of ECS units that will both challenge their thinking and deepen their understanding of quality early childhood teaching and practice.

NMTAFE graduates interested in advancing their studies at ECU will also, for the first time in 2025, be able to enrol in ECU's new study unit Wellbeing for Early Childhood Educators and Children.

"Our nationally accredited course is designed to prepare early childhood educators who are competent and ready to work in a range of schools and early learning centres," Professor Mansfield said.

Associate Dean (Early Childhood Studies) Associate Professor Gill Kirk added "ECU has created and nurtured over 1000 partnerships with schools and early learning settings enabling students to gain the real-world experiences they need to thrive in diverse settings, both public and private, metropolitan, regional and remote. Their engagement with course content and experience in workplace settings equips them with the knowledge and skills to connect with children, families and communities in ways that promote children's quality learning and development."

Taking the extra step into higher education

North Metropolitan TAFE's General Manager Training Services Darren Channell said, "This agreement aligns with NMTAFE's offer to its students and graduates to 'Be More,' looking beyond course completion and their first job, to career advancement and beyond. Early Childhood Education and Care workers now require an education focus, in addition to the care focus of previous years. We welcome this opportunity to partner with ECU to bring progress and development to the West Australian Early Childhood Education space, and higher education opportunities to our graduates."

NMTAFE graduates interested in studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at ECU can register their interest OR find more information at  https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/courses/bachelor-of-education-early-childhood-studies

Featuring

Professor Caroline Mansfield

Professor Caroline Mansfield is Executive Dean of Education at Edith Cowan University.