Financial help

For early childhood teachers

• Early Childhood Teacher Scholarship—helps eligible employees with a 3-year university qualification to upgrade to a 4-year early childhood teaching qualification. Applications close 5pm Friday, 28 June 2013.
• Early Childhood Bridging Program—for registered primary teachers to upgrade their skills so they can teach kindergarten in Queensland Government-funded services. You will not need to pay tuition fees if you enrol before 2014. A small resource cost does apply.
• Kindergarten Rural and Remote Teacher Incentive Scheme—financial incentives of up to $12,000 are available for early childhood teachers who commence work in a Queensland Government-funded rural or remote service.
• HECS-HELP benefits—this benefit helps to reduce your HECS/HELP debt if you work in regional and remote areas, Indigenous communities or areas of disadvantage.

For educators

• TAFE Fee Waiver Program—if you enrol before 2014 your tuition fees will be waived when studying for a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services.
• Family Day Care Training Strategy—for family day care educators studying for a Certificate III in Children's Services. Contact your local TAFE or registered training organisation for more information. You can also call 1800 441 141.
• Indigenous Remote Area Strategy—targeted and culturally appropriate training for existing and new educators working in services in remote Indigenous communities and studying for a Certificate III, Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Children's Services.
• Recognition of Prior Learning—early childhood educators or volunteers can receive credit towards a formal qualification.
• Rural and Remote Engagement Strategy—eligible students studying for a Children's Services qualification in rural and remote areas can receive help from a remote support teacher, additional face-to-face support, library facilities and resources. Contact your local TAFE or registered training organisation for more information.