WITH childhood educators desperately needed in regional areas, a scholarship program is giving locals the chance to dive right in the field, and an incentive to stay.
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Four early childhood educators from the Gunnedah region have been named as recipients of the NSW government's 2020-21 Early Childhood Education Scholarships Program, and some of the area's youngest students are soon set to benefit from the extra resources and skills.
Scholarships are worth up to $20,000 each, and will assist locals already working in the industry to upgrade or commence their qualifications to a bachelor degree in early childhood teaching.
Ooranga Mobile Early Childhood Service's Lana Boxsell has worked in childcare for the past 19 years and is one of the scholarship recipients.
A nominated supervisor and preschool teacher, Ms Boxsell said the scholarship will allow her to secure a teaching degree, which has been a goal of hers now her kids are older.
"There is a real need for early childhood teachers in NSW and Australia-wide really. It's good for Gunnedah because there's a real need for educators in general, and not just early childhood teachers, but staff and support," she said.
"There's jobs advertised everywhere and we cant get them... I don't think there's enough training and I don't think early childhood is promoted enough. It's more about the schools."
Three employees at Winanga-Li Early Learning & Care Service have also secured scholarships - Sheree Bilsborough, Rachel Barber and Ashleigh Phillips.
Ms Bilsborough said she applied for the grant in October last year, and has peace of mind knowing she will now be able to afford more resources to further her career.
"The need for more educators is very strong in Gunnedah," she said.
"I'm hoping to do the Early Childhood Teaching degree through a university online, so I can still work at the centre."
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The four Gunnedah educators were among 40 scholarship recipients announced by Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell earlier this month.
Ms Mitchell congratulated the scholars on their commitment to education and wished them "every success in their studies and future careers as qualified early childhood teachers."
"Education in the first years of a child's life are some of the most important. They develop skills crucial to success in school and later life," Ms Mitchell said.
"It also is an important time for the child's health, educators and parents can pick up early signs of various conditions early."