New ECT pathway at ECU for NM TAFE qualification holders

From the first semester of 2025, Edith Cowan University (ECU) will offer prospective students with an approved North Metropolitan TAFE (NM TAFE) degree who may already be working in the education and care sector Early Childhood Education (ECEC), an exciting new pathway to further their education and earn a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies).

“This exciting path will allow early childhood educators who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree to do so, while earning an income and working in early childhood centers, kindergartens or schools,” said said Gill, ECU vice dean (early childhood), associate professor. Kirk said.

“The courses will be directly relevant to their daily responsibilities and tasks, allowing them to immediately apply what they have learned during their courses at ECU.”

The degree must have been earned through coursework within the last 10 years to reduce the duration of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) by up to eight units.

“This effectively provides the opportunity to complete the degree in three years, if studying full-time,” Associate Professor Kirk added.

An ECU Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) is a birth to eight degree that has been accredited by both ACECQA and the Teacher Registration Board of WA.

The new pathway is a combined initiative by ECU and NM TAFE to address the critical teacher shortage in Washington state.

“We moved quickly to open up opportunities for people to learn and apply their knowledge at work,” Associate Professor Kirk said.

“We have kept WA’s early learning providers and prospective students in mind as we continue to meet needs without limiting our quality.”

For Susan Thompson, NM TAFE’s director of profile, pathways and support, the announcement she hopes will give early childhood education and care diploma learners “great options”.

“NMTAFE and the Education Portfolio are proud to partner with ECU to improve the number of graduates in the early childhood education sector. This is a crucial area for Western Australians who value the highest quality education and care for their children,” she added.

Learn more about the program via the website, here.

Anyone interested in learn more about the program can go to the website.