Blake Lee, The Buloke Times

The Birchip Early Learning Centre has expanded its workforce in recent years, welcoming new staff who contribute fresh skills and enthusiasm at a time when Australia faces a major shortage of early childhood educators.

Jobs and Skills Australia reports a current shortfall of around 21,000 qualified Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals across the country. Despite this challenge, Birchip has succeeded in attracting and retaining a committed group of educators from both the local community and beyond.

Professor Barney Glover AO, Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia, emphasised the severity of the workforce gap when the organisation’s Early Childhood Education and Care study was launched in September last year.

“Australia needs 21,000 more qualified ECEC professionals to meet current demand,” he said.

“That number only increases when looking at what we’ll need in the future. Current workforce levels are not sustainable. We need growth of 8 per cent to meet sustainable staffing levels, and another 8 per cent growth to meet unmet demand for services.”

One of the newest additions to Birchip’s team is Yasmin Begum, who recently began working two days per week as an early childhood teacher. Originally from India, Yasmin moved to Melbourne two years ago and is currently completing her Master of Teaching while raising two children, aged 7 and 9.

To make the role in Birchip possible, she rents a house in town during the week while her husband and children remain in Melbourne.

Having previously worked as an educator, Yasmin is enjoying her new role in a regional setting.

“There’s a lot of competition for jobs in Melbourne,” she said.

“I’ve always lived in the city, so I wanted to experience life and work in the countryside. I’m really liking the calmness, fresh air and the community.”

The Birchip Early Learning Centre is managed by the Y and provides long daycare, as well as three- and four-year-old kindergarten services, supporting 35 families from across the region.

The three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs are currently free in Birchip with families encouraged to register for 2026 before the first-round closing date of June 30, 2025.

Interested families are able to arrange a tour of the ELC and meet the team by calling the centre on 4311 1505. More information is available at ykinders.org.au.

For long-time staff member Janine Paley, who has worked at the centre for 19 years, the benefits of early learning extend beyond the children.

“The Early Learning Centre gives young children the chance to develop vital social and emotional skills,” she said.

“It also gives parents the opportunity to work and build on their careers.”

Birchip local Ash Smith joined the team almost two years ago.

“I saw a need in the community, and I missed having young kids around,” she said.

There’s also a growing focus on training the next generation of educators.

Sophie Cox, a student from Birchip P-12 School, is completing a school-based apprenticeship at the centre.

“My favourite part of coming here is seeing the children’s faces light up when they see you,” she said.

“It’s definitely a career I’m considering once I leave school.”

Hannah Cook is in her second year of a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) degree at Federation University in Ballarat.

Katrina Soulsby works as a casual educator across the region. She currently works Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Birchip Kindergarten, gaining real-life experience and practical skills to support her future career.

From nearby Minyip, Caitlin Funcke joined the team just over a year ago.

“I hope to make a positive impact on the children’s growth and teach them new skills,” she said.

To maintain flexibility, the centre also employs casual educators as needed. Among them is Katrina Soulsby, a Donald resident with over 20 years in the early childhood sector.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know the families and building those relationships,” she said.

While many regional communities face difficulties staffing early learning services, the Birchip Early Learning Centre has built a stable and diverse team – offering not only high-quality education for local families but also opportunities for people looking to enter or continue in the ECEC field.

Professor Glover said the sector will continue to offer real prospects for jobseekers.

“Anyone counselling young people on their career choices should be aware of this,” he said.

“There are fulfilling and rewarding jobs available now in ECEC and there will be even more in the future.

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This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 17 June 2025.