Applications open for Innovation Grants Program (Australia)

Funding is available to providers of state-funded early childhood services in Victoria, to implement innovative projects designed to improve the retention of early childhood teachers (ECTs) and educators in the first 5 years of their career.

Funding Information

• Funding of between $5,000 and $50,000.

Eligible Activities

• Examples of possible projects include:
  • Collaboration between early childhood services and/or organisations to make better use of resources and technology that support ECT and educator retention.
  • Early childhood services collaborating to implement a shared ‘deep dive’ induction program for early career teachers and educators.
  • Set up a trial of ECT and educator rotation across early childhood services in a local area, including between long day care and sessional services.
  • Pilot an ECT and educator career pathway program through a partnership with early childhood services providing different career development opportunities.

Ineligible Activities

• ‘Business as usual’ and compliance activities and costs (e.g. payroll support, regular performance management and induction activities)
• Any form of bonus payments to early career ECTs and/or educators
• Projects that replicate existing programs offered by the department to support workforce retention
• Hiring additional ECTs or educators to work with children

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible, organisations must:
  • be an approved provider of state-funded early childhood service in Victoria
  • employ at least one early career ECT or educator
  • meet the obligations of the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations with no significant compliance issues or incidents outstanding with the department
  • have the appropriate type and level of insurance for the activities that are the subject of this grant.
  • commit to presenting about the implementation of the proposed project at the virtual showcase event held at the conclusion of the funding period
  • not have received funding by other means (including Victorian Government funding) explicitly for the purpose of implementing the proposed project
  • outline in the budget proposal if funding from other sources will be used to supplement the grant funding being requested to implement the project.
  • agree that, if selected as a successful applicant, they will be required to enter into a funding agreement with the department.

For more information, visit Australian Government.