An agreement between ECU and North Metropolitan TAFE means students can get their degrees up to six months sooner.
The agreement is intended to get more early childhood educators working in WA quicker.
ECU School of Education executive dean Caroline Mansfield said the new pathway was aimed at preparing more highly qualified early childhood educators in WA by allowing them to graduate sooner.
“Eligible students who graduate from NMTAFE can enrol in ECU’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) course with up to five-unit credits under their belt which can reduce the duration of their university study by up to six months,” she said.
“We know there is a need not only for more early childhood educators across the State but also a desire for educators with a higher level of learning and more advanced experience.”
North Metropolitan TAFE general manager training services Darren Channell said the agreement enabled students to look beyond their TAFE qualification.
“Early childhood education and care workers now require an education focus, in addition to the care focus of previous years,” he said.
“We welcome this opportunity to partner with ECU to bring progress and development to WA’s early childhood education space and higher education opportunities to our graduates.”
Eligible students can enrol in a range of ECS units.
NMTAFE graduates interested in advancing their studies at ECU will also, for the first time in 2025, be able to enrol in ECU’s new wellbeing for early childhood educators and children study unit.
“Our nationally accredited course is designed to prepare early childhood educators who are competent and ready to work in a range of schools and early learning centres,” Professor Mansfield said.
“ECU has created and nurtured over 1000 partnerships with schools and early learning settings, enabling students to gain the real-world experiences they need to thrive in diverse settings, both public and private, metropolitan, regional and remote.
“Their engagement with course content and experience in workplace settings equips them with the knowledge and skills to connect with children, families and communities in ways that promote children’s quality learning and development.”