The early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce are at the heart of Victoria’s education system. Due to the range and scale of the Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) reforms, including funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and the introduction of Pre-Prep, it is important to recognise, develop and support the existing workforce.
The Victorian Government has invested over $6 million as part of the BSBL reforms, to deliver a range of targeted professional development supports to early career teachers and educators when they need it most – in their first 5 years of work.
Since the launch of the Beginning Teacher Conference and End-to-End Career Supports programs, more than 3,000 early childhood teachers and educators participated and benefited from these professional supports.
Beginning Teacher Conferences
The Beginning Teacher Conference (BTC) series offers a valuable opportunity for networking and professional development for early childhood teachers in their first year of practice and those with anticipated graduation in the next 12 months working in the services with kindergarten funded program.
The 2025 BTC series features 6 conferences, 3 online and 3 in-person. The conferences focus on practical concepts and practice ideas, facilitated deep-dive discussions, and a panel discussion, including Q&As.
The BTC series supports early career teachers’ induction into the Victorian early childhood sector, strengthens their professional practice and provides access to expert speakers and evidence-informed information. The conferences also provide an opportunity for early childhood teachers in the beginning stages of their careers to build professional networks with peers.
Registrations for series 3 of the 2025 BTCs are now open, with details outlined below.
Topic: Cultural Connections: Aboriginal Perspectives and Multiculturalism in Early Education.
Delivery options: in person or online.
- In person delivery option:
- Date: Tuesday 28 October 2025
- Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Location: Academy Presentation Hall, the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, 41 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne
- For information on how to register, contact info@semannslattery.com.
- Online delivery option:
- Date: Friday 7 November 2025
- Time: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
- For information on how to register, contact info@semannslattery.com.
Registrations are closed for series 1 and 2
Registrations are now closed for the following BTC series:
- Series 1: Designing Learning Experiences: Play, Program Development, and Assessment, which was held in May 2025
- Series 2: Building Foundations: Emotional Regulation and Family Engagement in Early Childhood, which was held July-August 2025.
Professional development to support and develop your practice and build your professional identity
The End-to-End Career Supports Program is a great option for early career teachers and educators interested in receiving individualised one-on-one coaching or joining a Community of Practice (CoP). It allows participants to explore problems of practice and meet other early childhood professionals.
This program enables teachers and diploma qualified educators working in early childhood services with funded kindergarten program(s) in the first 5 years of their careers, to access wraparound supports, as outlined below.
Coaching
The independent coaches supporting the End-to-End Program are qualified teachers and seasoned professionals with more than 5 years of experience in the teaching profession. They bring a wealth of practical knowledge and actionable strategies to support you in your professional journey.
Eligibility
If you are an early childhood teacher or a diploma-qualified educator in your first 2 years of practice, you are eligible to receive individualised one-on-one coaching to support you in the early stages of your career.
In 2025, diploma qualified educators undertaking coaching will be eligible to attend BTC series.
Registrations are now closed
Registrations for coaching in 2025 are now closed.
Communities of Practice
A Community of Practice (CoP) is where educators come together to lead discussions, share experiences, tackle challenges, and explore new ideas with peers who understand their journey. By bringing a practice-related issue to the group and engaging in meaningful discussions, participants enhance their skills in leadership, reflection, collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation.
A CoP consists of a series of 4 two-hour sessions, 2–3 weeks apart. This structure allows participants to test new strategies or learnings between sessions and come back to reflect, share successes, and make modifications. This collaborative approach supports both individual and collective growth, helping your team to develop and refine high-quality practices.
Eligibility
CoPs are for early childhood teachers and diploma-qualified educators in the 2nd to 5th year of their careers.
Registrations are now closed
Registrations for Communities of Practice in 2025 are now closed.
Alumni Conference
In 2025, an early childhood teacher or a diploma-qualified educator who has completed either End to End coaching, CoPs, or attended BTCs in previous years, become eligible to attend the Alumni Conference.
The Alumni Conference provides invaluable insights, inspiring stories and evidence-based insights from accomplished early childhood leaders that participants can apply to their teaching practice. It also supports participants to build professional networks with peers and experienced early childhood professional who have previously undertaken the program.
Registrations are now open for the 2025 Alumni Conference, with details outlined below.
- Date: Friday 21 November 2025
- Time: 10.00 am - 3.30 pm
- Location: Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, 41 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne.
How to register: if you have completed either End to End coaching, CoPs, or attended BTCs in previous years, you will receive an email invitation from the provider, Semann & Slattery.
If you have attended in previous years but have not received an invitation by the end of October 2025, please contact info@semannslattery.com.
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