Thursday, 23 February 2023

Ministers statements: early childhood education

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (12:26): Further to the theme of skills and training, the Andrews Labor government is transforming early childhood education in our state with unprecedented investment to make sure our littlest Victorians get the best start in life.

Members interjecting.

Ingrid STITT: Keep heckling me about early childhood education; it is on brand for you people. Alongside three-year-old kinder, our Best Start, Best Life reforms will introduce a new year of universal pre-prep and will mean that all Victorian children can access two years of quality preschool education for free.

Just last Wednesday I had the privilege of joining more than 2000 of these professionals at the 2023 Best Start, Best Life educational leaders conference. This important event brought together early childhood education leaders, experts and practitioners from across the state to discuss the importance of quality pedagogy and the critical role of education leaders in delivering quality early childhood education. Attendees heard from national and international experts in the field, including Professor Iram Siraj from Oxford University, and importantly had the opportunity to connect and share their own experience and expertise with their peers.

I was also pleased to announce a new professional learning program for experienced teachers and educators at this conference – those aspiring to be mentors. Commencing in term 2, this program will help ensure Victoria continues to nurture the best education leaders in the sector. Having met many experienced teachers and educators in this sector, I know that they have got so much to give the next generation of teachers and educators that are coming into this profession. Only the Andrews Labor government will continue to back in our early childhood professionals and the extraordinary work they do shaping the lives of young Victorians.