Early childhood
The AEU is committed to the right of all children to high quality free public early childhood education. Essential to this vision are:
- Pay and conditions which recognise the professional status of teachers‚ assistants and other staff
- Registration for teachers and accreditation for other staff in early childhood services
- Funding and resources to support children's access‚ shared professional development‚ and strengthen the continuity of children's progress and improve their educational outcomes
- A curriculum framework that enables continuity for children as they enter primary school.
The AEU views the creation of partnerships with parents as a positive and important element in the provision of early childhood education.
Shayne Quinn is the AEU vice president, early childhood and Martel Menz is deputy vice president. They can be contacted by email or on (03) 9417 2822. Secretarial support is provided by Lee-Anne Poynton.
Early Childhood pay and conditions
Navigate the maze of agreements covering members in the early childhood sector, download the agreement that applies for you and access members-only advice and resources. » more...
Navigate the maze of agreements covering members in the early childhood sector, download the agreement that applies for you and access members-only advice and resources. » more...
Lighten the load
The national early years agenda has meant a massive increase in workload for teachers and assistants. It's great that governments finally recognise the importance of our work — but they need to provide the resources to let us do it. This issue will be of major importance as we negotiate new agreements for the early childhood sector. » more...
The national early years agenda has meant a massive increase in workload for teachers and assistants. It's great that governments finally recognise the importance of our work — but they need to provide the resources to let us do it. This issue will be of major importance as we negotiate new agreements for the early childhood sector. » more...
Play fair in childcare
Teachers in long day care have been neglected for too long by employers, with pay and conditions in many services well below those of other educators. The AEU is campaigning for a fair deal for teachers in the sector. » more...
Teachers in long day care have been neglected for too long by employers, with pay and conditions in many services well below those of other educators. The AEU is campaigning for a fair deal for teachers in the sector. » more...
National Quality Framework
The National Quality Framework aims to raise quality and drive improvement and consistency in education and care services through national legislation, standards and quality rating and assessment system, and the new Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). AEU members can find resources here to guide them through this changing landscape. » more...
The National Quality Framework aims to raise quality and drive improvement and consistency in education and care services through national legislation, standards and quality rating and assessment system, and the new Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). AEU members can find resources here to guide them through this changing landscape. » more...
Your pay and conditions
Early childhood members are covered by a plethora of agreements. Find out which one applies to you, and access guidance and support materials (members only) here. » more...
Early childhood members are covered by a plethora of agreements. Find out which one applies to you, and access guidance and support materials (members only) here. » more...
Your bulletins and publications
You can now read the latest AEU publications for your sector online. » more...
You can now read the latest AEU publications for your sector online. » more...
Early childhood professional development
The AEU runs a range of professional development programs for early childhood teachers, assistants, and student teachers, including support with applying for validation. Find out more here. » more...
The AEU runs a range of professional development programs for early childhood teachers, assistants, and student teachers, including support with applying for validation. Find out more here. » more...
Validation process and workshops
Teachers at the top of the graduate or accomplished teacher pay scales can apply for validation to move up to the next level. The AEU runs workshops to guide members through the process. » more...
Teachers at the top of the graduate or accomplished teacher pay scales can apply for validation to move up to the next level. The AEU runs workshops to guide members through the process. » more...
Occupational health and safety in early childhood
Looking after your safety and wellbeing and that of your colleagues should be a key priority. Find out more about the AEU's involvement in a sector-wide OHS campaign. » more...
Looking after your safety and wellbeing and that of your colleagues should be a key priority. Find out more about the AEU's involvement in a sector-wide OHS campaign. » more...
AEU teams and country organisers
AEU teams and country organisers work with members to build and support early childhood workplaces and networks. Organisers can help you resolve workplace problems, keep you up to date on campaigns and current issues, and offer training in areas from legal liability to health and safety. Find and contact your area team or organiser here. » more...
AEU teams and country organisers work with members to build and support early childhood workplaces and networks. Organisers can help you resolve workplace problems, keep you up to date on campaigns and current issues, and offer training in areas from legal liability to health and safety. Find and contact your area team or organiser here. » more...
Early childhood policies and submissions
The AEU makes submissions on behalf of members to government and parliamentary inquiries, reviews and consultation. This page contains AEU policies and submissions relating to early childhood. » more...
The AEU makes submissions on behalf of members to government and parliamentary inquiries, reviews and consultation. This page contains AEU policies and submissions relating to early childhood. » more...
AEU early childhood research
The AEU conducts regular surveys and research into the professional experiences of early childhood sector members. Findings can be found in this section. » more...
The AEU conducts regular surveys and research into the professional experiences of early childhood sector members. Findings can be found in this section. » more...
