The Professional Development Subsidy – National Child Safety Training will be open for applications on 28 April 2026, giving providers the opportunity to strengthen staff skills and support professional growth. These subsidies are paid directly to providers, who then pass the funding on to staff. Individual staff members cannot apply themselves, so it’s important to talk with your service leadership if you think you may be eligible.
Who Can Get The Subsidy
All Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved providers can apply for the subsidy on behalf of their staff who
- provide direct ECEC, or
- supervise children.
This includes centre directors, early childhood teachers, and educators who work directly with children.
These staff must:
- be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a valid work visa
- work at a CCS-approved service
- be part of the educator-to-child ratio
- work full-time, part-time or casual
- have worked more than 40 hours overall in the last 3 months.
You can apply for all eligible staff, even if they have:
- already completed the training before you apply, or
- received the professional development subsidy in earlier years.
The following staff are not eligible:
- those who complete the training during a service closure period
- those who complete the training under a different provider or service.
How The Subsidy Is Calculated
The subsidy is a flat daily rate. It is based on current award rates and includes a 25% casual loading.
| Staff type | Payment rate per 5 hours |
|---|---|
| Early childhood teachers | $282.75 |
| Early childhood educators | $184.50 |
| Directors | $267.80 |
These rates are current as of 1 March 2026. We will update the table if award rates change.
The subsidy is not intended to cover the full cost of wages. Providers are responsible for any additional wage or employment on-costs above the subsidy amount.
Funding is limited and not guaranteed.
How Applications Will Be Prioritised
If demand for the subsidy exceeds available funding, the Department Of Education will:
- prioritise applications from small and medium providers (operating fewer than 25 services) on a first come, first served basis
- only consider applications from large providers if funding remains available.
How To Apply
Round 1 applications will open on 28 April 2026. We will provide a link to the application portal on this date.
Providers must apply on behalf of eligible staff. A person with management or control (PMC) must complete the application. The grant guidelines are available now to help you prepare. You can apply for staff who have already completed the training, but funding is not guaranteed until an application is approved.
What Does It Cover?
- 5 hours of training per staff member
- Funding can be used to:
- Backfill staff while they complete training during work hours
- Pay staff to complete training outside of work hours
Why This Matters For Educators
- Child safety is non-negotiable: This training ensures every educator is equipped with nationally consistent knowledge and practices.
- Financial support for services: Providers can cover costs without placing extra burden on staff or budgets.
- Professional recognition: Completing the training strengthens your professional profile and demonstrates commitment to safeguarding children.
For more information and to apply: Professional Development Subsidy
Australia’s largest private childcare operator, G8 Education, has announced the closure of 40 centres nationwide, leaving thousands of families and educators facing uncertainty. The closures,