The Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Educators Agreement (VECTEA) 2020 is the latest agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for early childhood teachers and educators in the state of Victoria, Australia. This agreement was reached between the Victorian government and various unions representing early childhood educators and teachers.
The agreement is significant, as it sets out the minimum standards for early childhood teacher and educator employment including pay rates, working conditions, and entitlements. VECTEA 2020 is the latest in a series of agreements that have been negotiated over the past two decades to improve the working conditions of early childhood teachers and educators in Victoria.
One of the most significant improvements in this agreement is the wage increase provided for early childhood teachers and educators. Over the next four years, employees covered by VECTEA 2020 will receive wage increases of up to 18.5%. This increase is a significant win for early childhood teachers and educators, who have long been paid below their colleagues in the school system.
The agreement also includes provisions for additional support, such as professional development and recognition of prior learning, to help educators improve their skills and maintain their accreditation. It also provides for improved working conditions, including more paid planning time and reduced paperwork.
The VECTEA 2020 agreement also recognizes the importance of maintaining a gender balance in the early childhood education sector. The agreement sets out a target of at least 25% male educators in the sector, and includes programs to encourage men to enter the profession and overcome traditional gender biases.
Finally, the agreement includes provisions to improve the quality of early childhood education in Victoria. This includes measures to ensure that early childhood education services are properly staffed and supported, and that children receive quality care and education.
In summary, the Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Educators Agreement 2020 is a significant win for early childhood teachers and educators in Victoria. The agreement includes wage increases, improved working conditions, additional support for professional development, gender equality, and measures to improve the quality of early childhood education. These improvements will help to ensure that early childhood teachers and educators can continue to provide quality care and education to young children in Victoria.