The free program is designed for early childhood professionals returning to the Victorian ECEC sector. 

Are you a qualified early childhood teacher or educator that has recently returned to or joined the Victorian ECEC sector from interstate or overseas? Or perhaps you’re a manager supporting these professionals? We are here to support the transition through the Returning Teachers and Educators (RTE) Coaching Program.

Funded by the Victorian Department of Education, the free RTE Coaching Program is flexible, allowing participants to work with a Gowrie Coach for up to 12 months. Coaching sessions are also flexible, meeting the varying needs of Teacher’s and Educators.

Adult Learning Program Manager, Simone James, states that our coaches tailor their coaching to meet your individual needs and circumstances. ‘Our coaches are experienced early childhood professionals who offer current and lived experience in the Victorian ECEC sector,’ explains Simone. ‘We’ll guide you to connect with relevant early childhood programs and frameworks and connect to local early childhood networks.’

The coaching process will move through different phases, offering individualized coaching packages of 10, 15 or 20 hours. These packages include both face-to-face and online coaching sessions, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for both the coach and the coachee.

Leanne, a Gowrie Coach, emphasises the program’s impact: ‘Coaching enables us to think more deeply and really focus on something that we probably wouldn’t make the time for otherwise. My role as a coach is to listen and reflect back to teachers. It’s an open, explorative process where we build confidence and build capacity together.’

Her sentiment was echoed by Julie, another Gowrie Coach: ‘Coaching might help someone work towards achieving specific goals. Or it might be just an opportunity for someone to share how things are for them, where there’s no judgement, and be supported by a coach to clarify their thoughts.’

Gowrie Victoria has a long-standing reputation for championing excellence in early childhood education and care for over 85 years. Coaching is deeply ingrained in our culture and values, uniquely positioning Gowrie to deliver such a valuable program.

We are now accepting enquiries and enrolments for 2025! To learn more, you can download our flyer below, or to enquire about enrolling contact our Program Coordinator Terri on (03) 8624 1077 or visit our website.