The Coach and Mentor Training Program helps teachers and educators build their coaching and mentoring skills. The program will cover the foundations of what makes a good mentor or coach. It will also help lift the standards of mentors and coaches across the sector. This is an opportunity for experienced teachers and educators to advance their careers by helping navigate key issues such as change and wellbeing.
This program is fully subsidised by the Department of Education. A backfill contribution is available for participants to cover the core requirements of the program, and a travel contribution is also available to assist with the cost of long-distance travel.
Who can access the program
This program is for experienced early childhood teachers and educators. Those already in coach and mentor roles may wish to further develop their skills. Or experienced teachers and educators may wish to become a coach or mentor. Teachers and educators wishing to undertake the program will need to meet the following criteria:
- Currently working in or with a service delivering a funded Victorian kindergarten program
- Qualifications:
- Full VIT registration for teachers
- ACECQA-approved diploma qualifications for educators
- At least 5 years of experience in a funded Kindergarten program
- Commitment to full participation in the program activities and requirements.
Program overview
The Coach and Mentor Training Program is skills-based professional learning. This means the program builds upon participants' existing knowledge and skills. The program uses both face-to-face and online components. This complements the Department of Education's existing coach and mentor training programs.
Participants will explore their current coaching and mentoring approach. Participants will then further develop positive partnerships with colleagues they are supporting. This will underpin their skill development in having coaching and mentoring conversations.
The program will equip participants to:
- identify and use data to inform approaches to coaching and mentoring
- utilise coaching and mentoring approaches to support change
- support their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
The program will focus on actions participants can implement in their service to embed their skills and knowledge. There will be time for discussion and reflection within the group. These discussions will be opportunities to share experiences and insights.
Program registrations
The program has three workshop days and at least three online modules. Completing all workshops and modules are a minimum requirement to complete the program. Before registering, participants should ensure they are available to attend. Registrants must also have the support of their employer to complete the program.
Registrations for Intake 1, 2026 are now open – please register here.
All personal information that is disclosed will be handled in accordance with Victorian privacy laws and the department’s policies regarding privacy and records.
2026 program dates
Intake 1
- Workshop 1 - Thursday 7 May (9:30 - 4:00 AEST)
- Workshop 2 - Thursday 21 May (9:30 - 4:00 AEST)
- Workshop 3 - Thursday 25 June (9:30 - 4:00 AEST)
How does this program differ from the Effective Mentor Program?
The Effective Mentoring Program (EMP) provides training for experienced teachers to mentor a PRT with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
This Coach and Mentor Training Program provides more comprehensive training for experienced teachers and educators. It also equips participants to provide coaching and mentoring to their colleagues at all stages of their career.
More information
Visit Training and support for early childhood professionals (opens in a new window) to learn about other supports available.
For further information about the program, please contact early.years.workforce@education.vic.gov.au.
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