This report considers the appropriateness of national early career mentoring and induction support for early childhood education and care (ECEC) teachers. Enhanced mentoring and induction for new early childhood teachers has the potential to benefit stakeholders at all levels of the ECEC system, including children, families and their local communities. However, structural barriers prevent a national program from becoming a reality. 

The report provides five recommendations. It explores five key ingredients to support a program to sustain and grow knowledge and skills in the ECEC sector and its workforce:

• national commitment and collaboration
• clarity of purpose and outcomes
• an adequate supply of skilled mentors
• sufficient time for effective learning
• flexible options for diverse contexts.