ACECQA extends equivalency rule for ECTs as shortages continue

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has extended the provision of qualifications considered to be equivalent to an early childhood teacher (ECT) in order to “provide time for the sector to meet ECT requirements, particularly in rural and remote areas, while maintaining a commitment to the importance of educational qualifications and experience in early childhood”. 

Under Regulation 137(3), the ACECQA Board has the power to determine the qualifications which are taken to be equivalent to an ECT. Recently, the ACECQA Board agreed to continue transitional requirements in light of the “severe global shortage of ECTs” and while a national review of staffing and qualification requirements is being undertaken under the National Children’s Education and Care Workforce Strategy 2022-2031.

Until 31 December 2024, a person is recognised as equivalent to an ECT if they hold all three of the following:

• a primary or secondary teaching qualification; 
• teacher registration/accreditation in Australia; and,
• an ACECQA approved certificate III level or higher education and care qualification.

For those who have a primary or secondary qualification and who wish to work as an ECT under these measures, see here for more information. 

More information on equivalency rules is available on the ACECQA website.