Teacher Quality Institute registration opens for ECTs in the ACT from 1 April

From 1 April 2024 early childhood teachers (ECTs) in the Australian Capital Territory will be able to register with the Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) in line with their primary and high school based peers. 

The teacher registration framework has been expanded to include early childhood teachers (ECTs), a change which was precipitated by the Education (Early Childhood) Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

Registration will be voluntary, but any teacher qualified to teach in early childhood education and care services, including outside school hours care (OSHC), can do so provided they meet the following eligibility requirements:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold an appropriate work visa
• meet English language requirements
• hold the appropriate qualifications.
• have a current Working with Vulnerable People registration.

By registering, ECTs will officially be held to the same standards as primary and secondary teachers, including compliance with the TQI Code of Professional Practice and Conduct, professional learning requirements, and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

There are now three categories that teachers can register in: Full Registration, Provisional Registration, and Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) Registration.

Teachers qualified to teach children from 0-5 years can register in the ECT category, while those qualified to teach children from 0-8 or 0-12 can choose which category they want to register in.

TQI is hosting virtual information sessions throughout 2024. Attendees can ask questions about requirements including compliance and eligibility. Download a schedule of the sessions here.