TQI registration made free for the ACT’s early childhood teachers

Early childhood teachers (ECTs) are now able to register with the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) for free, in a move by the ACT Government to encourage greater registration. 

 

Since 2011 those working with children in ACT schools, from kindergarten to Year 12 have had to hold a registration with the TQI in order to teach, however registration has not been available to those working in early childhood settings. 

 

From 1 April 2024 ECTs have been able to register with the TQI in line with their primary and high school based peers, following a change precipitated by the Education (Early Childhood) Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

 

Registration is voluntary, but any teacher qualified to teach in early childhood education and care (ECEC) 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.

 

Teachers can register in three categories: 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.

 

“It is important to us that early childhood teachers have the opportunity to be included in professional recognition for the quality teaching and development facilitated in the early years,” TQI CEO Lyndall Read said.

“Early childhood teacher registration will also bring opportunities for early childhood educators to engage and connect through facilitated networks, TQI support sessions and events and professional learning offerings. Registered early childhood teachers will be able to engage with Certification at Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher levels,” she added. 

The ACT Government will waive the $115 annual registration fee for the first two years of implementation to encourage more registrations from the ECEC workforce.

This initiative is part of the ACT Government’s Valuing Educators, Values Children: A Workforce Strategy for the ACT Early Childhood Education and Care Profession (2023-25).