ACT passes legislation to recognise the importance of quality ECEC and the role of ECTs

Amendments to the Education Act 2004 will strengthen the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector by providing professional recognition for early childhood teachers (ECTs) and creating a new category of Teacher Quality Institute registration.

The new category will include teachers working in early childhood education and care settings whose expertise is teaching children in their very early years.

ACT’s Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry announced the change, saying high-quality early childhood education plays a critical role in supporting children to learn, thrive and get the best start in life.

“A teacher is a teacher wherever they teach,” she said. “Early childhood teachers play a key role in a child’s development, providing the learning and support needed to live full and happy lives.”

The Government hopes that professional recognition for ECTs, and the formal recognition in law of early childhood education will help bolster the sector, noting that the amendments support the ACT Government’s delivery of universal free, high-quality preschool education for Canberra’s three-year-olds from 2024.

“The ACT Government is committed to delivering quality education for Canberra’s children and young people,” she said.

“Thank you to all of the stakeholders in the early childhood sector whose work has led us to this point. This legislation is the result of your advocacy, and the advocacy of the educators who came before you.”