ACECQA Board extends recognition as an ‘equivalent early childhood teacher’

In June 2019 the ACECQA Board decided to extend an existing transitional measure that recognises primary trained teachers who have completed an approved early childhood diploma as ‘equivalent early childhood teachers’ until the end of 2021.

The Board’s decision to extend the arrangement responds to ongoing workforce pressures and challenges, particularly in rural and remote areas, experienced in a number of states and territories.

The ACECQA Board agreed that a person who holds all of the following will continue to be recognised as an ‘equivalent early childhood teacher’:

• a primary teaching qualification that includes at least a focus on children aged 5 to 8 years old (e.g. a qualification with a focus on children aged 3 to 8 or 5 to 12)
• teacher registration in Australia (called ‘accreditation’ in New South Wales)
• an ACECQA approved diploma level (or higher) education and care qualification.

After the end of 2021, this transitional measure is scheduled to cease, however educators who have obtained this combination of qualifications before the end of 2021 will continue to be recognised under this provision.

More information about this decision is available on the ACECQA website.