Regulation changes for family day care educator qualifications and first aid currency periods

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Family day care educators: Is it time to complete your qualification?

Are you a family day care educator who does not hold an approved qualification but has been actively working towards gaining an approved qualification since before 1 July 2023? The due date to complete your qualification is 1 July 2024. *Please note: This does not include Western Australia or South Australia

From 1 July 2023, regulations came into effect which mean that new family day care educators must hold an approved certificate III level (or higher) qualification before starting their role in a family day care service. This means that new family day care educators cannot be 'actively working towards' a qualification.

Existing educators who were engaged at a family day care service before 1 July 2023 will have until 1 July 2024 to complete an approved qualification. *Please note: This does not apply to family day care educators in Western Australia and South Australia. 

Information for Western Australia and South Australia

Western Australia information

In Western Australia, the regulations took effect at a later date. Family day care educators who were actively working towards gaining an approved qualification before 1 December 2023 have until 30 November 2024 to complete their qualification.

South Australia information

In South Australia, educators are already required to hold at least an approved certificate III level education and care qualification.

What if I can’t gain my qualification in time?

Waivers for staffing requirements will continue to be available. If you do not hold an approved qualification by 1 July 2024 (or 30 November 2024 in Western Australia), your approved provider can apply to the regulatory authority for a waiver.

For more information on waivers visit the ACECQA website.

Family day care educators must also meet first aid qualification requirements.

First aid currency periods

The three-year currency period for first aid qualifications commences on 1 April 2024, except in Western Australia the CPR component must be renewed annually.

Please check the legislation for the commencement date in Western Australia.

More information

More information is available on the ACECQA website, including the below resources.

Family day care educator qualifications:

First aid:

You can also contact your regulatory authority for more information.