Education Ministers have agreed to extend workforce transitional arrangements in the National Regulations. This decision aims to assist the sector to address workforce challenges by continuing to provide flexibility for services and providers.

The Recognition As An ‘Equivalent Early Childhood Teacher’ transitional measure was reviewed by the ACECQA Board, which has decided to extend this measure until the end of 2027. A person who has achieved ALL of the following will be recognised as equivalent to an early childhood teacher - a primary or secondary teaching qualification AND teacher registration in Australia (called ‘accreditation’ in New South Wales) AND an ACECQA approved certificate III level (or higher) early childhood education and care qualification.

In collaboration with all governments, ACECQA has developed a National Model Code of child safe practices that outlines the suggested practices for using electronic devices to take, share, and store pictures and videos of children in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.

The National Law and the National Regulations illustrate the legal responsibilities of the approved provider, nominated super and Educators. The following article provides a reference point for Chapter 4 - Operational Requirements including a summary of each Regulation. This chapter outlines the specific requirements and expectations for the operation and management of an education and care service. This is crucial in ensuring that all education and care services and Educators provide a safe, healthy, and high-quality environment for children to learn and grow. 

Establishing early learning environments that are both safe and mindful of the needs of every child requires active supervision. ACECQA has published new guidance information to guide services for the approved regulatory changes that started on 1 October 2023.

ACECQA has released new resources explaining the updates to the nationally approved learning frameworks EYLF, and MTOP and clarification and expanded explanation across parts of the original learning frameworks. The following provides the EYLF and MTOP Version 2 Booklets as well as other information resources.