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.

With the impact of COVID -19 and well as shortages of ECT and qualified Educators, what do services do when an Educator is absent or when a temporary replacement of ECTs is required due to staff shortages or illness.  The following explains how to ensure staff ratios are compliant when an ECT is absent, no ECT is present at the service, an ECT has not completed their qualification and more. 

The Fair Work Commission has announced a 5.75% increase in minimum wages following its 2023 Annual Wage Review. The increase will apply to base rates of pay from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2023.

In response to the Royal Commission regarding institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, The Teacher Accreditation Act 2004 has been amended. From now on the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) will be making decisions about teacher accreditation at all levels, including the early childhood sector.

For ECT's working in early childhood services, they are on the Educational Services Teachers Award and there are 5 Classification Levels which determines their rate of pay.  

When working as a qualified Early Childhood Teacher (with a university degree) within a service, your rate of pay will come from the Educational Services Teachers Award, 2010.  This Award is specifically for Early Childhood Teachers employed as the ECT in their centre.