When can we start working?

[StudyingGirl]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post so thanks for taking the time to read it

I'm studying towards my Diploma in childcare and I'm starting to think about the future, if I decided to start the Degree in Early childhood education once I finished my diploma and gained some experience, when could I start working as a ECT?
ACECQA website says that after 50% of the degree is completed we should be considered equally as a qualified Early Childhood education teacher.

So I guess I'm trying to find out after completing the diploma, would that count as the first 50% of the degree? Does that mean that as soon as I start the degree I could apply for a job?

I'm sorry if this has been asked before! And I hope my post is not too confusing!


Thanks very much for your help

[Lorina]

Hi!

Welcome to the forum!

In regards to your question, ACECQA has recently extended the requirements for ECT's working in an early childhood service. It is as follows:

In July 2019, the Education Council agreed to extend regulation 242 "Persons Taken To Be An ECT" of the National Regulations. Under Regulation 242, you are ‘taken to be an early childhood teacher’ until 31 December 2021 if you:

- are actively working towards an approved early childhood teaching qualification, and
- provides the approved provider with documentary evidence that—

(i) the person has completed at least 50 per cent of the course; or
(ii) holds an approved diploma level education and care qualification

This extension has been included in NSW, QLD, SA, ACT and TAS.

This means an Educator who is actively working towards an approved early childhood teaching qualification and provides the approved provider with evidence that they have completed 50% of the course or holds an approved Diploma qualification can be taken as an ECT until 31 December 2021.

For more information: Requirements For Early Childhood Teachers

Hope this helps!

Let me know if you have any further questions!

,
Lorina

[StudyingGirl]

Thank you Lorina, that was very helpful

[Lorina]

You're most welcome!

,
Lorina

[adamaxford]

This is a piece of excellent information. Thanks, Lorina