New National Educator Register

In a landmark move to enhance oversight and accountability across Australia’s early childhood education and care sector, Education Ministers have commissioned ACECQA to develop a New National Educator Register. This foundational digital system will provide regulators with clearer visibility of who is working in the sector and where—supporting safer, more transparent practices for children, families, and providers.

What Is the Educator Register?

The register is a centralised electronic platform built into the existing National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA ITS). It will allow approved providers to record and maintain key information about:

• Educators
• Volunteers
• Students
• Non-educator staff
• Teachers (registered or not)
• Nominated supervisors
• Coordinators
• Family Day Care educator assistants

Importantly, individual educators will not need to register themselves—approved providers are responsible for entering and maintaining the required data.

What Information Will Be Recorded?

Approved providers must input and update the following details:

• Identity and contact information
• Role and place of employment
• Start and end dates of employment
• Qualifications held or being actively pursued
• Approved training completed (e.g., first aid)
• Working With Children Check or teacher registration status

This mirrors existing recordkeeping obligations but moves them into a secure, nationally accessible system.

Timeline for Implementation

• December 2025: Testing begins
• February 2026: Mandated national rollout via changes to the Education and Care Services National Law

Future phases may include:

• Identity verification tools
• Integration with WWCC systems
• Blueprints for full educator registration schemes

These developments will be shaped by sector consultation and government agreement.

Privacy and Access

• Information will be securely stored within the NQA ITS, which is already used by providers and regulators.
• Each provider can only view and manage data related to their own staff.
• Staff can request to view or correct their information via their service.

Why It Matters

The register supports:

• Regulatory oversight: Authorities can monitor workforce movements and respond to risks.
• Workforce planning: Data can inform national strategies and sector support.
• Child safety: Ensures all staff are properly screened and documented.

Reference:
ACECQA – New National Educator Register Overview