Recognition As An ‘Equivalent Early Childhood Teacher’ Extended Until 2027

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.

If you are a registered/accredited primary or secondary school teacher:

• You will not need to apply to ACECQA once you achieve a qualification on ACECQA's list of approved qualifications as, in combination with your primary or secondary teaching qualification and Australian teacher registration, you will automatically be considered to meet the qualification requirements for an equivalent early childhood teacher. 
• You may be able to be ‘taken to be an early childhood teacher’ upon starting your approved early childhood education and care qualification. 
• Alternatively, you may be able to be recognised as a 'suitably qualified person'. 

If you do not have teacher registration/accreditation:

• You will need to obtain provisional or full teacher registration/accreditation to meet the requirements of an equivalent early childhood teacher under Regulation 137(3). 
• Individuals who meet the recognition as an ‘equivalent early childhood teacher’ transitional measure may wish to contact their state or territory teacher regulatory authority to determine if further teacher registration requirements apply.
• In particular, individuals intending to work in South Australia may wish to contact the regulatory authority in South Australia or the South Australia Department of Education for further details regarding state specific requirements.

It is at the discretion of employers if they wish to employ individuals under this provision.

For more information, please read the following: Recognition As An Equivalent ECT