As of today, February 27th, 2026, all ECE services are required to provide workforce information to the Register. Approved providers must now enter who is working in their services and keep it up to date.
What is the Register?
The Register is a centralised system designed to track workforce information across centres and jurisdictions. It consolidates data that services are already required to maintain, including:
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Working with Children Checks
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Qualifications
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Identifying information
By bringing this information together, the Register makes it easier to monitor staff movement, uphold safety standards, and ensure accountability across the sector.
Key Requirements for Providers
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Initial upload: Services have four weeks to provide workforce information to the Register.
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Ongoing updates: Any changes—such as new employment, staff departures, or updated details—must be recorded within 14 days.
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Penalties: Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $34,200.
What Educators Should Do Now
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Familiarise yourself with the Register requirements.
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Ensure your qualifications and Working with Children Check that details are up-to-date.
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Complete mandatory child safety training within the required timeframe.
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Stay informed about compliance updates from ACECQA and your service leadership.
FAQ'S
Will I need to register myself?
- No. Approved providers will enter and update your information in the Worker Register.
How will I know if I am in the Worker Register?
- Your approved provider can confirm this. If your details change, you must tell your employer so they can update the Worker Register.
Can employers use the Worker Register to see my work history?
- No. They can only see the information for their own service.
Is my personal information secure in the Worker Register?
- Yes. Only a small number of authorised users can access the information in the Worker Register. Your information is also protected by the National Law, the Privacy Act 1988, and the Australian Privacy Principles. The Worker Register is part of ACECQA’s secure NQA ITS which uses safeguards like controlled access, encryption, multi-factor authentication and ongoing cyber-security monitoring.
Who can view my personal information in the Worker Register?
- Only ACECQA, regulatory authorities, your approved provider, and the staff they authorise to access the Worker Register.
Who enters my information if I work across multiple services or casually through an agency?
- If you work for more than one approved provider, each one will enter your details for their own service. If you work at multiple services within the same organisation, your details are added to each service. Each approved provider can only see the information for their own services.
Does the Worker Register replace Working With Children Checks or other screening processes?
- No. The Worker Register does not replace Working With Children Checks, Working With Vulnerable People registrations, teacher registration/accreditation, or any other screening required in your state or territory. You must still hold the correct checks for your role and tell the service immediately if anything changes. Approved providers must also continue all usual screening and employment checks
For more details: National Early Childhood Worker Register
Further Reading
Safety Gaps and Missed Opportunities: Victoria's Childcare Register
Queensland Sets National Benchmark for Childcare Safety Reform
