Extension of ECT Transitional Provisions Under National Regulations

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Education Council released a communique after its meeting on 29 June 2019. It made some decisions regarding extending transitional provisions and other changes relating to Early Childhood Teachers:

Extension of transitional provisions under the National Quality Framework

Education Council agreed to extend a number of expiring transitional workforce provisions in the Education and Care Services National Regulations, to address the continued pressures faced by the sector in building a highly skilled early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce, particularly in rural and remote areas. This also takes into account the impacts of the requirement from 1 January 2020 in most states, that providers of centre-based services have a second early childhood teacher or ‘suitably qualified person’ in attendance when 60 or more children preschool age or under are being cared for.Education Council also noted the work currently underway to build a national approach for the ECEC workforce.

 ‘Suitably qualified person’ consequential amendments to the Education and Care Services National Regulations

On 1 January 2020, regulations will come into effect in all states and territories (other than New South Wales) that require providers of centre-based services to have a second early childhood teacher or, alternatively, another ‘suitably qualified person’ in attendance when 60 or more children preschool age or under are being cared for and educated. Education Council agreed to the proposed minor and consequential amendments to the Education and Care Services National Regulations which support the practical operation of the ‘suitably qualified person’ requirement from 1 January 2020. Ministers will be asked to endorse the amending regulations prior to the end of December 2019.

 The Sector website provided a summary and analysis of the communique.