Description

This qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. They support children’s wellbeing, and development in the context of an approved learning framework. Educators use a range of well-developed skills and knowledge using discretion and judgment when carrying out their work in the context of established policies and procedures. They may work independently or under the guidance of others, though in some contexts that guidance may not be on-site.

Early childhood educators work in long day care centres, family day care, pre-schools or kindergartens.

To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of at least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. Individuals must complete the National Child Safety Training prior to undertaking any work placement hours in a regulated children’s education and care service.The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.

Under the Education and Care Services National Law (as applied in each state and territory) the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) publishes lists of approved early childhood education and care qualifications and information regarding regulatory requirements here: www.acecqa.gov.au.

The Education and Care Services National Law (Section 162B) now requires all individuals working or volunteering in a regulated children’s education and care service to complete mandated National Child Safety Training. This training is separate from the units of competency within this qualification. Further information on who needs to complete the Foundation and/or Advanced National Child Safety Training, timeframes for completing the training, and how to access the training can be found at acecqa.gov.au.