Childcare staff requirements
Qualification requirements apply to educators working in services captured under the National Law or the Child Care Act 2002.
National Law
National Regulations are being phased in for early childhood education and care services captured under the National Law.
From 1 January 2014, all educators working with children under school age (generally under 5) must have, or be studying for, a Certificate III qualification or higher.
In addition, services educating and caring for children under school age must employ or have access to:
- qualified early childhood teachers with approved early childhood teaching qualifications
and
- 50% of staff must have approved diploma level qualifications or be working towards those qualifications.
See a summary (PDF, 223KB) of the transition timeframes and the key changes to educator to child ratios for Queensland services. You can also read about the role of an early childhood teacher including a fact sheet on key changes to qualifications that will apply from 2014.
Phone and email contacts are available for more information about the National Regulations.
Qualification assessments
Teachers and other educators can apply to have their qualifications assessed if they do not appear on the approved qualification lists referenced above. A fee is charged.
Child Care Act
Depending on their type and size, those services licensed under the Child Care Act 2002 may require:
- a director with a 3-year equivalent qualification (e.g. Advanced Diploma)
- group leaders with at least a 2-year equivalent qualification (e.g. Diploma)
- assistants with at least a 1-year equivalent qualification (e.g. Certificate III).
View lists of approved qualifications
Qualification assessments
You can apply to have your qualifications determined for equivalence if they do not appear on these lists. Download an application form (DOC, 248KB).
Teaching kindy in Queensland
In Queensland, our requirements match the National Regulations but services delivering state government-approved kindergarten programs must also meet Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme (QKFS) requirements.
Read more about QKFS kindy teacher requirements.
Upgrading teaching qualifications in Queensland
A bridging program is offered for eligible (registered with the Queensland College of Teachers before 1 January 2012) primary school teachers who want to upgrade their qualifications and teach kindy in Queensland. As a guide, it could take 6–9 months to finish. The program can be studied externally.
Financial help is available for current and prospective early childhood teachers to upgrade qualifications and experience working in rural and remote services.
Getting an advanced diploma, diploma or certificate
If you need to obtain or upgrade your qualifications to meet the National Regulations help is available with:
- certificate III (through the family day care training strategy)
- diplomas and advanced diplomas (through the TAFE fee waiver program).
If you’re working or volunteering in early childhood education, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL recognises the skills and knowledge you have gained. This could count towards a formal qualification. Check to see if you qualify for RPL before applying for further study.
Read more about costs and financial help for further study.
