Two early childhood teacher (ECT) rules change on 1 January 2027. Regulation 242, which lets a person count as an ECT while studying (at least 50% of an approved ECT degree completed, or an approved diploma held), expires on 31 December 2026 in the ACT, NSW, the NT, Tasmania and WA; it already did not apply in Queensland or Victoria, and South Australia keeps its own requirements. Regulation 239A, the remote and very remote ECT attendance flexibility, becomes the ongoing regulation 134A in the NT, SA, Tasmania and WA (and for NSW services under regulation 272(1A)). Check every person you count as an ECT now.
What ends on 31 December 2026, what continues from 1 January 2027, who is affected in each state, and what to do before the change.
Until 31 December 2026, a person counts as an ECT for regulations 130 to 134 (and the related state provisions) if they are actively working towards an approved early childhood teaching qualification and give the provider evidence that they have completed at least 50% of the course or hold an approved diploma (regulation 242).
| Jurisdiction | From 1 January 2027 |
|---|---|
| ACT, NSW, NT, Tasmania, WA | Regulation 242 no longer applies |
| Queensland, Victoria | Regulation 242 already did not apply |
| South Australia | Maintains its own requirements; check with the Education Standards Board |
Source: ACECQA. From 1 January 2027, someone counted under regulation 242 may no longer meet the ECT requirement unless they have finished the qualification or another arrangement applies. The The “actively working towards” rules for certificate III and diploma levels are separate and are not affected;ldquo;actively working towardsThe “actively working towards” rules for certificate III and diploma levels are separate and are not affected;rdquo; rules for certificate III and diploma levels are separate and are not part of this change; see educator qualifications and working while studying.
Regulation 239A lets a centre-based service in a remote or very remote area meet the ECT attendance rules through access to an ECT working with the service for at least 20% of operating time (for regulation 132 and NSW regulation 272(1A)), or for larger services at least 40%, or 20% plus a second ECT or suitably qualified person for 20%; the ECT can work by information and communication technology, and time can be calculated quarterly (regulation 239A). Education Ministers agreed to keep these arrangements permanently: from 1 January 2027 they sit in new regulation 134A, which applies in the NT, SA, Tasmania and WA, and in NSW only for services under regulation 272(1A). It does not apply in the ACT, Queensland or Victoria (ACECQA; amending regulations).
For the ECT requirements themselves (by number of children) see early childhood teacher requirements; for registration see ECT registration by state.
Yes. Regulation 242, which lets people studying an approved ECT qualification count as an ECT, expires on 31 December 2026 in the ACT, NSW, the NT, Tasmania and WA. It already did not apply in Queensland or Victoria, and South Australia keeps its own requirements.
From 1 January 2027 the remote and very remote ECT attendance arrangements continue on an ongoing basis in new regulation 134A, which applies in the NT, SA, Tasmania and WA, and in NSW for services covered by regulation 272(1A).
Not under regulation 242 in the jurisdictions where it expires. From 1 January 2027 they must have completed the approved ECT qualification or be covered by another arrangement; providers can contact their regulator about a waiver.
A person actively working towards an approved early childhood teaching qualification who has completed at least 50% of the course, or holds an approved diploma, and gives the provider evidence of this.
WIDEN Law answers National Quality Framework questions with inline citations to the National Law, the Regulations and the NQS, so you can check the source provision yourself.
14-day free trial, no card →This page is a research summary, not legal or compliance advice. It is written in our own words from the sources linked on the page; confirm the position with your regulatory authority before relying on it for a compliance decision.