This year all early childhood teachers will be accredited at the proficient level by BOSTES.
Accreditation is the recognition of our profession.
Accreditation recognises the professional standing of early childhood teachers in the community – at last we can say ‘teachers are teachers’ no matter where they teach and whom they teach. It is the recognition that the first five years of a child’s life are the most important for learning and the establishment of attitudes towards learning and education.
It is a step in the right direction in our fight for pay parity – if teachers are teachers then we should be paid the same as teachers with similar qualifications working in other sectors.
It is up to us to keep the pressure on the NSW Government and also it is our responsibility to lobby for this within our own communities by informing families of our important role. For too long early education and care has been considered ‘child minding’ and ‘just playing’ with children, but research continues to support this time as the most crucial.
All early childhood teachers must register by 18 July 2016.
Go to www.nswteachers.nsw.edu.au and register now.
Follow their steps and forward them hard copies of the required documents certified by a JP:
•WWCC clearance
•ACECQA approved qualifications
•Transcripts of academic achievement
•Statement of service on centre letterhead stating that you are/have been employed as a teacher, and
•two types of ID (passport, driver’s license, birth certificate).
Wait to hear about your accreditation. It should happen on 18 July or soon thereafter. Early childhood teachers on leave, or who are taking a break from teaching, as well as casuals, should register before the 18 July.
There is an annual fee of $100 that must be paid to maintain your accreditation. This fee will commence in 2017 not 2016.
Teachers must then maintain their accreditation.
Pass this information on to colleagues who may not be aware of this.
How can the IEU help?
The IEU will be running free workshops on accreditation, as well as PIPs, TeachMeets and other free professional development events.
There will be three professional officers who can assist with accreditation questions should any issues arise.
Encourage your colleagues to become members of the IEU so that they too can be supported through the accreditation and maintenance process.
What happens if you don’t register?
You can no longer teach as an early childhood teacher unless you commence at graduate level and work your way through the accreditation process to Proficient level.