ECEC organisations around Australia are seeking qualified teachers from overseas, according to news.com.au.
ACECQA will also invite selected universities and colleges in New Zealand, the UK and Ireland to apply to have their early childhood degrees, diplomas or certificates recognised in Australia.
The spokeswoman said 775 foreign childcare workers had applied to have their overseas qualifications recognised in 2012/13 – with 38 per cent from the UK and Ireland, and 22 per cent from New Zealand.
Only 412 applicants were approved, 73 were rejected, and the rest would be assessed this year.
Australian Childcare Alliance secretary Frank Cusmano, representing privately-owned childcare centres, said a shortage of university-trained teachers meant many centres would not be able to comply with new rules requiring them to employ one by January next year.
“There are a lot of exemptions that have been asked for, and received,” he said.
The qualification requirements, particularly around early childhood teachers, have been a source of contention across the sector.
You can read my thoughts on the requirements here. I am entirely supportive of having the highest qualified teachers working with our youngest children, but without targeted and funded support it is unachievable.
This will continue to be the case until teachers who choose to work in the early years are given the same respect, the same recognition and – yes – the same pay as every other teacher in this country.
Liam McNicholas 