What “Actively Working Towards” Really Means
When families place their children in early learning, they trust that the educators supporting them every day are knowledgeable, capable, and professionally trained. To ensure this, the National Regulations set clear requirements around the level of qualification educators must hold to be included in educator to child ratios.
These qualifications are part of Australia’s national quality framework, which protects children’s safety, wellbeing, and development. They also ensure that early childhood services are staffed by professionals who are confident in their role and committed to continuous learning.
What Qualifications Are Recognised
The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) maintains and publishes the list of approved early childhood education and care qualifications.
You can view the current list here,
This includes approved:
Educators must hold one of these approved qualifications to meet the regulation requirements, unless they fall under the category of “actively working towards”.
What Does Actively Working Towards Mean
Many people begin working in early learning while they are still studying. The National Regulations recognise this and allow educators who are actively working towards an approved qualification to be counted towards the educator to child ratio.
This applies to certificate III, diploma, and Early Childhood Teaching students who are employed in centre-based services.
To be considered actively working towards, an educator must meet the definition outlined in regulation 10 of the National Regulations. ACECQA provides an overview of this here,
In simple terms, it means the educator must be genuinely progressing with their studies. This usually includes being enrolled in an ACECQA approved qualification and continuing to complete units or subjects within an appropriate timeframe.
The Regulations That Support This
The actively working towards provisions appear in regulations 126(1) and 127 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations. You can find the regulations on ACECQA’s website here: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-law-regulations
These regulations allow services to employ educators who are still studying, provided they can show they are progressing through their qualification and meeting the expectations set out in the legislation.
This flexibility supports workforce growth, helps new educators enter the industry, and allows services to maintain strong staffing levels while supporting staff development.
Why This Matters
Allowing educators who are actively working towards a qualification to be counted in ratios benefits everyone.
It supports:
The goal is always to uphold high quality education and care while also encouraging new educators to grow their skills and confidence.
Studying at Suzan Johnston
At Suzan Johnston, our Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care meet the ACECQA qualification requirements. Students receive support, guidance, and practical learning that prepares them for employment in early learning services. Our flexible study options allow students to progress steadily through their qualification so they can be considered actively working towards under the National Regulations.
If you would like help understanding your obligations as an employer or your eligibility as a student or educator, our team is always happy to assist.
