Proposed changes to early childhood teacher registration

On 17 September 2026, the Queensland Government introduced the Education Legislation (Registration of Early Childhood Teachers) Amendment Bill 2026 to Parliament.

Currently, the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) regulates teachers working in schools, and registration requirements are based on the qualifications needed to teach in school settings.

If passed, the Bill would:

• allow early childhood teachers (ECTs) with an ACECQA-approved ECT qualification to apply for QCT registration
• require qualified ECTs working in centre-based early childhood education and care services to hold QCT registration by 1 July 2028.

The proposed changes apply only to early childhood teachers. Other educators working in early childhood education and care services would not need QCT registration.

The Bill is currently being considered by the Education, Arts and Communities Committee. The committee is due to report to Parliament on 6 November 2026, after which the Queensland Government will have three months to respond to any recommendations.

To learn more about the proposed changes and read answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Department of Education. You can also follow the committee's inquiry online.