Early Childhood Teachers play a vital role in shaping children’s learning, development and wellbeing during the most formative years of life. In South Australia, registration recognises the professionalism, knowledge and capability required to support young children to learn, grow and thrive. The Teachers Registration Board of South Australia is committed to ensuring that all Early Childhood Teachers meet clear and rigorous standards, underpinned by strong qualifications and a commitment to ongoing professional practice. These requirements support a confident, capable workforce and provide assurance to families and communities that children are learning in safe, high-quality educational environments.

History and changes to the Regulations

Since 1976, early childhood teachers who have completed 4-year bachelor’s qualifications have been eligible for registration as teachers in South Australia. From 6 June 2024, the Teachers Registration and Standards Regulations, 2021 were amended to broaden the range of qualifications accepted for registration.

These changes respond to the expansion of the early childhood workforce required to support universal 3-year-old preschool from 2026.

The amendments:

• recognise qualifications approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
• enable graduates of 3-year bachelor, Birth – 5 early childhood qualifications to register as teachers
• these arrangements do not extend eligibility to holders of
  • Graduate Diplomas
  • Graduate Certificates

How to apply

Holders of recognised qualifications are able to apply for registration by lodging an Application for Teacher Registration.  Please refer to the Application for Teacher Registration Guidelines for further information, or visit the Registering to Teach page on our website. The Board will assess applicants and determine whether those applying have the appropriate qualifications and experience for registration.

For more information, please read the Early Childhood Teacher Registration fact sheet.

How can I find out more or get help?

If you require further information about the information on this page, or in the fact sheet, you can contact a staff member from the TRB Registration team using the email: Earlychildhoodqueries@trb.sa.edu.au or by phoning 8253 9700.

You can also view our Frequently Asked Questions.

Early Childhood Teacher Framework – Overview