National Early Childhood Worker register
From 27 February 2026, the National Early Childhood Worker Register (Worker Register) became operational across Australia.
The Worker Register provides state and territory Regulatory Authorities with a secure, national view of who is working in education and care services and where. This improves regulatory oversight and supports child safety across the sector.
What this means for approved providers:
Approved providers must record and maintain workforce information in the Worker Register.
Information about their current workforce must be entered by 27 March 2026 using the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQAITS). After that, National Regulations require approved providers to update the Worker Register:
- within 14 days of a worker being employed, engaged or appointed
- within 14 days of becoming aware of any change to information.
Approved providers must record details for all people working in their services. This includes:
- educators
- teachers
- volunteers
- students
- nominated supervisors
- coordinators
- family day care educator assistant
- non-educator staff (such as bus drivers, cooks and cleaners).
Family day care (FDC)
- FDC staff who work solely at a FDC principal office and do not usually visit FDC residences or approved venues are not required to be included on the register.
- FDC staff who are based at the principal office but usually visit FDC residences or approved venues (including nominated supervisors, FDC coordinators, educator assistants and students) are required to be included on the register.
Approved providers are responsible for entering and keeping information accurate and up to date, as they do now for staff records.
Where can I find more information?
ACECQA has developed a suite of guides, FAQs and support materials to help approved providers understand what information is required and how to use the Worker Register in the NQAITS.
You can access these recourses via the ACECQA website or by clicking on the links below.
ACECQA webpage – National Early Childhood Worker Register (Includes FAQ’s and information sheet)
ACECQA Operational Policy Guide – National Early Childhood Worker Register
ACECQA brochure – National Early Childhood Worker Register
Helpdesk support is also available via email WorkerRegister@acecqa.gov.au and phone (1300 422 327) to assist with entering and maintaining information.