14 JunAre your teachers eligible to undertake the capability assessment?
Employers and committees: are your teachers eligible to undertake the capability assessment?
Understanding your employer responsibilities relating to teacher capability assessment is crucial for early childhood teachers under the VECTEA 2020/EEEA 2020.
The capability assessment evaluates an eligible Early Childhood Teacher’s (ECT) knowledge and competence in six key areas: pedagogical excellence, leadership, and community engagement. Upon successful completion of the assessment, ECTs can increment above the 2.5 ‘accomplished level’ to the ‘exemplary level’ of 3.1 on the VECTEA/EEEA teacher salary scale.
As an employer or committee, it is essential to be aware that ECTs who are successful with the assessment will progress to increment Level 3.1 from the date of eligibility to take the assessment. This includes scenarios where your teacher advises that they need more time to be ready to undertake the evaluation.
ELAA recommends that employers and committees encourage their ECTs to undertake the capability assessment as soon as they are eligible to avoid large backpay payments. For full eligibility criteria, please refer to VECTEA clause 50.3 (eligibility) or EEEA clause 54.13.
Prioritising a timely completion of the capability assessment is crucial to ensure your ECTs receive the recognition they deserve and the support they need for ongoing professional growth.
Early Learning Association Australia is now offering assistance to committees/managers who are working with their qualifying early childhood teachers. An ELAA team member, with expertise in early childhood education, will attend your capability assessment panel as part of ELAA’s Capability Assessment Support Service. Through facilitated conversations with your panel, our expert will assist you in completing a fair and transparent capability assessment. Please refer to ELAA Capability Assessment Support Service – Early Learning Association Australia for information on how ELAA can support you.
Employers and committees are encouraged to review the Victorian Department of Education (DE) Capability Assessment Guide for more information about the capability assessment process. This Guide was created by Hydon Consulting in partnership with the Department of Education (Vic), ELAA, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and the Australian Education Union (AEU). A copy of the free DE Guide can be downloaded at Early childhood education – information for professionals | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au).
