15 AugReflecting a modern Australian labour market
Last week the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) announced the proposed changes to occupation titles defined by the Australian New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This is so that occupation titles that were once used, and are now considered outdated, will be updated to appropriate and modern titles that accurately reflect the sector they belong to.
Shaping our Future – the National Children’s Education and Care Workforce Strategy, led by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), states that terms such as “childcare” and “childminding” reinforce derogatory perceptions of the role of the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector and the professional aspect of Teacher and Educator roles. So it’s great to see the ABS announcing proposed changes to occupation titles defined by ANZSCO to modern titles that accurately reflect the crucial roles that our early childhood educators and teachers provide.
ELAA welcomes the following terminology changes:
- Childcare Worker becomes Early Childhood Educator
- Child Care Centre Manager becomes Children’s Education and Care Service Director.
Additionally, we welcome that references to Carers and Child Care will be removed and that lead statements will align with the National Quality Framework (NQF).
ELAA is pleased to see that our advocacy, along with the advocacy of fellow peak body organisations, sector leaders and service providers, has led to the professional recognition that our workforce deserves. ELAA will continue to engage with our members when deciding on the terminology we use in the upcoming negotiations for the Victorian Early Childhood Teacher and Educator Agreement (VECTEA) 2024 and will attempt to remain consistent with contemporary language used in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector.
CLICK HERE to read the agreed preliminary changes to the ANZSCO titles, including changes to Out of School Hours Care, middle management roles and Family Day Care.
