Frequently asked questions
Answers to commonly raised queries relating to validation of early childhood or kindergarten teachers.
1. Who is eligible for validation?
2. Are pre-school field officers eligible to apply for validation?
3. Who are the validators?
4. Is it compulsory to participate in the validation process?
5. Are employers required to provide teachers with paid time to prepare their application?
6. How much does it cost to participate in the validation process?
7. What does VETASSESS send my employer once validation is completed?
8. If I’m successfully re-classified what is the outcome?
9. How long does the re-classification last?
10. Where can I find out more information?
1. Who is eligible for validation?
A graduate teacher who has completed a minimum of three years experience and who has successfully completed the Professional Development and Enhancement Program (PDEP) requirements is eligible to seek reclassification, through the validation process, to the Accomplished level.
An Accomplished teacher who has completed a minimum of seven years experience (as defined) and who has successfully completed the PDEP requirements is eligible to seek re-classification, through the validation process, to the Exemplary level. Further, in order to be eligible for validation, a teacher seeking reclassification from Accomplished to Exemplary will need to hold the relevant qualifications.
2. Are pre-school field officers eligible to apply for validation?
No. The standards, and therefore the validation process do not apply to those early
childhood teachers who are classified as pre-school field officers.
3. Who are the validators?
Validators are qualified in early childhood teaching and have a high level of understanding, experience and recognised expertise in early childhood education. They will have undergone rigorous selection and training. Validators are required to abide by strict confidentiality guidelines and privacy legislation.
4. Is it compulsory to participate in the validation process?
No. There is no obligation to apply for re-classification and there are no disciplinary consequences for not applying. The process is not intended to be punitive but rather aspirational. There is however no other way of progressing to the next classification. You retain eligibility to apply for reclassification provided you have met the criteria outlined (i.e. at least 12 months at the top of the current classification and completed the required PDEP).
5. Are employers required to provide teachers with paid time to prepare their application?
No. You are required to undertake the necessary preparation work to support the application in your own time. Any variation to this requirement must be by agreement between you and your employer.
6. How much does it cost to participate in the validation process?
Teachers and employers do not need to pay to access the validation process. The Department of Education & Early Childhood Development (DEECD) has engaged VETASSESS to develop and deliver the system to support the validation process.
7. What does VETASSESS send my employer once validation is completed?
Your employer will be provided with a copy of the validation report. An employer recommendation sheet will be provided for the employer(s) to complete.
8. If I’m successfully re-classified what is the outcome?
You will be re-classified to the next classification and paid at the appropriate pay rates for the new level.
9. How long does the re-classification last?
Once you have successfully completed the validation process and are reclassified (either to Accomplished or Exemplary), you will continue to be classified as such unless, in the case of an Accomplished teacher, at a later date they successfully seek reclassification to Exemplary.
10. Where can I find out more information?
We also have a listing of detailed frequently asked questions (PDF – 240 Kb) that you can download.
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