What's the difference between an Early Childhood Teacher and an Educator in Victorian ECE?
Moving from New Zealand to Victoria and hearing the terms “teacher” and “educator”? They’re not the same thing, and knowing the difference is crucial for your role, pay, and registration.
Understanding Roles in Victorian Early Childhood Education
If you are a New Zealand teacher thinking about making the move to Victoria, one of the first things you will notice is that the early childhood sector uses different job titles. In New Zealand, we generally use “ECE teacher” to describe anyone who holds a teaching qualification and works in an early childhood setting. In Victoria, the sector uses two distinct terms, “early childhood teacher” and “educator”.
At first, this can be confusing. Both roles are highly valued, both work directly with children, and both are vital to centre life. But there are important differences in qualification requirements, registration, responsibilities, and pay. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.
What is an Early Childhood Teacher in Victoria?
An Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) in Victoria is a qualified professional who has completed a university degree that is recognised by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
Here’s what you need to know:
Qualifications: To be recognised as an ECT, you must hold at least a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) or equivalent. New Zealand degrees are generally accepted, but you will need to go through the VIT registration process.
Registration: Every ECT in Victoria must be registered with the VIT before they can legally work in a teaching role. This is similar to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, but the paperwork and requirements are slightly different.
Responsibilities: ECTs are responsible for curriculum planning, assessment, leading learning programmes, and ensuring compliance with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).
Pay: ECTs are covered by agreements such as VECTEA (Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Educators Agreement), which set clear pay scales. Your New Zealand experience can count towards your placement on the scale if you can provide evidence like statements of service.
What is an Educator in Victoria?
The term educator in Victoria is broader than how we usually use it in New Zealand. In Victoria, “educator” refers to anyone working directly with children who is not employed in a teaching role.
Here’s what you need to know:
Qualifications: Educators usually hold a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. These are vocational qualifications, not university degrees. Some Kiwis who have a Level 4 or 5 ECE qualification may find their qualification aligns more closely with educator roles in Victoria.
Registration: Educators do not register with the VIT. Instead, their qualification is assessed for recognition by ACECQA (the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority).
Responsibilities: Educators support children’s daily routines, learning activities, and wellbeing. They work under the guidance of teachers and room leaders but play a hands-on role in delivering programmes.
Pay: Educators are generally paid less than teachers. Wages are based on qualification level and years of service, but the scale is different to the teacher pay scale.
Why the Distinction Matters
A common question Kiwi teachers ask is, “If I am qualified in New Zealand, will I be recognised as a teacher or an educator in Victoria?”
The answer depends on your qualification and how it is assessed. If you have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) from New Zealand, you should be eligible for recognition as an ECT in Victoria. If your qualification is below degree level, you may be classified as an educator.
This matters because:
Your title affects your registration requirements.
It determines which pay scale you are on.
It shapes the responsibilities you hold within a centre.
Steps to Take Before You Move
If you want to work in Victoria, here are the key steps to help you prepare:
Check your qualification: Confirm whether your NZ qualification is listed on ACECQA’s approved qualifications list.
Apply for VIT registration: If you hold a degree, start your registration process early. This can take weeks to months and requires police checks and certified documents.
Gather evidence of service: Collect official letters from your NZ employers outlining your employment dates and roles. These are critical for pay scale placement.
Understand the pay agreements: Familiarise yourself with the VECTEA pay scale for teachers and the Children’s Services Award for educators. This helps you know what to expect before you sign a contract.
Budget for costs: VIT registration fees, document certification, police checks, and moving costs all add up. Planning ahead saves stress.
Challenges You Might Face
We want to be honest about the bumps in the road too:
Paperwork delays: VIT and ACECQA assessments can be slow, especially if documents need to be verified across countries.
Terminology differences: Adjusting to the Australian terms and frameworks takes time.
Pay scale disputes: Sometimes employers place Kiwi teachers lower than they should. Having your evidence ready makes a big difference.
Cost of living: Rent in Melbourne can be higher than in many NZ cities, while regional towns are more affordable. Factor this into your decision.
Common Questions Kiwi Teachers Ask
Can I start work before my VIT registration is approved?
No, you cannot work as a teacher until you are fully registered. Some centres may offer you an educator role in the meantime.
Will my New Zealand teaching experience count towards my pay scale?
Yes, but only if you can provide formal evidence of your service. Without it, you may start lower than expected.
Do educators have a career pathway to become teachers?
Yes, many educators go on to complete a degree and become teachers, but it requires further study.
Is regional Victoria a good option?
Regional towns often offer incentives for teachers, cheaper housing, and tight-knit communities. The trade-off can be longer travel times to Melbourne and fewer big-city amenities.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between teachers and educators in Victoria is essential before you make the move. As a Kiwi, it can feel like a whole new language at first, but once you get clear on qualifications, registration, and pay scales, it becomes much easier to navigate.
If you’re planning to teach in Victoria or simply want to understand what’s involved, we’d love to help you figure it out.
