You will be contacted by the Professional Experience Clearances Team,
clearanceseducation@ecu.edu.au, via your ECU student email with detailed instructions
on what to complete and when. This ensures your documentation, aligns with your placement and remains current.
Legal Requirements
To be eligible for Professional Experience, all prospective Pre-Service Teachers must not have a criminal record. Additionally, students over the age of 18 are required to provide ECU with documentation of two current history checks:
- Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC); and
- Working with Children Check (WWCC).
Please note that the NCCHC is not the same as a State or Federal police clearance. Further information and applications are available from the Department of Education WA website.
ECU retains responsibility for liaison with all schools and early learning centres in the placement of students on Professional Experience.
Mandatory Reporter Training (MRT) Requirement
Completion of the Mandatory Reporting Online Training (MRT) is a requirement for all Pre-service Teachers undertaking a professional experience placement in government, non-government schools, or early learning centres. In WA, this training is a legal requirement under the Children and Community Services Act 2004, supporting child protection and outlining your responsibilities as a future educator.
The training covers:
- How to recognise and report concerns of child sexual abuse
- WA’s child protection system
- Types/effects of abuse and neglect
- Responding to disclosures and sexual behaviours in children
The course has 3 parts, each with 2 modules and short quizzes. Allow up to 2 hours to complete.
Important: Use the same device and internet connection, as progress will not be saved if you switch.
At completion:
- Nominate Edith Cowan University and your ECU student email to receive your certificate
- Forward your certificate and confirmation email to clearanceseducation@ecu.edu.au
- If you’ve completed it previously, simply forward your certificate.
Access the Mandatory Reporting Online Training
This is a critical requirement. You must submit proof of completion before starting your Professional Experience.
GECCKO Training Requirment
Applies to Early Childhood Professional Experience placements only and is not required for Primary or Secondary placements. This training provides essential knowledge about child safety and compliance in early childhood settings.
Important
- Do not register for or complete this training until you are instructed.
- The Clearances Team will contact you with detailed instructions on what to complete and when.
Once completed, you will need to submit your certificate to clearanceseducation@ecu.edu.au.
If you are currently employed in an early childhood setting, speak to your employer about the Professional Development Subsidy.
Vaccination Requirements
Vaccinations are highly recommended, particularly for students undertaking placements in Early Learning Centres.
Recommended vaccinations include:
- whooping cough (pertussis)
- annual influenza
- measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
While vaccinations are not mandatory, some placement settings may have their own expectations. Being vaccinated can help avoid delays or restrictions when arranging placements.
For Early Learning Centre placements, you should have a digital copy or printout of your Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) Immunisation History Statement ready to present at induction or upon request by the centre.
If you have a medical exemption, please discuss this with your Professional Experience Unit Coordinator before your placement begins. They can work with you to identify a suitable centre that accommodates your circumstances.
Your AIR Immunisation History Statement can be accessed through myGov linked to Medicare.
Inherent Requirements
There are some essential skills and abilities you will need to perform to meet the core learning outcomes of your course or unit. They are not something you need to get into the course, but they will be developed and assessed throughout your course. These skills and abilities are integral to your success in your career when you graduate. Read more about the inherent Requirements.
Limited Registration
The Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) is the accrediting body for our initial teacher education (ITE) courses. As part of this accreditation ECU is required to meet a number of accreditation standards, including those relating to professional experience arrangements.
We offer a range of initiatives you may wish to explore, including
- Limited Registration
- Professional Experience Whilst Employed
- HAT@ECU.
Learn more about our Limited Registration Initiatives.
Learning Adjustment Plan
ECU provides a free, confidential service to support participation and success in study for students who live with permanent or temporary disability, medical condition, mental health condition or have primary carer responsibilities of a family member with a disability. Accessibility Advisers will work in partnership with you to create a Learning Access Plan. Your plan is tailored to you, supports your needs and establishes how ECU can provide ongoing assistance so you can access and participate in your studies. Contact Access and Inclusion to make an appointment.
Reasonable Adjustments
Pre-Service Teachers who require reasonable adjustments to meet the inherent requirements should discuss their individual situation with their Professional Experience Unit Coordinator.
Professional Experience Name Badges
All Pre-Service Teachers are required to wear a name badge during their professional experience placement. This is a key part of your professional presentation and helps identify you within the school community.
Ordering Your Badge:
- Pre-Service Teacher Name Badges are available to order via The School Locker.
- Badges must follow the uniform guidelines, displaying your salutation and last name (e.g., Ms Smith, Mr Lee).
- Please allow up to 20 business days for delivery, so plan ahead to ensure your badge arrives before your placement begins.
Your badge must be worn at all times during placement, be clearly visible, and in accordance with any additional site-specific requirements. This supports professional standards and encourages safe, respectful interactions in your placement setting.
Rural, Remote and Regional Placements
Pre-Service Teachers can undertake a Professional Experience placement in a regional, rural and remote community. All applications will be considered by the Professional Experience Unit Coordinators. External students living in regional, rural and remote settings will be placed within reasonable proximity to their home address as listed with ECU. ECU does not manage or facilitate accommodation or funding. Students are liable for meeting the financial obligations associated with transport, accommodation and living expenses.
Funding Sources
Professional Development Subsidy
If you are currently employed in an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) service, the Australian Government's Professional Development Subsidy may assist your employer to cover the cost of releasing you to complete the national child safety training (GECCKO) on paid time. Applications are made by your employer (approved ECEC provider) on your behalf. Funding is limited and not guaranteed, so speak to your employer about whether this applies to you.
Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP)
The Commonwealth Prac Payment is an Australian Government initiative designed to support eligible teaching students during their mandatory practicum placements. This payment helps to alleviate some of the financial pressures students may experience while completing these essential practical requirements. For more information, visit What is the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP)?
Rural Funding
To assist Pre-Service Teachers in undertaking Professional Experience in rural or remote Western Australian schools, The Department of Education and Catholic Education, WA provide Professional Experience Grants. These grants are specifically aimed at supporting aspiring teachers in their placements. However, it is important to note that funding for these grants is limited. We strongly encourage interested students to visit the respective webpages for detailed information and comprehensive criteria regarding these grants.
