Educator-to-child ratio calculator for centres

ACECQA has developed an educator-to-child ratio calculator to support centre-based services to ensure they are operating with the correct number of educators at all times.

According to ACECQA, ‘A fundamental feature of the National Quality Framework (NQF) is improved educator-to-child ratios and qualification requirements.

Sufficient numbers of appropriately qualified educators enable the delivery of quality education and care programs, which respond to and promote children’s learning and development.

The required educator-to-child ratios for education and care services are set out in the National Regulations, including requirements for early childhood teachers (ECTs).’

ACECQA worked with the state and territory regulatory authorities to develop an online calculator to help simplify educator-to-child calculations across centre-based services.

What does the calculator do?

The new online tool calculates the minimum number of educators a centre-based service must have based on a given number of children at any point in time and the age mix. It also calculates requirements for ECTs. 

Please remember:

• To be counted in the required educator-to-child ratio, educators must be working directly with children, this means being physically present with the children and directly involved in providing education and care to those children; and where required, hold or be actively working towards an approved qualification.
• In addition to meeting the required educator-to-child ratios, adequate supervision of children must be maintained at all times.
• This calculator is a guide only, results are based on the accuracy of the information entered and do not take into consideration some specific circumstances, such as a service having a staffing waiver in force.
• If you are unsure what the educator-to-child ratio should be at your centre-based service, you should seek guidance from your state or territory regulatory authority.

Further information on ratios and qualifications under the NQF

• See Part 4.4 ‘Staffing Arrangements’ in the National Regulations
• Refer to Operational Requirements > Staffing Arrangements in the Guide to the NQF
• Go to the educator-to-child ratios and the Qualification requirements ACECQA webpages, including information to assist family day care services. 

It’s also worth noting that COVID-19 has created uncertainty around the number of children attending child care and/or returning to care after lockdown.

To learn about extra allowance absence days, gap fee waiving and enrolments in light of the pandemic, refer to the government’s COVID-19 information for the early childhood education and care sector.