Victorian kinder teachers will have to report suspicions of child abuse

AUSTRALIA
The Age

February 3, 2014

Richard Willinghamm and Judith Ireland

Thousands of Victorian early childhood teachers will have to report suspicions of child abuse and neglect under new state laws that respond to the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry.

The Napthine government will use the first week of the parliamentary year to introduce laws requiring Victorian early childhood teachers to be registered – like their primary and secondary teaching colleagues – with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

Minister Responsible for the Teaching Profession Peter Hall said the legislation would recognise the 3800 early childhood teachers in Victoria as professional educators in childcare centres and kindergartens.

”Importantly this legislation will mean that early childhood teachers will be required to mandatorily report any concerns of child abuse and neglect,” Mr Hall said.

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