School of Education

Before Professional Experience

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.

Vaccination Requirements

Pre-Service Teachers undertaking Professional Experience in early learning centres must provide proof of vaccination for the following:

• Whooping cough (Pertussis);
• Annual flu vaccine; and
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR).

Or a certificate of exemption for medical reasons from a GP or specialist doctor.

Not having the necessary vaccinations could affect your ability to participate in Professional Experience in early learning centres.

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 which relate to professional experience arrangements. See more about Limited Registration.

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.

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

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.