Hiring casual educators in 2026 is more challenging with skill shortages, poor retention, and increased compliance regulations. Not to mention, stricter child safety requirements. So how do you streamline these tasks and fill your teaching gaps?

Our top 7 tips for hiring casual childcare educators in 2026 can offer guidance.

1.   Verify NQF Qualifications

Verifying candidates' qualifications is a top tip for hiring casual educators. Under the National Quality Framework (NFQ), childcare professionals must hold a relevant teaching certificate or diploma. You can verify candidate qualifications on the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) website.

2.   Keep Accurate WWCC

Working With Children Checks (WWCC) are vital for safe childcare environments. And with increased emphasis on childcare safety in 2026, accurate and up-to-date checks are more essential. Ensure candidates provide relevant Working With Children Checks to ensure trustworthy casual educators. You must also verify their records with your State licensing authority.

3.   Follow Children's Services Award

Another important tip is complying with early childhood labour rules. The Children's Services Award is one of them. It offers labour guidelines for childcare employees, including fair pay and working conditions. When hiring educators, you must comply with these standards to ensure ethical working environments and prevent lawsuits.

4.   Understand Casual Employment Rules

To ensure compliance with ethical labour practices, you must keep up with and understand casual employment rules. As of 2026, eligible casual employees can change to permanent employment. They must offer employers a written notice with their request. You must speak to them about it and consider their request. You may refuse their notice under specific conditions, such as a change significantly impacting business operations.

5.   Use Workforce Planning Tools

Various Australian States, like New South Wales (NSW), have strict rules for child-to-educator ratios. Using workforce planning tools is an excellent solution to complying with these requirements. Digital employee management platforms help you accurately plan and schedule casual educator shifts to ensure adequate staff-to-child ratios.

6.   Leverage Wage Improvements

One way to hire more casual educators is with wage improvement initiatives. As of 2026, Educators are eligible for a 15% wage improvement as part of a Government drive to improve retention. Childcare businesses that apply for these subsidies must offer educators this increase. This pay raise can be a great way to attract more casual staff and stay ahead of the competition.

Work With Z Staffing

The most essential tip for hiring casual educators in 2026 is to work with leading childcare recruitment agencies like Z Staffing.

Z Staffing is a trusted partner in childcare educator recruitment. Our staffing app streamlines casual educator screening and helps you find reliable professionals for your centre. Set your candidate specifications, such as location, experience level, qualifications and certifications, and we'll provide you with suitable educator profiles.

Learn more about our early childhood recruitment app and register with us today to start hiring top talent.