Many students think that once they receive an ECU Secondary Teaching offer and pay their tuition fees, everything is settled. However, before officially starting the program, especially one that includes practical placements, you must complete the following three tasks in advance. All are indispensable.

1. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)
This is a criminal record clearance issued by the Department of Education Western Australia. It is used to confirm you meet the basic legal requirements for working in a school environment. Please note that checks from other bodies like the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are not acceptable for this purpose.
Application link: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/ncchc

2. Working with Children Check (WWCC)
This is a mandatory clearance for anyone working or interacting with minors in Australia. Secondary teaching is a regulated profession requiring this check. Important: The WWCC is a state-based document. For placements in Western Australia, you must hold a WA WWCC. Checks from other states are not valid. For the practicum/placement phase, applying for a WWCC Volunteer category is sufficient.
Application link: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/working-children-check

3. Mandatory Reporter Training (MRT)
This is an online training module covering:

The legal obligations of teachers when they discover or suspect a child is being harmed.

How to identify risk indicators.

How to make a report according to the legal process.
Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion which needs to be uploaded to the relevant system.
Application link: https://moodle.communities.wa.gov.au/file.php/1/PublicCourses/Mandatory_Reporter_Training/story.html

All three items above are mandatory.

Additionally, pay close attention to the validity periods of all documents. ECU students can check specific details and requirements on the Checks page within the SONIA system.

Also, if you have completed similar documents in another state, do not assume they are transferable or current. You must wait for confirmation from the ECU Clearances Team via email regarding their usability or any need for renewal.

It is recommended that students complete these tasks early so that after classes begin next month, you can focus entirely on your coursework and teaching practice.