Early childhood education has achieved a significant institutional milestone. Law No. 15,326/2026 was enacted, officially recognizing early childhood education teachers as members of the teaching profession.

The measure ensures that these professionals enjoy the same rights already guaranteed to other basic education teachers, such as the national minimum wage and inclusion in career tracks.

The law introduces amendments to Law No. 11,738/2008, which establishes the minimum wage for teachers, and to the Law on Guidelines and Foundations of National Education (LDB—Law No. 9,394/1996). According to the new text, early childhood education teachers are defined as professionals who work directly in teaching or in educational support roles—such as leadership, administration, planning, inspection, supervision, guidance, and educational coordination—provided they have passed a civil service exam, regardless of the title of the position they hold.

Early childhood education refers to the care and education of children from birth to age six, including daycare centers and preschools, and is a fundamental stage in children’s holistic development.

It is important to note that the law is not self-enforcing. In accordance with the autonomy of state and local governments provided for in the Federal Constitution, states, municipalities, and the Federal District must establish regulations governing the application of the law in accordance with the specific characteristics of their education systems. Only after these regulations are in place will it be possible to classify positions and functions.

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Strengthening Early Childhood Education

The Ministry of Education (MEC) has been stepping up efforts to strengthen the management, quality, and equity of early childhood education throughout the country. In December of last year, the National Commitment to Quality and Equity in Early Childhood Education (Conaquei) was launched, established by Administrative Order No. 501/2025.

The initiative proposes a federative and collaborative governance model, with technical and financial support for states, municipalities, and the Federal District. The goal is to advance the universalization of preschool, expand access to daycare centers, and promote continuous improvement in the quality and equity of early childhood education.

Source: Ministry of Education

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