In early childhood education and care (ECEC), regulated by the Preschool Education Act, direct educational work with children is carried out by early childhood educators in cooperation with professional associates (pedagogues, psychologists, speech and language therapists, educational rehabilitators and social pedagogues) and the head nurse. Local and regional self-government units are responsible for assessing citizens’ needs for early childhood education and for organising programmes and establishing kindergartens to meet those needs.

In primary and secondary education, governed by the Primary and Secondary Education Act, educational activities are performed by class teachers, subject teachers, vocational teachers and dormitory educators, as well as by professional associates (pedagogues, psychologists, librarians and educational rehabilitation specialists). In Croatia, teachers are employed by public institutions. Employment conditions, workload and employment rights are further regulated through collective agreements and secondary legislation.

Adult education is regulated by the Adult Education Act and is delivered by adult education professionals of various profiles, including teachers, lecturers, trainers and professional associates, depending on the type and objectives of the programme.

In higher education, regulated by the Act on Higher Education and Scientific Activity, teaching, academic and artistic staff are employed within clearly defined academic ranks, alongside associate and professional positions. The professional development of academic staff is closely linked to their teaching, scientific and artistic work and is further governed by the internal regulations of higher education institutions.

Continuous professional development of pedagogical and teaching staff at all levels of education is recognised as a key element in ensuring the quality of the education system and is embedded in the legislative and strategic frameworks of education policy.