Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services (childcare, family day care, preschool)
There are different types of early childhood education and care services, including childcare or long day care, family day care, preschool, prep / pre-kindergarten and outside of school hours care (OSHC) including before and after school care and vacation care.
You can search for approved services in your local area and their National Quality Framework (NQF) ratings on the Starting Blocks website.
There are many benefits to a child participating in early childhood education including learning, making new friends and developing confidence and independence. At least 15 hours per week of early childhood education in the year before starting school has been shown to improve health and wellbeing later in life. The Australian Government provide families with a Child Care Subsidy of up to 18 hours per week to help with the cost of early childhood education. You can use the Child Care Subsidy Calculator to estimate what your early childhood education costs will be.
All ECEC services must meet the requirements of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and develop their educational programs based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The learning outcomes under this framework include the following and emphasise the importance of play-based learning, communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy), and social and emotional development.
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
All ECEC services are provided with a rating based on how they are meeting the requirements of the National Quality Standard (NQS), including the following.
Quality Area 1 – Educational program and practice
Quality Area 2 – Children's health and safety
Quality Area 3 – Physical environment
Quality Area 4 – Staffing arrangements
Quality Area 5 – Relationships with children
Quality Area 6 – Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Quality Area 7 – Governance and leadership