On 7 December 2009, the Australian Government, in partnership with state and territory governments, agreed to a number of improvements to the early childhood education and care sector through the introduction of a National Quality Framework. The new framework covers long day care, family day care, outside school hours care, preschools and kindergarten services across Australia.

The framework includes:
• The National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and Care and School Age Care
• Improved staff-to-child ratios
• New qualifications requirements for early childhood educators
• A new quality rating system
• A new national body to guide the implementation and management of the overall framework.

The framework will be progressively implemented from 1 July 2010, with staff to child ratio and qualification changes being implemented from 1 January 2012. The progressive implementation timetable will be:
 
• From 1 July 2010 - long day care services, family day care services & outside school hours care services
• From 1 January 2012 - kindergarten services
 
During a transition period (1 July 2010 to 1 January 2012), assessments and ratings will be undertaken jointly by the National Childcare and Accreditation Council (NCAC) and state and territory regulatory agencies. Existing child care regulations will continue to apply during this time.

National Quality Standard Quality Areas and Guiding Principles
 
Quality Areas:
1. Educational program and practice
2. Children’s health and safety
3. Physical environment
4. Staffing arrangements, including staff to child ratios and qualifications
5. Relationships with children
6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
7. Leadership and service management

Guiding Principles:
• The rights of the child are paramount
• Children are successful, competent and capable learners
• Equity, inclusion and diversity
• Valuing Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• The role of parents and families is respected and supported
• High expectations for children, educators and service providers
 
The quality areas and guiding principles of the National Quality Standard reflect many C&K policies and the shared understandings of the Building waterfalls curriculum.

For further information visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website: www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood or the National Childcare Accreditation Council website: www.ncac.gov.au

Or contact Cathy McClennan, C&K policy resource & QA coordinator by email: c.mcclennan@candk.asn.au