Early Childhood Education and Care Services at Schools

Resources

The resources below provide an overview of the compliance and policy requirements for early childhood education providers. Also see: Early childhood education - information for professionals and Best Start Best Life reforms.

Communication packs

• Site announcement - communication pack – this pack includes materials for schools to share with their community following the announcement of a co-located ECEC.
• Construction commencement – communication pack – this pack includes materials for schools to share with their community about the construction of a co-located ECEC.
• Enrolling in new government built ECEC - this fact sheet for schools provides guidance to families interested in joining the waitlist and enrolling their children into new ELV centres and KOSS centres before they open.

Regulation and compliance

• ECEC services are regulated under the National Quality Framework.
• The Department of Education is the Regulatory Authority in Victoria. The Secretary of the department delegates to the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division (QARD).
• QARD is also the regulator of Child Safe Standards in the early childhood sector.
• The department shares responsibility for regulation with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.

Advice for ECE service providers

• The Early Years Management (EYM) Policy Framework outlines the partnership approach between EYM organisations, families, the department and local government.
• Early Learning Association Australia is the Victorian peak body championing excellence in early learning for children and supporting parents and service providers.
• Victorian Kindergarten funding eligibility criteria and accountability in receiving funding is outlined in the department’s kindergarten funding guide.
• The roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Manager and Children’s Services Manager can be viewed on the Types of Careers in the Early Childhood Sector webpage.

Further information

Contact your local Early Childhood Improvement Branch or Senior Education Improvement Leader for more information about developing a partnership with the ECEC service at your school.