Regulation of childcare for the purposes of early childhood learning and development is a relatively new phenomenon. Where debates were once about whether children are better off in childcare or at home with a parent, today’s conventional wisdom, based on sometimes misguided interpretations of research, is that childcare is good for all children provided it...

The NQF Snapshot Q3 2014 is ACECQA’s seventh national report on children’s education and care services. The data presented in this Snapshot was taken from the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA ITS) on 1 October 2014 for the quarter ending 30 September 2014. To demonstrate changes over time, including the number of approved children’s...

Introduction: The Childcare and Early Childhood Learning inquiry terms of reference require the Commission to assess the contribution that access to affordable, quality childcare can make to child development and increased participation in the workforce. The Commission has been requested to consider new policy options within the current government funding parameters. In addressing its task...

Local governments across Australia make a vital contribution in strengthening the economy and securing the well-being of children and families. Ensuring existing and future communities have access to adequate child care is an ongoing challenge. To address this challenge, the Commonwealth Department of Education engaged the UTS Centre for Local Government and Australian Centre of...

The NQF Snapshot Q2 2014 is ACECQA’s sixth national report on children’s education and care services. The data presented in this Snapshot was taken from the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA ITS) on 1 July 2014 for the quarter ending 30 June 2014. To demonstrate changes over time, including the number of approved children’s...