Perth hosts Australia's biggest early childhood conference

• More than a thousand delegates to attend Perth conference on early childhood education and care

Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney will today address and welcome more than one thousand national and international delegates to Perth for Australia's biggest early childhood conference.

The biennial Early Childhood Australia Conference starts today at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and this year's theme is Consulting the Compass - Defining Directions.

"Research shows the early years of a child's life have a critical impact on outcomes for their adult life, so the role of early childhood education and care is critical," Mrs McSweeney said.

"The Liberal-National Government recognises the importance of the early years in every Western Australian child's life.  We are committed to our youngest members of the community and have initiated many different ways to support the care, education and development of our children."

The conference will run until Saturday October 6 with keynote addresses and workshops.

Earlier this year all States and Territories began the implementation of the new National Quality Framework (NQF) which is a national standard for education and care services.

In 2009, the Office for Early Childhood Development and Learning (OECDL) was established within the Department of Education, which is a central point in Government for early childhood matters.

The OECDL has a collaborative approach to early childhood with the Department for Communities, and the departments of Health; and Education working together to improve outcomes for young West Australians.

     Fact File

• More info on 2012 Early Childhood Australia Conference, Consulting the Compass - Defining Directions at http://www.ecaconference.com.au
• The new NQF aims to improve developmental outcomes for young children

Minister's office - 6552 6500