Early Childhood Education

The Department of Communities supports access to quality early childhood education and care.
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The early childhood education and care sector provides centre-based care, out of school hours care and family day care to support families and children in Western Australia (WA).

Services that provide early childhood education and care in WA are regulated under legislation and support improved outcomes for children.

Quality early childhood education and care plays a critical role in supporting outcomes in early years development, school readiness and successes later in life.

The Early Childhood Education portfolio is focussed on improving early childhood education and care outcomes for children and families.

This includes working in partnership with the sector to improve the attraction, retention and sustainability of the workforce.

photo of child care worker and a group of toddlers

Education and Care Regulatory Unit

The Department of Communities supports and promotes continuous quality improvements in education and care services. It enforces compliance and approves and monitors education and care services.
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Legislation

The Early Childhood Education and Care sector is governed under a national framework of legislation and policy operating under the National Quality Framework. The Department of Communities provides policy and legislation support to promote improved outcomes for children.
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Connecting Early Years Networks

The Department of Communities supports Early Years Networks. These Networks work collaboratively to develop and implement services and activities aimed at improving outcomes for young children and their families.
Two young Aboriginal children smiling and having fun.

Early Years Partnership

The Departments of Communities, Health and Education partners with the Minderoo Foundation and four WA communities to improve child well-being and school readiness for children from birth to four years, and learn what it takes to create change for all WA children.
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Working with Children Check

A Working with Children Check is required if someone has an agreement to work in certain paid or unpaid ‘child-related work’ and there are no exemptions that apply.