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Family day care services operating under the National Quality Framework are regulated through the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations.
Together, the National Law and Regulations establish requirements relating to provider and service approvals, educators and other personnel, children’s health and safety, educational programs, physical environments, record keeping and service operations.
Some requirements and commencement dates may differ between jurisdictions. Approved providers, services and educators should refer to the legislation applying in their jurisdiction and contact their state or territory regulatory authority for further information.
Working with children and vulnerable-person screening requirements differ across Australia. Refer to the relevant state or territory government website for current application and renewal requirements.
Working with Children Checks and Working with Vulnerable People registrations are separate from any nationally coordinated criminal history checks. Approved providers should confirm which checks are required for each role under the National Law and Regulations and any applicable jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Significant reforms to strengthen child safety and protections under the National Quality Framework commenced on various dates across 2025 and 2026. These include changes relating to child-safety training, digital devices and images of children, Working with Children Checks, inappropriate conduct, regulatory powers and family day care premises.
Approved providers, services, coordinators and educators should review the changes and confirm the commencement dates and requirements applying in their jurisdiction.
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