Research shows that positive experiences in a child’s early years have a significant impact on their future health, development, learning and wellbeing.

Important changes are being made to early childhood education and care to give our children the best possible start in life.

This is being done through the introduction of a National Quality Framework.

The Australian Government and all state and territory governments are now working together to introduce the new system from January 2012.

The new system includes a new National Quality Standard to ensure high quality and consistent early childhood education and care across Australia.

These changes will help early childhood education and care providers improve their services and help families make informed choices about which service is best for their child.

The new National Quality framework includes a:

• National Quality Standard (with seven quality areas)
• ratings system to complement the National Quality Standard
• streamlined regulatory system
• new national body to ensure high-quality early childhood education and care.