Functions of ACECQA - CareforKids.com.au®

Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority

Functions of ACECQA

The Australian Children's Education and Quality Care Authority (ACECQA) is the new national body set up to oversee implementation of the National Quality Framework (NQF) come 1 January 2012.

The NQF replaces Quality Assurance Systems formerly managed by the National Childcare Accreditation Council and the NCAC is winding down many of its former functions in preparation for transition to the NQF.

The NCAC was established in 1993 to improve quality standards in Australian child care and through quality assurance systems, validation visits and accreditation decisions. With the establishment of ACECQA, the NCAC is being closed down.

ACECQA is an independent statutory authority which will work with state and territory governments to ensure the NQF is applied consistently. We introduced you to the new board of ACECQA last month and now we have a little more information about what its functions will be.

According to the website ACECQA's other responsibilities are to:

report to and advise the Ministerial Council on the National Quality Framework
promote continuous quality improvement by approved education and care services
keep national information on the assessment, rating and regulation of education and care services
establish, maintain and publish national registers of approved providers, approved education and care services and certified supervisors
publish, monitor and review ratings of approved education and care services
assess approved services to determine the highest level of rating – excellent
educate and inform services and the community about the National Quality Framework
publish guidelines and resources to support services, parents and the community in understanding quality in relation to education and care services
publish practice notes and guidelines for the application of the Law
determine the qualifications and provide support and training for staff of Regulatory Authorities
decide the qualifications required to be held by educators, including the assessment of equivalent qualifications.

Go to ACECQA's website for more information. The information for providers hasn't been uploaded yet but we will update you on developments as they come to hand.