RESOURCES
To support both FDC educators and service providers, the below resources have been organised by the 7 Quality Areas of the National Quality Standard (NQS).
The NQS sets a high benchmark for Early Childhood Education and Care as well as Outside School Hours Care Services in Australia. Services are assessed and rated by their regulatory authority against the NQS by these 7 Quality Areas.
Have fun exploring!
Quality Area 1 – Educational program and practice
Educational program and practice of educators are child-centred, stimulating and maximise opportunities for enhancing and extending each child’s learning and development.
Quality Area 2 – Children's health and safety
Children have the right to experience quality education and care in an environment that safeguards and promotes their health, safety and wellbeing.
Quality Area 3 – Physical environment
Physical environment is safe, suitable and provides a rich and diverse range of experiences that promote children’s learning and development.
Quality Area 4 – Staffing arrangements
Qualified and experienced educators, who develop warm, respectful relationships with children, create predictable environments and encourage children’s active engagement in the learning program.
Quality Area 5 – Relationships with children
Relationships with children are responsive, respectful and promote children’s sense of security and belonging.
Quality Area 6 – Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Collaborative relationships with families are fundamental to achieving quality outcomes for children, and community partnerships based on active communication, consultation and collaboration are essential.
Quality Area 7 – Governance and leadership
Effective leadership and governance of the service contributes to quality environments for children’s learning and development. Effective leaders establish shared values for the service and set clear direction for the service’s continuous improvement.
General Resources
Resources that cover other important areas of Family Day Care services, and those that may cover multiple Quality Areas.