Element 1.1.1 Approved learning framework
Curriculum decision-making contributes to each child’s learning and development outcomes in relation to their identity, connection with community, wellbeing, confidence as learners and effectiveness as communicators.
Element 1.1.2 Child-centred
Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program.
Element 1.1.3 Program learning opportunities
All aspects of the program, including routines, are organised in ways that maximise opportunities for each child’s learning.
Element 1.2.1 Intentional teaching
Educators are deliberate, purposeful, and thoughtful in their decisions and actions.
Element 1.2.2 Responsive teaching and scaffolding
Educators respond to children’s ideas and play and extend children’s learning through open-ended questions, interactions and feedback.
Element 1.2.3 Child directed learning
Each child's agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world.
Element 1.3.1 Assessment and planning cycle
Each child’s learning and development is assessed or evaluated as part of an ongoing cycle of observation, analysing learning, documentation, planning, implementation and reflection.
Element 1.3.2 Critical reflection
Critical reflection on children’s learning and development, both as individuals and in groups, drives program planning and implementation.
Element 1.3.3 Information for families
Families are informed about the program and their child's progress.
Element 2.1.1 Wellbeing and comfort
Each child’s wellbeing and comfort is provided for, including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation.
Rest and relaxation policy and risk assessment evident
Element 2.1.2 Health practices and procedures
Effective illness and injury management and hygiene practices are promoted and implemented.
Element 2.1.3 Healthy lifestyle
Healthy eating and physical activity are promoted and appropriate for each child.
Element 2.2.1 Supervision
At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard
Element 2.2.2 Incident and emergency management
Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are developed in consultation with relevant authorities, practised and implemented
Management and Commuication plans for all required children
Element 2.2.3 Child protection
Management, educators and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect.
RRHAN-EC Training complete by all staff
Element 3.1.1 Fit for purpose
Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, fixtures and fittings are suitable for their purpose, including supporting the access of every child.
Element 3.1.2 Upkeep
Premises, furniture and equipment are safe, clean and well maintained.
Element 3.2.1 Inclusive environment
Outdoor and indoor spaces are organised and adapted to support every child's participation and to engage every child in quality experiences in both built and natural environments.
Element 3.2.2 Resources support play-based learning
Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning.
Element 3.2.3 Environmentally responsible
The service cares for the environment and supports children to become environmentally responsible.
Element 4.1.1 Organisation of educators
The organisation of educators across the service supports children's learning and development.
Element 4.1.2 Continuity of staff
Every effort is made for children to experience continuity of educators at the service.
Element 4.2.1 Professional collaboration
Management, educators and staff work with mutual respect and collaboratively, and challenge and learn from each other, recognising each other’s strengths and skills.
Element 4.2.2 Professional standards
Professional standards guide practice, interactions and relationships.
Element 5.1.1 Positive educator to child interactions
Responsive and meaningful interactions build trusting relationships which engage and support each child to feel secure, confident and included.
Element 5.1.2 Dignity and rights of the child
The dignity and rights of every child are maintained.
Element 5.2.2 Self-regulation
Each child is supported to regulate their own behaviour, respond appropriately to the behaviour of others and communicate effectively to resolve conflicts.
Element 6.1.1 Engagement with the service
Families are supported from enrolment to be involved in the service and contribute to service decisions.
Element 6.1.2 Parent views are respected
The expertise, culture, values and beliefs of families are respected and families share in decision-making about their child’s learning and wellbeing.
Element 6.1.3 Families are supported
Current information is available to families about the service and relevant community services and resources to support parenting and family wellbeing.
Element 6.2.1 Transitions
Continuity of learning and transitions for each child are supported by sharing information and clarifying responsibilities.
Element 6.2.2 Access and participation
Effective partnerships support children's access, inclusion and participation in the program.
Element 6.2.3 Community engagement
The service builds relationships and engages with its community.
Element 7.1.1 Service philosophy and purpose
A statement of philosophy guides all aspects of the service’s operations.
Element 7.1.2 Management Systems
Systems are in place to manage risk and enable the effective management and operation of a quality service.
Element 7.1.3 Roles and responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and understood, and support effective decision making and operation of the service.
Element 7.2.1 Continuous improvement
There is an effective self-assessment and quality improvement process in place.
Element 7.2.2 Educational leadership
The educational leader is supported and leads the development and implementation of the educational program and assessment and planning cycle.
Element 7.2.3 Development of professionals
Educators, co-ordinators and staff members’ performance is regularly evaluated and individual plans are in place to support learning and development.
The National Qualification Framework introduced a new quality standard in 2012 to improve education and care across long day care, family day care, preschool/kindergarten, and outside school hours care services.
The NQF includes:
The National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a high national benchmark for early childhood education and care and outside school hours care services in Australia.
The NQS includes 7 quality areas that are important outcomes for children.
Services are assessed and rated by their regulatory authority against the NQS, and given a rating for each of the 7 quality areas and an overall rating based on these results. - ACECQA What is the NQF and National Quality Standard