Understanding the National Regulatory Framework

Knowing the National Law and Regulations is key to quality childcare. I covered the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations. I looked at how documentation, policy and practice of staff were meeting the requirements of the law. I learned emergency guidelines, staff-to-child ratios, and supervision mandates. I also had a look at medication administration and allergies (ACECQA, 2023).

Impact on Childcare

Through my understanding , the National Quality Standard (NQS) improves quality in early childhood settings because it mandates the requirements for high quality educational environments. Services are guided by the NQS to focus on the fundamental aspects including protection and well-being, health and safety and educational program, building relationships and partnerships. NQS environments, through caring educators who respond to their individual needs and engaging with children’s natural learning in addition to opportunities for listening and growing in a safe environment (ACECQA, 2023). The National Quality Framework promotes connections between early childhood educators and families through its standards. The NQS encourages both open communication and cultural recognition combined with shared decision making in order to establish a welcoming environment where parents are assured about their child's wellness (ACECQA, 2023).

The National Quality Standard (NQS)

The National Quality Standard (NQS) is what informs my practice, and it does so through its seven quality areas, set out to ensure that quality education and care will be provided. I am meeting children’s health, safety, relationships learning, and physical enviornemnt standards stray from the NQS through doing so as I refer to this standard to guide my professional conversations and my subsequent practice for review and improvement (ACECQA, 2020).

That way, it creates a level playing field for every child, regardless of background, to get the best start in life.

Staying Up-to-Date

Moreover, it can be difficult to stay current with changes to the National Regulatory Framework as they happen subtly and over a long period of time and without obvious notification unless education and care are actively watching out for these new changes. The National Standards and Legislation influences how we plan and assess and how we interact with children and families through new laws and definitions of quality areas and changed requirements (ACECQA, 2023).

The way I do it is by making it a habit to stay connected. I regulary check ACECQA site and subscribe to newsletters of early childhood organisations and keep in touch with senior educators at placement. At my team meetings and professional development I am in a conversation about what is new and what is updated so I can be a part of the professional development practice .

Activity 

I led the felt board story “Ten Currant Buns in the Baker’s Shop” during morning yarning circle! Every child received a felt dollar and could come up to "purchase" a bun from the board. We counted together how many buns were left after each occurrence, discussing basic number concepts of subtracting and adding. It was at this moment that supported children's one-to-one correspondence and counting.

In the afternoon I built on the activity with a more dramatic and sensory based play with the introduction of a pretend baker’s shop. Children took part in practical play using playdough to roll, flatten and decorate currant buns, putting a cherry on the top as in the story. This expansion stimulated fine motor skills, imaginative play, and enhanced morning work exploration.

If you have questions about navigating the National Regulatory Framework or require further clarification, our team is here to assist you. Reach out today!