The Queensland State Government has introduced new laws before Parliament that will aim to lift standards in Queensland’s early childhood education and care sector as part of a broader national quality improvement agenda.

 

State Education Minister Cameron Dick said the Education and Care Services National Law (Queensland) Bill 2011 included improved assessment and rating systems for the sector.

 

“The legislation will apply to more than 2600 long day care, family day care, outside school hours care, kindergarten and pre-Prep services in Queensland,” Mr Dick said.

 

Mr Dick aid that the rating systems will aim to improve transparency by providing accessibility of information about the quality of services at particular centres.

 

The new laws will also replace Queensland’s existing licensing system for the 2600 services.

 

Mr Dick said compliance processes would be similar to those under the current Queensland Child Care Act 2002 and would enable the State Government to amend, suspend and cancel provider and service approvals, and supervisor certificates, as well as issue compliance notices.

 

It is anticipated that the new laws will take effect from 1 January 2012.


Details of the new National Quality Framework can be viewed here