About us
The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA - pronounced a-see-kwa) is the independent national authority that assists governments in administering the National Quality Framework (NQF) for children's education and care.
ACECQA works with the Australian and state and territory governments to:
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implement changes that benefit children birth to 13 years of age and their families
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monitor and promote the consistent application of the Education and Care Services National Law across all states and territories
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support the children's education and care sector to improve quality outcomes for children.
ACECQA is an independent national authority based in Sydney. It is guided by a governing Board whose members are nominated by each state and territory and the Commonwealth. The Board is accountable to Education Ministers.
ACECQA organisational structure
How we can help you
 ACECQA |
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hosts the National Quality Agenda IT System |
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answers questions relating to the children’s education and care sector |
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publishes the Guide to the NQF and other resources |
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publishes quarterly NQF Snapshots and other research and reports |
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undertakes the assessment and approval of individual and organisation qualifications |
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maintains the national registers of approved providers and services |
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awards the Excellent rating |
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undertakes second tier reviews of quality ratings |
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trains, tests and provides resources to state and territory regulatory authority authorised officers (ACECQA eLearning portal) |
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provides resources and advice to parents and carers through a family focussed website (Starting Blocks) |
 ACECQA |
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does not assess and rate services |
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does not regulate or oversee the state and territory regulatory authorities |
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does not deal with complaints from families and the general public about the operations of services. |
It is the regulatory authorities that have day-to-day contact with education and care services for most issues, such as:
- granting all approvals, including provider and service approvals
- assessing and rating services against the National Quality Standard
- ensuring compliance with the NQF, including issuing compliance notices
- working with ACECQA to promote continuous quality improvement and educating the sector and community about the NQF.
Acknowledgement of country
ACECQA acknowledges the traditional custodians of all lands across Australia. We recognise and celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians, including their role in the education and care of children.
