Useful Resources for New Families at your Early Learning Service

The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) host a family focused website, StartingBlocks.gov.au. This website is a free national government website for families to find quality children's education and care services. They encourage early learning services to share their useful resources with new families at their services and within their local communities.

• Choosing a service includes resources that explain the assessment and rating process, service quality areas, and the 7 quality areas that are important for better health and education outcomes for children.
   
• How to support your child through early childhood education and care includes resources on how families can support children during the settling in period, transition to school and developing children’s positive behaviour.
   
• Educational programs includes resources on the importance of play, and provides information on quality educational programs in early childhood and school age care.
   
• The importance of play in children’s learning and development – this resource explains why learning through play is one of the most important ways children learn and develop.
   
• Health and safety in services includes resources on managing illnesses in ECEC services, sun protection and additional health needs.
   
• The Child Care Subsidy calculator helps families calculate their out of pocket costs for early childhood education and care.