Early Childhood Education in Australia

Q: What is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)?

The EYLF — 'Belonging, Being & Becoming' — is the national framework guiding early childhood education in Australia for children from birth to 5 years. It sets outcomes around identity, community, wellbeing, learning and communication, and applies to all approved childcare and preschool services.

Overview

What is Early Childhood Education in Australia?

Early childhood education (ECE) in Australia encompasses all educational programs and care services for children from birth to age 5, before they begin primary school. It is widely recognised as one of the most critical periods of human development — with research consistently showing that quality early learning lays the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and wellbeing.

Australia's approach to early childhood education is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) — "Belonging, Being & Becoming" — and regulated under the National Quality Framework (NQF), which ensures consistent standards across all approved services nationwide.

Age Range

Birth to 5 years old, with structured preschool programs for ages 3–5.

Framework

National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) — "Belonging, Being & Becoming".

Quality Standard

National Quality Framework (NQF) with 7 quality areas assessed and rated.

Funded Hours

15 hours/week of funded preschool for the year before school in all states.

Service Types

Types of Early Childhood Services in Australia

Australia offers several types of approved early childhood education and care services, each designed to meet the needs of families at different stages:

Long Day Care (Childcare)

Open typically 7am–6pm, 50+ weeks per year. Caters for children aged 0–5. Offers structured educational programs alongside care. Costs are subsidised through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for eligible families.

Preschool / Kindergarten

A structured educational program for children aged 3–5, typically run by community or government organisations. Usually offered for 15 hours/week in the year before school (or two years in some states). Often called "kindy" in WA and QLD, "preschool" in NSW and SA, and "kindergarten" in VIC and TAS.

Family Day Care

Qualified educators care for a small group of children in the educator's home. Offers a more flexible, home-like environment. Regulated under the NQF.

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)

Before and after school care, plus vacation care programs. Relevant for Foundation Year children transitioning from full early childhood programs.

State Guide

Early Childhood Education by State & Territory

While the national framework is consistent, the terminology, starting ages, and funding arrangements vary by state and territory:

State/Territory	Program Name	Starting Age	Funded Hours	Compulsory?
NSW	Preschool	4 years	15 hrs/wk	No (school from 6)
VIC	Kindergarten	4 years (3 from 2023)	15–20 hrs/wk	No (school from 5)
QLD	Kindergarten	3–4 years	15 hrs/wk	No
WA	Kindy	4 years	15 hrs/wk	No
SA	Preschool	4 years	15 hrs/wk	No
TAS	Kindergarten	4 years	15 hrs/wk	No
ACT	Preschool	4 years	15 hrs/wk	No
NT	Preschool/Transition	4 years	15 hrs/wk	No

Choosing a Service

What to Look for in an Early Childhood Service

Choosing the right early learning environment for your child is one of the most important decisions parents make. Here's what to consider:

NQF Rating — Look for services rated "Meeting" or "Exceeding" the National Quality Standard. An "Excellent" rating is the highest achievable.
Educator qualifications — All preschools must have a degree-qualified early childhood teacher leading the program.
Child-to-educator ratios — NSW/VIC require 1:11 for preschool; long day care requires 1:4 for under-2s and 1:11 for 3–5s.
Learning environment — Rich, stimulating indoor and outdoor spaces that support play-based discovery.
Cultural inclusion — Programs that respect and celebrate your child's cultural background.
Communication with families — Regular updates, family days, and open communication policies.
Transition to school support — Programs that actively support the transition to Foundation/Prep Year.

The Early Years Matter Most

90% of a child's brain development occurs before age 5. Quality early childhood education has been proven to improve school readiness, social skills, and long-term educational outcomes. Investing in quality early learning is one of the highest-return investments families can make in their child's future.

Parent Tips

Tips for Parents Navigating Early Childhood Education

Top Tips for Families

Apply early — Quality preschools and long day care centres often have 12–24 month waitlists.
Check your CCS eligibility — The Child Care Subsidy can significantly reduce your fees. Apply through myGov.
Visit before enrolling — Spend time in the space; observe how educators interact with children.
Read NQF reports — Check your service's quality rating on the My Child website (mychildcarefinder.gov.au).
Support learning at home — Read daily, engage in imaginative play, and talk with your child about their day.
Plan the transition to school — Enrol in a school orientation program and visit the primary school with your child beforehand.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Early Childhood Education start in Australia?

Early childhood education in Australia typically begins at age 3 with preschool or kindergarten programs. Most states offer one or two years of funded early childhood education before Foundation Year (Prep/Kindergarten), which starts at age 4–5 depending on the state.

Is preschool compulsory in Australia?

Preschool itself is not compulsory in most Australian states, but all states and territories offer funded preschool or kindergarten programs for the year before formal school. Compulsory schooling begins at ages 5–6 depending on the state.

What is play-based learning?

Play-based learning is the foundation of early childhood education in Australia. Children learn literacy, numeracy, social skills and problem solving through structured and unstructured play. It is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which emphasises that play is children's primary way of making sense of the world.

What is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)?

The EYLF — "Belonging, Being & Becoming" — is the national framework guiding early childhood education in Australia for children from birth to 5 years. It sets outcomes around identity, community, wellbeing, learning and communication, and applies to all approved childcare and preschool services.

How many hours of funded kindergarten does my child get?

Most Australian states provide 15 hours per week of funded preschool/kindergarten for the year before school. Some states such as Queensland offer 15 hours for eligible 3-year-olds as well. Universal Access to Early Childhood Education (UAECE) is the national commitment supporting this.

What's the difference between childcare and preschool in Australia?

Long day care (childcare) provides care for children 0–5 years and often includes educational programs. Preschool or kindergarten is a structured educational program specifically for 3–5 year olds, typically run by the government or community. Both must meet national quality standards under the National Quality Framework (NQF).

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