To open a childcare business in Australia you will need to have the correct licenses and approvals. This will include Provider Approval and Service Approval. It is important that you understand what regulatory and funding requirements apply to the childcare industry.
Approved Providers Should Be Aware Of
- Local government planning controls
- Working with children checks and child protection laws
- Health department rules
- Food safety requirements
- Childcare subsidies
Understanding these requirements will help you work out the costs that are involved in opening a childcare centre.
To apply for these approvals you can go to this link here.
Key positions in Early Childhood Education And Care Services
What Is Entailed In The Provider Approval Process?
An applicant seeking to become an approved provider must satisfy the Regulatory Authority that they are a fit and proper person to be involved in the provision of an early childhood education service. Assessment of fitness and propriety considers factors such as an applicant’s criminal history, financial situation, medical conditions and management capability. Applicants must also demonstrate the necessary level of understanding of their legislative obligations.
Example: A NSW list of supporting documents you require for your provider approval application.
Any person or organisation who intends to operate an early childhood education service must apply for provider approval. This is one of the two licenses that you will require to open a childcare centre. The regulatory authority must make a decision within 60 calendar days of receiving a complete application. Once provider approval is obtained, approved providers must then apply for service approval for each service they intend to operate. A service approval will not be granted until your provider approval is granted.
Who Is Responsible For The Approval, Monitoring And Quality Assessment For Early Childhood Education And Care Services?
A regulatory authority in each state and territory in Australia monitors and assesses the quality of each service. Each state and territory has its own requirements on what is required from you for centre based service approval.
To find out which department is responsible in your state or territory
Service Approval:
To be eligible for service approval you must:
- have a sound understanding of the National Quality Framework, the approval process and associated costs
- be an approved provider or have already applied for provider approval
- be the person who will operate the service and who is responsible for the management of the staff members and nominated supervisor of the service.
A service approval will not be granted until your provider approval is granted. The associated document outlines further information on requirements, including what information you must include with your application.
Before your childcare centre begins to operate, a service must have at least one nominated supervisor. There is no maximum number of nominated supervisors a service can have at one time. Now that you are aware of the licenses and approvals required to open a childcare centre, you are ready to brainstorm your branding and differentiation strategy. Get in contact with a member of our Cheeky Marketing team and they will be able to help you get started.
