Regulation of child care and kindergarten

Most services for children are regulated to make sure children are protected from harm and have the best chances for learning and development.

There are 2 ways early childhood services are regulated in Victoria.

Services regulated under the National Quality Framework

Most early childhood services are regulated under the National Quality Framework. This includes:

  • long day care services
  • family day care services
  • kindergartens
  • outside school hours care services.

Services regulated under state law

A number of early childhood services are regulated under state law called the Victorian Children’s Services Act 1996. These services are usually occasional care services, mobile services, budget-based services not funded for Child Care Benefit or school holiday care programs.

If you have concerns about your child care or kindergarten

You should make a complaint to the department’s regional office in your area if you are concerned that:

  • the health, safety and wellbeing of children may have been compromised
  • the relevant legislation has been contravened at an early childhood service.

More information

To find out more about the regulation of child care, refer to Changes to the National Quality Framework.

Updated