Regulatory priority 5
Good quality educational programming and practice is vital to improving children's wellbeing, learning and developmental outcomes. However, for many services, educational program and practice (Quality Area 1) and governance and leadership (Quality Area 7) are the most challenging areas in which to receive a Meeting or Exceeding National Quality Standard rating.
Approved providers must ensure that educational programming is well planned and informed by critical reflection.
They must ensure legislative requirements are met and a quality program is delivered to all children that is based on both:
an approved learning framework
the developmental needs, interests and experiences of each child (section 168 of the National Law).
Educational leaders are critical to ensuring a service has a quality educational program and practice. They must have appropriate knowledge, skills and experience, the support of service leadership and a clear understanding of their role.
Educators need to have a deep understanding of approved learning frameworks and must ensure their programming is responsive to each child’s needs.
Reflective questions
The educational leader and educators should regularly reflect on their knowledge and application of the approved learning frameworks and ask themselves:
- Do I have a deep understanding of the approved learning framework relevant to my service type?
- Is the program I am delivering to children consistently engaging, challenging and stimulating every child?
- Am I adaptive in my approach?
- Do I take time to authentically critically reflect on my practice?
References
- Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice
- Element 7.2.2 Educational leadership
- Section 168 Offence relating to required programs
- Regulation 73 Educational program
- Regulation 254 Declared approved learning frameworks
Resources