• About Us

About Us

CELA has been the voice for Australia’s community and small providers of early eduction since 1978. As a peak body, we advocate for quality education and care for all Australian children. We provide expert support and guidance for over 1,800 members employing more than 27,000 educators and teachers nationally.

Our vision and mission

CELA's vision is for all of Australia’s children to have access to quality early education, regardless of economic circumstance or where they live. 

Our members include community-managed not-for-profit, government, and privately owned small providers, delivering preschool, long day care, outside school hours care, and family day care services.

Our Mission is to:

  • Deliver effective and expert support for our members, enabling them to deliver quality early education and care for all Australia’s children.
  • Influence policy makers and government by amplifying the voices of community based and small providers.
  • Promote the value and importance of community based early education.

CELA is a not-for-profit association funded by member contributions and income generated through the delivery of training programs and consulting services. We have been supporting members since 1978.

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What we do

Advocacy

As the peak body for Australia’s early and middle childhood education sector, CELA influences policy-makers and advocates for children and families, services and educators, amplifying the voices of our members. Our advocacy is grounded in our mission to promote early learning’s value across Australia, to ensure all children and families have access to quality, affordable early education and care services. 

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Membership

Being a CELA member means that you’ll never have to face a challenge alone. Our highly experienced sector specialists are only a phone call or email away.

Members gain access to a wealth of knowledge and inspiration through our 1800 support line, publications and resources, and receive discounts on training, events and consultancy.

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Leadership

Through our members, we actively unite community based and small provider ECEC services under one banner of support for our shared community values focussing on purpose-before-profit. Via our weekly Amplify! publication and regular Broadside news updates we shine a spotlight on current sector issues.

Learning and Development

Our training equips educators with the knowledge that changes practice and underpins quality early education. We provide training through our Registered Training Organisation, including inservice customised sessions. We are the largest provider of NESA Accredited Courses.

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Resources

CELA's publications and resources are vital references for educators of all levels. We provide sample forms, philosophies, job descriptions, policies and guides which are written and regularly updated by our team of experienced sector professionals.

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Consultancy

The early education and care sector is a complex yet fulfilling space, especially with the myriad of regulations designed to safeguard and support the children in your care. Navigating these rules and understanding best practices can be daunting.

CELA can help you to navigate every step with confidence.

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Become a CELA Member

When you’re with CELA, you’re always supported

Join over 27,000 early education professionals and committee members, who through their service's membership, receive expert advice, resources and training to improve practice and service delivery. 

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