Approved Provider

Already an Approved Provider or applying to become one?

Being an approved provider comes with significant responsibility, so it’s vital that you understand the National Quality Framework and remain up to date with the law and regulations. Effective governance and leadership underpin the success of individual services and the collective impact on outcomes for children and families.

To operate an early education and care service in NSW you’ll need to apply for provider approval and service approval. CELA has a range of services designed to assist new approved providers and those applying to become one. Our consultancy services aim to increase understanding of operational requirements under the National Quality Framework (NQF). We cover all aspects of the NQF including responsibilities under the National Law and how to apply the National Law and Regulations in relation to education and service governance.

Whether you are a prospective, new or existing Approved Provider, CELA has options to support you.

How we can help

As the peak body for Australia’s early and middle childhood education sector, we can support you during the provider approval process and beyond with:

Our professional learning, resources and publications are driven by the needs of our members, including centre based and mobile services, long day care, preschool, family day care, OOSH and occasional care. Content is based on sound knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and designed to be directly applicable to everyday service delivery and management.

Based on extensive sector knowledge, delivered by highly experienced specialists, our range of products and services are designed to meet the operational needs of providers. Online and customised delivery enables professional learning to be delivered across Australia.

See below for more details:

Training

Approved Provider and Governance Program (NSW only)

ACCESS OUR EXTENSIVE SELF PACED LEARNING PORTAL PLUS TAILORED CONSULTING PACKAGES

CELA's Approved Provider & Governance Program gives new and existing Approved Providers and NSW Education and Care Services a streamlined way to understand their governance and compliance responsibilities and refresh their knowledge.   

Gain access to four workshops with 25 tutorials, a range of acitivities and quizzes, PLUS our comprehensive knowledge library.

We offer three different packages, providing different levels of access and support depending on your needs.

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Approved Provider – new providers (one on one session)

2 PART WEBINAR SERIES

This 2 part webinar series will support individual approved providers in understanding and meeting their operational requirements under the National Quality Framework (NQF).

Designed to work with you ‘one on one’, our expert facilitators will guide you through practice based scenarios and build you knowledge of the National Law and Regulations. No matter what your learning needs are this individualised session will support your knowledge and ability to provide strong governance.

You will leave with a better understanding of how to apply the National Law and Regulations in relation to education and service governance.

Participants will receive a copy of CELA’s ‘Starting from Scratch’ resource as well as other relevant resources, links and support.

*Sessions are only available by appointment.

Do you have questions or want to find out more? Please call us on 1800 157 818 or contact us via the form below and we will be in touch soon:
 

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Approved Provider – experienced providers (one on one session)

3 HOUR WEBINAR SESSION

This webinar will support individual, experienced and current approved providers to create a further understanding of the operational requirements under the National Quality Framework (NQF).

Designed to work with you ‘one on one’, our expert facilitators will guide you through practice based scenarios and build your current knowledge of the National Law and Regulations.

You will leave with a better understanding of how to apply the National Law and Regulations and better support your team.

Participants will receive a copy of CELA’s ‘Starting from Scratch’ resource as well as other relevant resources, links and support.

*Sessions are only available by appointment.

Do you have questions or want to find out more? Please call us on 1800 157 818 or contact us via the form below and we will be in touch soon:
 

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Publications

Essential Guide to Early Learning Service Management in NSW/Australia

2021 digital revised edition - available to members only

The Essential Guide is widely recognised as an invaluable resource for managing an early education and care service in NSW/Australia. Topics include: Responsibilities of the Director; Service Types, Funding Structures and NQF; NQS and the importance of quality; Budgeting, Resources, Tax, Super, Government Payments, Insurance and Marketing; Staffing, Recruitment, Retention, Performance Management, Professional Development; Laws and Compliance; Planning and Policy – philosophy, policies, strategic plans, QIP; Health and Safety; Tackling Challenges – customer complaints and critical incidents; Action, Advocacy and Activism; Leadership; Acronyms, Sample Forms and Essential Documents.
 

 

Resources

CELA’s resources are supported by the extensive knowledge of our team of specialists who are available to answer queries relating to resource content, through group or customised training, consultancy, phone and video conference.

As a CELA member you can access a whole range of Simple Guides, Sample Policies and other member-only resources. Our member benefits also include discounts on training, publications and consultancy. Information on membership packages can be found here.

Resource examples

Policies

Our wide range of sample policies ensure services meet the NQS. They provide the foundations from which services adapt and customise to meet their own situation. Services are provided with a guide to support the collaborative process of policy development and are able to engage a CELA specialist to provide expert opinion.

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Team Resource Kit

The Team Resource Kit consists of a range of fact sheets, to develop and assist educators in leading discussions and practices within a service. The various provocations are designed to inspire educators to reflect as a group in order to improve and diversify current practices. Topics include: Connecting with Families; Engaging with Your QIP; Establishing Positive Relationships; Goal Setting; Marketing Your Education and Care Service; NQF Reflection Tool; Reflection for Staff Meetings; Running a Staff Meeting; Speaking about Practices; and Time Management. 

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Simple Guide to Being an Approved Provider

This resource simplifies what a Nominated Supervisor needs to know about the National Quality Framework, the Education and Care Service National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations. 

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Starting From Scratch Toolkit

This comprehensive compilation of highly informative fact sheets are designed to support the process of starting an education and care service. Each fact sheet identifies key concepts and requirements for consideration and further investigation. Example of the topics included: The Regulatory Environment; NQS; Government Websites; Funding; Building Design and Environmental Requirements; location considerations. 

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Wellbeing Toolkit

This wellbeing toolkit offers directors an introduction to the growing scientific base on psychological wellbeing, namely Positive Psychology. This includes evidence-based strategies on how to best support your wellbeing and that of your staff, as a way to ensure your communities flourish. 

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Marketing Toolkit

This kit is divided into two parts. The first part helps guide you through the information you’ll need to prepare an overarching marketing plan and write the framework. The second part guides through strategies and tactics that put the plan into action. 

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Membership

Our membership packages offer vital support to new providers and beyond, with access to resources, publications, events and expert phone support – all at discounted rates.

We’re your voice for advocacy and a vital channel for training and information, delivering up-to-the minute breaking news, updates and analysis on regulations, policies and general running of successful ECE services, plus professional development, consultancy and management support.

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or call us on 1800 157 818

Support

Our CELA early education specialists provide effective support across all service types. Service owners, managers and educators have consistently identified that their skills and practice have been improved by intensive mentoring and phone support.

For more information, contact us 1800 157 818 or training@cela.org.au

Need specific training on a date and topic that suits you?

Our expert educators will tailor the content to meet the needs of your team. You choose the date, location and topic and we’ll come to you.

Inservice Training

Inservice Training

Our learning and development specialists can create early or middle education inservice training programs on any topic – customised to meet your needs. You choose the date, location and area and we will tailor the content so that it best suits you and your team.

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Individual Mentoring

Individual Mentoring

We offer a unique mentoring program that can be completely tailored to your needs and specifications. Based on sound educational practice and specialist expertise, our mentors provide one-on-one and group sessions to support professional progress.

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Become a CELA Member

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

Our sector specialists are only a phone call or email away. CELA has been supporting early education and care professionals for over 44 years. Membership gives you access to over $2,620 worth of benefits for less than $1 per day. 

Join CELA

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