Legislative Requirements
Prospective services should start with key documents (available via ACECQA) which outline the operational requirements and quality standards for approved early childhood education and care services:
- Education and Care Services National Law (ACT) Act 2011
- Education and Care Services National Regulations
- National Quality Standard.
Premises
In the ACT, buildings for early childhood education and care services must meet certain regulations and be leased for the purpose of operating as an education and care service.
Services are required to comply with the physical environment requirements of the Education and Care National Law 
before they can be approved.
Funding
The Australian Government subsidises the cost of child care to families by providing the Child Care Subsidy.
Services need to apply to the Australian Government Department of Education to become an approved service for the purposes of the Child Care Subsidy.
Applications and Approvals
Application forms can be downloaded at ACECQA - Applications and Notifications .
An application for provider approval must be submitted to Children’s Education and Care Assurance (CECA) if the applicant resides in the ACT, or in the case of an entity, the principal office is located in the ACT.
An application for service approval should be submitted to CECA only if the proposed service will be in the ACT. It is recommended that prospective services discussed plans with CECA in the early planning stages to ensure facilities and service operations are likely to comply with legislative requirements.
Contact CECA via CECA@act.gov.au.
Phone: (02) 6207 1114