The Role of the Approved Provider
The Approved Provider (AP)
An Approved Provider is the only one who has the authority to operate all preschool or long daycare services. Therefore, this can be an individual, a body corporate, an eligible association, a partnership or an entity such as a local council or church organisation.
Above all, AP’s should know their obligations under the following legislation:
• The National Quality Framework (NQF)
• The Education and Care Services National Law and;
• The Education and Care Services National Regulations.
On the other hand, the laws under which a body or individual are given Provider Approval are the;
• Children (Education and Care Services) National Law
• Education and care services National Regulations
Requirements
The Approved Provider must hold a Provider Approval granted under the Children (Education and Care Services) National Law. Consequently, this authorizes the Approved Provider to operate and they must ensure that the organization or company meets its responsibilities under the Law and regulations.
You must be a “fit and proper person to be involved in the provision of an education and care service.” If you are part of a company or board, you must update your data regularly regarding new members. Moreover, these people might be put into question to provide a range of documentation for assessment to ensure they are also suitable to hold their position. Reassessment of the "fitness" of a Provider can happen at any time.
Duties
Approved Providers are responsible for ensuring their childcare centre complies with the law and regulations. In other words, the many elements of service operation must be checked, documented and remain compliant.
Approvals
In addition, you must have two separate approvals to operate an education and care service in Australia.
Provider Approval – nationally recognized and enables providers to apply for Service Approvals in any state or territory
Service Approval – authorizes an Approved Provider to operate a specific education and care service.
Fees apply to each of these, and an annual fee applies for ongoing Service Approval. Prices are scaled according to the size of your childcare business.
Further, Service Approval is granted if the childcare centre is operated in a way that ensures:
• The safety, health and well-being of the children; and
• The meeting of educational and developmental needs of the children in care.
To sum it up, Service or Provider Approval can suspend or cancel under the Law for a range of offences.
Tips for Approved Providers
Know your role and responsibilities under the national law and regulations
Create and know a set of clear policies and procedures and keep them up to date
Engage an experienced and knowledgeable Nominated Supervisor
Participate infrequent and clear communication between yourself and the Nominated Supervisor, and others who have decision making roles
Also, you should carefully select the right staff for your service then follow up with quality professional development
Next, be involved in centre operations – you are “liable” so you need to understand what is happening
Establish smooth communication and compliance systems
Promote professional development for yourself and others who have management roles in your centre.
Finally, once your service is up and running, you will need to develop a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). The next article will explain what a QIP is and why you need it.
