Last updated 24/01/22

The early childhood education and care sector (ECEC), along with the rest of the community, is experiencing the impacts of the COVID-19 virus and the significant challenges it poses to the families, early childhood educators and providers of early childhood education and care services.

Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines?

ECA is pleased to present a special webinar all about the COVID vaccines. Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s Associate Professor Margie Danchin and Dr Jessica Kaufman shared their expertise at this special webinar for the early childhood sector held on 28 October 2021 and answered questions about the vaccines. The webinar covered the latest data on safety and effectiveness and provided vaccine recommendations. Strategies to promote the vaccines were also provided to help viewers feel confident to talk about the vaccines with those who may be hesitant to be vaccinated. Watch here.

Information about COVID-19 restrictions and impacts on ECEC services

State or Territory COVID-19 website Relevant pages
ACT COVID-19 website Early childhood education and other education requirements

 
NSW COVID-19 website Advice for parents, teachers and children

COVID-19 guidelines for ECEC services

Recommendations for ECE services

Funding, support and administration

How vaccines work
VIC COVID-19 page Early childhood education and care 

Resources for learning from home
QLD COVID-19 website Information for early childhood education providers

Restrictions

Vaccination videos
NT COVID-19 website School and early childhood education update

Wellbeing support
WA COVD-19 website Early childhood education

State of emergency declarations

Safer WA for children and young people
SA COVID-19 website Schools, Universities and early childhood education

School, preschool, OSHC and vacation care operations

Health advice
TAS COVID-19 page Early childhood education and schools

Learning at home

Face mask requirements

Regulatory Authorities may also provide information about COVID-19 impacts on ECEC services, see contact details below.

The Commonwealth Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) provide regular updates, information and resources on COVID-19. To subscribe to the updates please email ECCCDigitalCommunication@dese.gov.au

State or Territory Email Phone number
ACT ceca@act.gov.au 02 6207 1128
NSW ececd@det.nsw.edu.au 1800 619 113
VIC licensed.childrens.services@education.vic.gov.au 1300 307 415
QLD ecec@qed.qld.gov.au 13 7486
NT Qualityecnt.det@nt.gov.au 08 8999 3561
WA ecru@communities.wa.gov.au 08 6551 8333
SA ESB.EarlyChildhoodServices@sa.gov.au 1800 882 413
TAS ecu.comment@education.tas.gov.au 1800 816 057

Official government contacts and websites for services and providers:

  • 24/7 National Coronavirus Health information line: 1800 020 080
  • Child Care Subsidy Help Desk 1 300 667 276 or ccshhelpdesk@dese.gov.au
  • Child Care Finder website: www.childcarefinder.gov.au/
  • Support for businesses (does not include NFP): Business.gov.au
  • Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws:  Fairwork.gov.au

Other Useful webpages