ECEC services set to be included under amended Disability Standards for Education

Fiona Alston

Jan 08, 2026

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Amendments to extend the Disability Standards for Education 2005 to include early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are currently before the Australian Parliament, in a move expected to strengthen protections for children with disability in the years before school.

If passed, the changes will apply to services that:

Receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Are legally required to deliver an education program based on an approved learning framework under the National Quality Framework

The amended Standards aim to clarify existing obligations for ECEC services under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and are expected to take effect from 1 August 2026.

The proposed changes will explicitly outline:

The rights of children and students with disability
The responsibilities of ECEC services in supporting the inclusion and participation of children with disability in education and care settings

The update reflects national efforts to ensure that all children, regardless of ability, can access and engage in early learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and responsive to individual needs.

In practice, the amendments are expected to support greater alignment across education sectors, providing clarity and consistency for services working to meet the needs of children with disability.

ECEC providers will benefit from a clearer understanding of how the Standards apply to early learning programs and environments, including expectations around reasonable adjustments, consultation with families, and removal of barriers to participation.

To read more about the proposed changes and the consultation process, visit the Department of Education’s website.

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