ACECQA releases new inclusion eLearning module for the ECEC sector

A new national eLearning module from ACECQA provides educators and leaders with practical, evidence-informed guidance to strengthen inclusive practice across early childhood settings.

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has released its Introduction to Inclusive Practice eLearning module, reinforcing a national focus on equity, participation and high-quality outcomes for all children within the National Quality Framework (NQF).

The resource offers an accessible, structured pathway for educators, leaders and approved providers to build capability and embed inclusive practices in everyday service delivery.

The release comes as services respond to increasingly diverse communities and more complex needs, alongside heightened expectations around child safety, cultural responsiveness and trauma-informed practice.

ACECQA’s module supports services to align inclusive practice with the requirements of the NQF, positioning inclusion as a core element of quality rather than an additional consideration.

The module is designed to support educators to:

• develop a shared understanding of inclusion within the NQF context
• apply practical strategies to support meaningful participation for all children
• reflect on attitudes, biases and potential barriers to equitable access
• strengthen confidence in embedding inclusive practices across routines, curriculum and relationships
• connect inclusive practice to the National Quality Standard (NQS), particularly Quality Areas 1, 3, 5 and 6

he module is free, self-paced and suitable for educators at all career stages, from those new to the sector through to experienced leaders.

Inclusive practice is a regulatory and quality expectation embedded across the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, the NQS and approved learning frameworks.

Strengthening compliance and quality outcomes
 

Inclusive approaches directly support obligations under Regulation 155 (interactions with children) and Regulation 168 (policies and procedures), as well as alignment with Quality Areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 of the NQS.

Building educator capability
 

The module provides a shared language and foundation for teams, supporting consistent, informed decision-making and reducing variability in practice.

Supporting diverse needs
 

Inclusive practice ensures children experiencing disability, developmental delay, cultural and linguistic diversity, trauma or complex family circumstances can participate fully in early learning.

Strengthening partnerships with families
 

Inclusion underpins respectful relationships with families, supporting culturally responsive practice and collaborative planning.

Services can integrate the module into existing systems and processes to maximise impact:

• include the module in educator induction programs
• use content as reflective prompts in team meetings
• align learning with professional development and performance plans
• reference participation in Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)
• support educational leaders to use the module in coaching and mentoring

The release of the Introduction to Inclusive Practice module reflects ongoing national efforts to ensure all children experience belonging, participation and success in early learning environments.

For the ECEC sector, the module provides a timely and practical tool to strengthen inclusive cultures, build workforce capability and align practice with the expectations of the NQF.

Reference
 

Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority New Introduction to Inclusive Practice eLearning module.