Disability Standards for Education expanded to include most ECEC services

From 1 August 2026, most early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across Australia will be formally covered by the Disability Standards for Education 2005, marking an important step in strengthening inclusive education from the earliest years.

The amendments, announced by the Australian Government following a national review and public consultation, clarify how the Disability Standards for Education apply within ECEC settings and reinforce the rights of children with disability to participate in education and care on the same basis as their peers.

Importantly, the changes do not introduce new legal obligations. Instead, they provide greater clarity for providers about how existing responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) apply within early childhood education and care.

The updated Standards apply to ECEC services that:

• receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS); or
• are legally required to deliver an education program based on an approved learning framework, including the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) or My Time, Our Place (MTOP).

This includes:

• Long day care services
• Family day care services
• In Home Care
• Outside school hours care (OSHC)
• Vacation care services

Preschools and kindergartens were already covered by the Standards.

Together, the amendments create a more consistent national framework that spans education from early childhood through to schools, vocational education and universities.

The Disability Standards for Education are designed to ensure children with disability can access and participate in education on the same basis as other children.

They reinforce children's rights to:

• access education and care without discrimination;
• receive reasonable adjustments where required;
• participate meaningfully in learning experiences; and
• be supported in environments that promote inclusion and equitable participation.

While these rights have long existed under the Disability Discrimination Act, the amendments provide greater clarity about how they apply within early childhood education and care settings.

For most approved providers, the amendments reinforce practices that are already embedded through the National Quality Framework and approved learning frameworks.

Services should continue to ensure they are:

• consulting with families when considering reasonable adjustments;
• identifying and removing barriers to participation;
• providing equitable access to programs and experiences;
• supporting inclusive environments where every child can participate and thrive.

The changes align closely with the National Quality Standard, particularly the expectations around educational programs, relationships with children and collaborative partnerships with families.

To support implementation, the Department of Education has commissioned ACECQA to update its Disability Discrimination Act guidance and resources for the sector.

The revised materials, expected to be released during August, will assist approved providers, nominated supervisors and educators to better understand:

• the Disability Standards for Education;
• the rights of children with disability;
• reasonable adjustments;
• practical approaches to strengthening inclusive practice.

The inclusion of most ECEC services within the Disability Standards for Education reflects the growing recognition that early childhood education is a critical part of Australia's education system.

By providing greater clarity around existing responsibilities and reinforcing nationally consistent expectations, the amendments support a stronger, more inclusive approach that helps ensure every child, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to participate, learn and thrive alongside their peers.

Access additional information here.