Home - Australian Childcare Alliance

Who We Are

The Australian Childcare Alliance is the national peak body
that represents, advocates, informs and promotes quality early
learning services throughout Australia.

ACA Role in Advocacy

We represent over 70% of all privately owned early learning services,
and offer a strong voice to advocate for the sector.

We offer a high-quality EAP

We're proud to be in partnership with TELUS Health to offer the early learning sector a high-quality Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at a fraction of the usual cost.

We're here to help with the Worker Retention Payment

We offer this free service with the support of the Department of Education, and in collaboration with our expert legal team at the Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors (ABLA).

Become A Member

Join our membership, be part of a supportive network and access to a range of services and expert advice by contacting your ACA state body.

Child Care Super

Our exclusive superannuation partner

State Bodies

Our Partners

Latest News

FWC releases Final Determination on Children's Service Award under the gender-based undervaluation – priority awards review

FWC releases Final Determination on Children's Service Award under the gender-based undervaluation – priority awards review

11 December 2025 Latest News

On Wednesday 10th December the Fair Work Commission (FWC) released the final determination on the Children's Services Award 2010 ("the CSA"), as part of the gender-based undervaluation – priority awards review. This is the final step in the review process of the CSA, following the draft determination which was issued in April 2025.

ACA Welcomes Child Safety Reforms, Calls For Practical Implementation Support

ACA Welcomes Child Safety Reforms, Calls For Practical Implementation Support

1 December 2025 Latest News

The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) welcomes today’s confirmation from Federal Education Minister Jason Clare that mandatory safety training for the early childhood education and care workforce will commence from February next year, including up to five early closures annually to facilitate delivery.

Recalled play sand due to asbestos risks: CCS period of emergency declared

Recalled play sand due to asbestos risks: CCS period of emergency declared

20 November 2025 Latest News

The Department of Education has declared a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) period of emergency nationally following the recall of play sand due to asbestos risks.

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Australian Childcare Alliance

Australian Childcare Alliance

Australian Childcare Alliance

23 hours ago

Our deepest sympathies are with all those impacted by the recent tragedy in Bondi, NSW and we stand in solidarity with the community at this difficult time. A gentle reminder - it’s OK to reach out for professional support. The ACA/TELUS Health EAP is here for the ECEC sector, ready to support staff at any time. For current subscribers, please remind your team members that help is available. For service providers looking to find out more, click here https://www.aca-telushealth-eap.org... #CommunitySupport #MentalHealth

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If your service is participating in the Worker Retention Payment (WRP) program, it’s important to be aware of the updated backdating rules for funding reviews as we approach the end of the year. The Department of Education has confirmed that if a funding review application is submitted on or before 31 December 2025, it may be backdated to the date your service first became eligible for WRP. If submitted from 1 January 2026 onward, it will only be backdated to the start of the previous reporting period. Providers who believe they may be underfunded may wish to consider these timeframes before contacting the Department.

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With significant changes coming on 1 December 2025 to the WRP, it’s more important than ever to understand how the 5% uplift will impact your service. To support the sector, we've updated our WRP Wage Calculator with the new 5% uplift rates so you can check your eligible employees’ minimum hourly WRP entitlements instantly. 👉 Access our updated WRP Wage Calculator here: https://www.aca-worker-retention-pa... 📩 Need more assistance? Contact our Free WRP Support Service today: P: 1300 856 379 E: wrp@childcarealliance.org.au

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EARLY LEARNING SERVICE PROVIDERS: Please note that changes are coming to WRP rates soon – make sure you're ready for them! From 1 December 2025, the Worker Retention Payment minimum rates will increase by 5%. The minimum hourly rate for eligible employees will now be 15%, still calculated off the employee's base award rate. This is the 2nd stage of the Worker Retention Payment pay rise. To view the rates applicable from 1 December 2025, click here – https://www.education.gov.au/early-... Need more advice? Contact ACA’s free WRP Support service to get help now. P:1300 856 379 E: wrp@childcarealliance.org.au

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Belonging Early Years Journal

In pertnership with Guild Insurance

What Our Members Say

Just wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU! You guys have been amazing throughout all of this.

The support you offer plays a big part in where our sector is today. We appreciate all that you do.

ACA, you and the ACA state bodies have done a fantastic job for us as a sector – thank you very much!

I am very appreciative of all that ACA does for our sector. Thank you!

For us you are our lifeline to the government and outside world, so thank you for all the hard work you do, to advocate for private early learning services.

We appreciate all your hard work and endless support... thank you!!!