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).

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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.

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Child Care Super

Our exclusive superannuation partner

Our Partners

Latest News

Three Day Subsidy a Gamechanger for Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Families

6 January 2026 Latest News

The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) is celebrating the implementation of the Federal Government’s 3 Day Guarantee, with all children now having access to three days of subsidised early learning (childcare) per week.

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

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.

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Australian Childcare Alliance

23 hours ago

The 3 Day Guarantee - which came into effect this month - is a policy reform that the ACA and other sector advocates have championed for many years, demonstrating their dedication to ensuring ALL families, including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children, can access affordable, high-quality early learning. ACA President Paul Mondo has stated "It’s a policy that benefits the children & families who need it the most." You can read our full media statement here. 👉 https://childcarealliance.org.au/la... #PositiveECECReforms #3DayGuarantee #BestStartInLife

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As we look back on 2025, it’s clear that this year was an impactful one for our sector. Alongside our political advocacy on your behalf, we also focused on supporting the sector in practical ways by establishing the WRP Support Service, continuing the ACA/TELUS Health EAP service, and launching a new Workplace Advice Line to support our members in managing workplace and employment law issues. As we move into 2026, we do so with momentum, optimism and a continued commitment to advocating for meaningful, practical change across early childhood education and care. We wish all providers, educators and families a safe and happy New Year! ACA Western Australia ACA NSW ACA Victoria Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland Australian Childcare Alliance Tasmania Australian Childcare Alliance South Australia

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.

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

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

ACA President Paul Mondo is at Parliament House this morning to talk to Education Minister Jason Clare & Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh, along with other key political stakeholders to advocate for the best outcomes for families, our members & the broader ECEC sector. #PoliticalEngagement #EarlyChildhoodEducation #BestStartInLife

ACA President Paul Mondo recently spoke to ABC News about the new Federal Government Child Safety reforms for the early learning sector including a national early childhood educator register of all staff. He emphasised that the reforms are an important step forward in rebuilding trust and ensuring children are protected in every service, every day. #ChildSafety #NewReforms

It was great to see everyone at Day 1 of the Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland Conference! ACA President Paul Mondo presented at the Approved Providers Workshop: Navigating the Worker Retention Grant. We're also in the Exhibition Hall at Booth 74 to offer support & answer any questions about applying for the Worker Retention Payment. Drop in & say hi tomorrow if you haven't already! #ACAQLDConference #WRPSupport #HereToHelp

ACA President Paul Mondo is at Parliament House, Canberra today and tomorrow, advocating on behalf of our valued ACA members. He's working hard to advocate for the best policy outcomes for our sector. #ACAAdvocacy #LeadershipInAction #BestStartInLife

This morning ACA QLD arranged for Queensland Shadow Education Dr Christian Rowen, MP to visit Canopy Early Education in Milton to meet the team & see how they are preparing for tomorrow's Early Childhood Educators' Day celebrations. Well done team. 😊 #EarlyChildhoodEducatorsDay #MakeItSpecial

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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!!!