Early Childhood 'Accreditation and Physical Activity'

Early Childhood | Accreditation and Physical Activity

Research shows that a child’s experience in their first five years sets the course for the rest of their life. To ensure that Australian children get the best possible start, Early Childhood Centre accreditation ensures

that children are engaging in physical activity and healthy eating. The below points refer to specific areas

of current and future accreditation that are directly linked to children engaging in physical activity:

Quality Improvement and Accreditation System (current accreditation system)

Source: National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc.

The Quality Improvement and Accreditation System outlines seven quality areas and 33 principles

that support long day care centres to provide quality outcomes and positive experiences for children.

Quality Area 4: Children's Experience and Learning

Principle 4.1 Staff encourage each child to make choices and participate in play
Principle 4.6 Staff promote each child's physical abilities

National Quality Standard (effective 1st January 2012)

Source: Council of Australian Governments, 2009, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

There are seven quality areas in the National Quality Standard that capture aspects critical to

the provision of quality early childhood education and care and outside school hours care services.

Quality Area 2: Children's Health and Safety

2.2 Healthy eating and physical activity are embedded in the program for children

2.2.1 Healthy eating is promoted and food and drinks provided by the service are nutritious and appropriate to the age of the child
2.2.2 Physical activity is promoted through planned and spontaneous experiences

and is appropriate to the age of the child

Quality Area 3: Physical Environment

3.2 The environment is inclusive, and promotes competence, independent exploration and learning through play
- 3.2.1 Outdoor and indoor spaces are designed and organised to engage every child in quality experiences in both built and natural environments

Go For Your Life - Developing a Healthy Eating and Active Play Policy for Early Childhood Settings - this resource will help early childhood educators to create centre policy on Quality Area 2 and 3

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

Source: Council of Australian Governments, 2009, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Utilising the principles and practices of the Early Years Learning Framework, early childhood services should develop their own strategies that suit their unique context to ensure children are engaging in active play.

Learning Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity