The aim of Quality Area 4 under the National Quality Standard is to ensure the provision of qualified and experienced educators, coordinators and nominated supervisors who are able to develop warm, respectful relationships with children, create safe and predictable environments and encourage children’s active engagement in the learning program.
When using the NQS handout the quality areas have been broken down to easily identify the concept and descriptor that describes each quality area, standard and element.
Standards
There are 2 standards that underpin Quality Area 4: Staffing arrangements.
Standard 4.1 Staffing arrangements: Staffing arrangements enhance children’s learning and development.
Standard 4.2 Professionalism: Management, educators and staff are collaborative, respectful and ethical.
Elements
There are 2 elements that underpin standard 4.1 Staffing arrangements.
Element 4.1.1 Organisation of educators: The organisation of educators across the service supports children’s learning and development.
Element 4.1.2 Continuity of staff: Every effort is made for children to experience continuity of educators at the service.
There are 2 elements that underpin standard 4.2 Professionalism.
Element 4.2.1 Professional collaboration: Management, educators and staff work with mutual respect and collaboratively, and challenge and learn from each other, recognising each other’s strengths and skills.
Element 4.2.2 Professional standards: Professional standards guide practice, interactions and relationships.
Quality Area 4 focuses on the importance of staffing arrangements in fostering children’s learning and development in early childhood settings. Through the organisation of qualified educators and a commitment to professional collaboration, early childhood services can create an environment that nurtures children’s growth and active participation in learning programs.
For more details on Quality Area 4, visit the ACECQA website.
Shannon.
