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Starting Blocks

Starting Blocks is a government website providing parents with trusted information about early childhood education and care to help them make the best choice for their child and family.

Learning begins from the minute a child is born. Whether he/she is being taken care of at home, in childcare or another type of preschool service, it is important that they have opportunities to learn and develop every day.

Starting Blocks is a go-to website for pregnant couples, new parents, and parents of toddlers who want information from a credible source on the best ways to raise a child.

Starting Blocks is a starting point to:

  • learn about children's developmental milestones
  • understand what to expect from an early childhood education and care service
  • find services and learn about their quality ratings
  • get tips on starting child care or preschool
  • find out what can be done at home to encourage a child’s learning and development

Starting Blocks is an initiative of the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). ACECQA is an independent national authority that assists governments in implementing the National Quality Framework (NQF) for early childhood education and care.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: October 2019

Information from this partner

Found 16 results

Challenging behaviour - biting | StartingBlocks.gov.au

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StartingBlocks.gov.au

90% of a child’s brain develops by the time they’re 5 years old

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How to sleep baby safely | StartingBlocks.gov.au

A guide on how to sleep your baby in a safe way that reduces the risk of SIDS

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Child's development 1 to 2 years | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Learn about the developmental milestones to observe for your 1 to 2 year old child.

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Tips on raising a multilingual child | StartingBlocks.gov.au

There are many benefits to speaking to your child in a language other than English at home. Learn some tips on raising a bilingual or multilingual child.

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Talking and reading with your baby | StartingBlocks.gov.au

This factsheet contains useful tips for parents on reading with your baby.

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StartingBlocks.gov.au

If you have a topic in mind, use the search below to quickly find all our related information and articles

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Child's development birth to 4 months | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Information to encourage your baby’s learning and development from birth.

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Child Care Subsidy Calculator | StartingBlocks.gov.au

This quick and easy child care subsidy calculator tool helps you find out what your family might pay for early childhood education and care.

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Guide to toilet training with StartingBlocks.gov.au | StartingBlocks.gov.au

An information sheet for parents that answers some of the basic questions about toilet training and tips on how educators can support you.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

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