Training for Early Childhood Staff on the Disability Standards

Free online training helps early childhood staff meet Disability Standards, ensuring inclusion and compliance under the DDA.

From 1 August 2026, early childhood services were formally included in the Disability Standards for Education 2005. While services already had responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), the Standards make these obligations clearer and more practical for educators and leaders.

What Are the Disability Standards?

The Standards explain what education providers must do to support children with disability. They outline how services can:

• Consult effectively with families and children.
• Make reasonable adjustments to programs, environments, and routines.

Eliminate harassment and victimisation to ensure safe and inclusive participation.

Who Should Complete the Training?

Free online training is available for a wide range of roles across the sector:

• Leaders—including centre directors, supervisors, and program managers.
• Teachers — working in centre-based day care, preschool, and kindergarten.
• Educators — across Centre Based Day Care, Family Day Care, In Home Care, preschool, and kindergarten.
• Outside School Hours Care staff — educators, leaders, and coordinators.

Training Features

• Developed in consultation with a steering group of early childhood and education experts, including representatives from ACECQA.
• Tested with educators and staff working in the sector to ensure relevance.
• Includes examples of the standards in action to support practical application.
• Each course takes around 90 minutes to complete.
• Participants receive a certificate upon completion.

Accessing the Training

You can access the free training by registering on the NCCD Portal

Why This Matters

This training helps services:

• Strengthen inclusive practices.
• Build confidence in meeting legal obligations.
• Ensure children with disability experience equitable access to education.

By engaging with the Disability Standards training, educators and leaders can embed inclusive practices across all aspects of service delivery, ensuring compliance and supporting every child’s right to education.