Key objectives
The object of the Child Care Act 2002 (the Act) is to protect, and promote the best interests of children receiving child care in Queensland (see section 8 of the Act). The administration of the Act and the conduct of licensed services are guided by principles that aim to ensure that child care is provided in a way that:
- protects the child from harm;
- respects the child's dignity and privacy;
- promotes the child's wellbeing; and
- provides positive experiences to the child.
Child care should be offered in a way that:
- encourages the development of the child's creative, emotional, intellectual, lingual, physical, recreational and social potential through stimulating activities and environments;
- acknowledges parents and guardians or carers as having the primary responsibility for the upbringing, protection and development of their children, and should support them in that role;
- involves parents and the community, and reflects the multicultural and multilingual nature of the community. (See section 9 of the Act.)