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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 11 results

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

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

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Talking and reading with babies

Sharing rhymes, songs, telling stories and reading books with your baby is a fun way to play and spend time together

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Child's development 3 to 5 years | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Learn about the developmental milestones to observe for your 3 to 5 year old child.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Parents’ guide to choosing a cot with StartingBlocks.gov.au | StartingBlocks.gov.au

What parents should look out for when choosing a cot for their new baby.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Child's development 8 to 12 months | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Learn about the developmental milestones to observe for your 8 to 12 month old child.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Toilet training your child

It’s a real milestone in your child’s development when your child learns to use the toilet

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Child's development 2 to 3 years | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Learn about the developmental milestones to observe for your 2 to 3 year old child.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Pros and cons of letting your child watch tv

Healthy screen time As parents of a growing child, at many times you’ll need to weigh up the good and the bad impacts of particular situations for your child

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Brain development in children

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

Read more on Starting Blocks website

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.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

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