The early years affect the later years so let's aim high

The fact that Queensland is out in front with quality education and care seems to have been overlooked in the media coverage, but the QCSA believes our state demonstrates that it is possible to deliver quality education and care.

We have received positive reports from our members about the NQF assessment process. But don't just take my word for it. In the words of the of Chinchilla and Districts Family Day Care Scheme coordinator Mellanie Budden, their NQF assessment was a positive experience.

'We support the NQF. It is a really positive thing for Family Day Care. It helps the educators to know they are working within the framework.'

Karana Long Day Care Centre Director Trisha Dean says the NQF assessment affirmed that her service was doing well and pointed the way forward.

'While we were meeting all standards - our improvement plan has been updated to reflect areas of further development. We embrace new ways of doing things rather than getting stuck in the same old.'

Given these positive attitudes, why are some operators and politicians arguing that minimum standards are enough for our children? Would similar minimum standards be acceptable over best practice when it comes to a doctor operating on a loved one?

A 2011 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report said almost one-quarter of Australian children were developmentally vulnerable and likely to have difficulty transitioning to school. The NQF directly addresses this by making sure qualified educators, using quality educational programs support children to enter school with the skills for life and learning.

There's a big reward for getting this right – happy, confident, capable children equipped for school and life.

This is good news for children, families, and the nation. So let's get on with it.