The framework of rules
There is a hierarchy, or an order, that applies to the framework of rules that child care workers must follow. It is shown in this triangle. The rules higher up the triangle take precedence over those below them.
Click on each of the sections of the triangle to find out more about each level of the framework of rules.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international convention setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. Australia is one of the nations that have ratified this international convention and so are bound to it by international law.
International, federal or state law.
A code of ethics is a set of statements based on core values that help us make decisions.
Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has developed a code of ethics for early childhood professionals.
The rules created by each child care service that apply directly to their children's needs.
You may like to find out more about working within a relevant legal and ethical framework on the websites below.
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child at www.unicef.org/crc/
- ECA code of ethics – go to www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au and click on Code of Ethics in the left-hand menu.
