What we do
Our job is to ensure that Victoria’s early childhood services are providing safe, high-quality education and care that children need to thrive.
Established on 1 January 2026, the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) has the powers to respond quickly if a child’s safety, health or wellbeing is at risk.
More frequent compliance checks, tougher penalties for breaches and mandatory educator training will help to keep children attending early childhood services safe.
VECRA can and will share information with other regulators and law enforcement agencies – meaning relevant authorities can intervene early to prevent harm to children.
For more information about our powers and function, visit Our role as the regulator.
Learn more about the services we regulate.
Our people
Wendy Steendam, Victorian Early Childhood Regulator
Wendy Steendam AM APM has been appointed as Early Childhood Regulator, the head of the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA).
Ms Steendam has more than 4 decades of public sector experience, including significant leadership roles.
Most recently she served as Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police, a position she held for 11 years.
Ms Steendam will oversee the approval and regulation of more than 5,000 early childhood education and care services. These services operate under the National Quality Framework and Victorian Children’s Services Act.
Ms Steendam is also:
- a Member of the Order of Australia, awarded for her sustained service to the community
- an Australian Police Medal recipient for her leadership across public safety and enforcement
- on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her work protecting vulnerable communities.
Ms Steendam officially joined VECRA on Wednesday 1 July 2026.
Helen Quiney, Chief Executive Officer
A lawyer by training, Helen is a highly skilled leader who has held executive roles across Victorian Government, including in employee safety, wellbeing and inclusion. Most recently she was Executive Director of the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division at the Department of Education.
Helen has extensive experience in strengthening regulatory compliance, including under National Law. She is committed to working with the early childhood sector and families to better protect children’s safety and wellbeing and ensure the highest quality of services across Victoria.
Work with us
Explore current career opportunities and be part of an organisation that supports safe, high-quality early childhood services in Victoria.
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