The Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) aims to support every family so that, right from the start of a child's life, all young South Australians have the opportunity to become happy, healthy and safe members of our community.

　　Our core purpose is to provide early childhood development and wellbeing, and public education services, including some services previously delivered by Families SA and SA Health via the women's and children's health network.

　　We have a special focus on ensuring our most vulnerable children and young people at risk of disadvantage are supported to stay engaged as learners. We believe that it's better to support families when problems first arise rather than try to pick up the pieces later when children start school.

　　By working together more closely with families, we know we can provide better support to families so that every child can grow, learn and develop and lead rich, fulfilling and productive lives.

　　Our key functions are to:

　　oversee early childhood care and services for South Australian families

　　DECD works with all families early in their journey to support parents and ensure the individual needs of each child are met. We partner with the Australian Government as well as the community sector and local government to integrate all services, with a relentless focus on providing high quality teaching and learning.

　　provide services that benefit children and families

　　DECD oversees the provision of local family day care, preschool education, children's centres, out of school hours care programs plus health and wellbeing services for families.

　　lead and manage South Australia's education system

　　DECD manages South Australia's public education system, with the goal of delivering world-class primary and secondary education in all areas of the curriculum. At the local level, we want every child to achieve their potential, and we see families as our partners to ensure each and every child leaves school with strong skills and a positive outlook. Public education will be there for every child, all of the time.